This piece was written for the Flash!Fridaycompetition of 27 March, with the photo and “Man vs. Self” as prompts. I dug
into the project I’m busy with for Campnanowrimo…
Ariadne’s Freedom
“What will you create
for your entrance exam?”
Ariadne flinched under
the gaze of the examiners. “I will weave a seagull,” her voice trembled as she
took up the threads. Outside the sea chanted.
One chance, she reminded herself. One chance
to get away from here, away from the darkness. Forever.
Her hands moved
swiftly as she poured into the threads not the fear or anxiety she felt, but
slivers of hope for a future that seemed to glimmer just beyond reach.
She thought of the
freedom of the sky and vast ocean as the wings took shape beneath her hands.
Keeping every heavy thought locked inside, she pushed every ounce of lightness
into the white threads. As she cut the thread, a silver sheen rippled over the
seagull that was small enough to fit in her hand.
“And what does this
bird mean to you?” The eldest woman asked, her face and voice impassive.
“Beauty… hope…
freedom. Everything I wish for.” Ariadne threw the bird into the air, where it
spread its wings and hovered as if alive. She felt her despair fade as the bird
landed on her hand, returning her hope.
“You will have your
freedom, Ariadne,” the examiner smiled.
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First Woman Jury, Los
Angeles, Nov 1911. PD photo by Library
of Congress.
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