Daily Flash Fiction Challenge

Coping with Pace
300 words



"Sometimes it's hard to think about things that trouble you," Miss Genesis said,

"Because most of the world's problems can't be shared so easily. You need strength to speak, and the courage to think."

Junior relaxed, back on the car of dusty rugs and inept inner workings. He stared above as heat blew through him.

"Ma'am, why be strong to think? Everyone can think, like the crippled and comatose."

Junior waited.

"...What kind of thinking did you mean?"

"Acknowledgement," she said promptly, as if she was waiting for this moment.

"Oh." He remained indifferent.

"It takes strength to dig tunnels," the educator continued, "...and to uncover fossils, from clay of mind.

"But if you fail to understand what these fossils represent, then that means you can't acknowledge yourself."

"Fossils? What kind of fossils."

"Junior." She perched up. "Fossils of who we are, and how we act. They are the building blocks of our behavior and personality. Guilt, rage, regret. They all stem from our past circumstances."

Junior perked up, alert and nonplussed.

"Wait, figurative speech… Ma'am, what are you trying to tell me?"

"That you are strong," Miss Genesis patted his shoulder.

"Remember that when you feel lost. Dig up the earth with your mind with courage and truth. Then take those fossils to be examined and studied."

Junior jumped up and stomped away with hugging arms. "This again."

"You're not alone."

"Tell me something I don't know."

There was a pause.

"Well, you're close to finding a fossil. Ask why you isolate."

His spine deflated and rubbed his forehead.

"I want to be alone. That's all I wanted. I need to be alone."

"You made me for a reason. Another fossil," she said, "and you're never alone."

Junior returned to the stray, hearing its incessant begging instead, yet again.