Trifecta wanted a dialog in exactly 33 words. Not the most pleasant topic, but until we ensure all women have equal access to birth control, this conversation will keep happening, with different outcomes. My hope is birth control for all women who want it, and men who will “man up” and use a condom every time, because the Pill isn’t a 100% guarantee… and there are STDs to consider. This will also be my submission to dverse Open Mic Night. Peace and mindfulness, Amy
About the Unexpected Little Visitor
“I’m pregnant.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes. Thoughts?”
“It’s your body. Do what you want.”
“Funny, it was OUR bodies that night. I’ll book the appointment and send you the bill from my new place.”
© 2013 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
leesis
February 2, 2013 at 2:56 am
yet again such perfection Amy. xx
vivinfrance
February 2, 2013 at 3:03 am
Ouch! Pungent summary
atrm61
February 2, 2013 at 4:15 am
Right decision & loved the last one-too good:-)
claudia
February 2, 2013 at 4:25 am
ugh…that hurts…dang..you packed much emotions into just a 33 word conversation
Roger Green
February 2, 2013 at 4:39 am
Can’t believe we’re still fighting Roe v Wade.
Sharp Little Pencil
February 3, 2013 at 2:59 pm
Funny how you phrased that, Roger, “we,” even though I know what you mean. It’s ridiculous to consider going back to back alleys. There are only FOUR abortion providers in Wisconsin, and now that “concealed carry” laws are in effect, God knows what will happen.
brian miller
February 2, 2013 at 5:08 am
nice…that you were able to say so much, not so much on him not taking responsibility you know….tight little bit of dialog…
Sharp Little Pencil
February 3, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Yes, that’s a “whole ‘nother poem.” I told my daughter’s friends their motto should be, “No raincoat, NO ‘singin’ in the rain.”
brian miller
February 5, 2013 at 9:45 pm
ha….aint that the truth…and a funny way of putting it…
Lumdog
February 2, 2013 at 5:44 am
Great, very real dialogue. I think both of them need to chill for a bit.
coalblack
February 2, 2013 at 5:45 am
Er…I don’t think I *need* birth control, do you? 😉
Sharp Little Pencil
February 3, 2013 at 3:02 pm
Need or deserve? Or are you referring to age, ha ha ha. I’m past menopause but there’s always a chance for some little fuzzy old egg to float down the old tubes, yikes! And birth control is, of course, a RIGHT – for both sides. You don’t see Congress outlawing condoms, do you? (But some churches do…)
coalblack
February 3, 2013 at 7:39 pm
Well, age, yeah, but I really meant because, at least so far, my girlfriend hasn’t gotten me in trouble!
deanabo
February 2, 2013 at 6:01 am
ugh… This is something that happens way to often. This is terrific!
Libby
February 2, 2013 at 7:24 am
AWESOME!!! Great topic and great dialogue. What a good use of your 33 words…
kaykuala
February 2, 2013 at 8:07 am
All’s fair in love, so it is, Amy! Voice your concern, voice it hard. Women have rights too! Nicely!
Hank
Sharp Little Pencil
February 3, 2013 at 3:03 pm
Hank, there are several men who respond on my blog, and you are so consistent in your defense of women’s rights. Now that’s TRUE activism!
Draug419
February 2, 2013 at 8:51 am
We definitely have to make sure conversation about this doesn’t taper off! (: I have high hopes for the recent changes in legislature to help women with birth control access and abortion options.
Sharp Little Pencil
February 3, 2013 at 3:06 pm
Draug, see comment to KayKuala. Hank, Brian, Roger, all you guys who understand the woman’s predicament, kudos to you and bless you. It’s not like any of us go skipping off to the clinic, saying “Oh, goody, today’s the day I get my womb broomed!” The opposite. Agonizing, and unless you are lucky, you may find that your oh=so=kind OB-GYN turns nasty on you over the decision. In which case, they shouldn’t perform them, or refer to another provider. Thanks, Amy
Lafemmeroar
February 2, 2013 at 10:29 am
Snappy and clever! Well done. Digging this now 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
February 3, 2013 at 3:06 pm
Thanks – and what a heartbreaking subject for the prompt, right?
El Guapo
February 2, 2013 at 11:44 am
Great dialogue!
Not so much condoms as much as an awareness of consequences.
Corinne
February 2, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Oh my gosh. I wrote mine on the same subject (sort of). The coldness that some men can show…
Sharp Little Pencil
February 3, 2013 at 3:07 pm
Coming right over to see yours, Corinne. We must have a common wavelength this week…
memyselfandela
February 2, 2013 at 2:56 pm
Sad reality… nicely written.
jannatwrites
February 2, 2013 at 4:22 pm
Dialogue with a powerful statement – very good! Glad she decided to leave the jerk.
Sharp Little Pencil
February 3, 2013 at 3:08 pm
Amen to that, sister. Two to tango, ONE to decide? What the heck? And that happened to MANY of my friends.
christina
February 3, 2013 at 7:51 am
yeesh.
i can gather so much about these characters in so few words. nice job!
joetwo
February 3, 2013 at 1:12 pm
There are always two people in these things.
Sharp Little Pencil
February 3, 2013 at 3:09 pm
Yeah, but only one is left “holding the bag” because the other one didn’t man up and use protection… She will also suffer all the judgment no matter whether she carries to term or not… Thanks, Joe.
Sarah Ann
February 3, 2013 at 1:28 pm
You summed up the (un)sympathetic partner perfectly. There is so much here in so few words. Well done.
Sharp Little Pencil
February 3, 2013 at 3:10 pm
TO ALL YOU WONDERFUL FOLKS: Thank you for your comments on one of the most difficult subjects I tackle. It’s easier to write about being bipolar with PTSD, or having survived sexual abuse, than it is to take on the “taboo” of safe, legal abortion. I’m so lucky to have a great readership! AMY
ManicDdaily
February 3, 2013 at 5:10 pm
Not sure if the unexpected little visitor here is the zygote or what the man has become, etc. The distillation adds to your point! k.
Sharp Little Pencil
February 8, 2013 at 10:34 pm
Interesting point, especially considering the word “little,” LOL. A
trifectawriting
February 3, 2013 at 7:45 pm
Nice job with the prompt.
Christine
February 3, 2013 at 11:18 pm
Wow – serious topic indeed. I really like the woman’s attitude here – her willingness to stand up for herself. Too bad she needed to…
Sharp Little Pencil
February 8, 2013 at 10:37 pm
Christine, thanks, and I agree. Coming to see you now… Amy
Kim Nelson
February 4, 2013 at 3:20 am
My friend, Amy,
I so often wonder if the generation to which we gave birth realizes the rights and well-being that are at risk. Still appreciate the validity of “keep your laws off my body.”
Sharp Little Pencil
February 8, 2013 at 10:43 pm
“Rights” are often viewed as “Entitlements” by the wealthy. I believe ALL health care, including the unfortunate abortion, should be free for all Americans. And it’s a shame they are so frequent…. always told Riley’s girlfriends: “NEVER tell you boyfriend you are on The Pill.” Now there are more surgical abortions than ever in Wisconsin since they took away the “medical” version (one pill at doctor’s office, another a day later, and you get your period). Thanks for your passion, Kim. Peace, Amy
Sarav
February 4, 2013 at 4:38 pm
Hi Amy, you are always on that cutting edge–gotta keep beating that drum, or people get complacent–thank you. And it’s amazing how you create such a strong scene in 33 words!
tedstrutz
February 4, 2013 at 11:43 pm
That was very good.
Josie Two Shoes
February 5, 2013 at 12:51 pm
My frustration is the frequency that this little problem continues to appear, given the fact that birth control became so easily accesible and relatively reliable as I was coming of age long ago. Not to use protection is not only are careless thought, it is a selfish thought, giving no consideration to the life potentially created, or the possibilty that actions such as the plan outlined may be the end result. Time to grow up and be responsible!
Semaphore / Samuel Peralta
February 5, 2013 at 10:54 pm
This shows that, in the hands of a deft writer, flash fiction can flesh out characters and put them in situations with implications far beyond the constraints of the word count. Well done!
heidi
February 6, 2013 at 2:10 am
Very nice. I agree with previous posts that you have written a complete, intelligent story with very few words. I read it a couple of times over and enjoyed it very much.
Snakypoet (Rosemary Nissen-Wade)
February 6, 2013 at 7:01 am
A masterpiece of succinctness!
Blue Flute
February 6, 2013 at 11:10 am
Reminds me of an Ernest Hemingway story, “Hills Like White Elephants”
Renee Espriu
February 6, 2013 at 7:01 pm
It’s always us in the beginning and the when it’s three!….well, three is a crowd, don’t ya know. LOL 🙂
Mary
February 6, 2013 at 7:05 pm
Funny how perspectives change, isn’t it?
Teresa
February 6, 2013 at 7:39 pm
Sharp and to the point! This is certainly a relevant topic–always.
aka_andrea
February 7, 2013 at 9:53 am
So simple yet so sharp and pointed. Great job!