Rosie was not her usual cheerful self today when she returned from school. I gave her a hug and she burst into tears”Mom why is my skin darker than others? I look different , not one among them. Suzie was saying I do not belong here”
I braced myself,I knew this was coming someday. I could see myself in the same place 20 years ago,hating myself for being dark skinned.
“Rosie that lone rose flower in our garden, we love it because its different.It loves itself and thats why it has not withered, you are special in your own way.Not part of the herd, your beauty lies in your compassion,your intelligence,your skin which reflects your rich heritage. Be like the rose, one in a million.
Linking up with the amazing Rochelle Wisoff who hosts a weekly flash fiction for writers.
Published by Akshata Ram
Chartered Accountant, Story Teller, Dreamer, Voracious Reader, Blogger, Mommy to a little munchkin, Shopaholic, Day Dreamer.Passionate about my career in the corporate world and aspire to break the glass ceiling, at the same time nurture my passion for writing. My niche area is short stories, I also write on parenting, sexism, life's experiences, micro blogs and flash fiction. I have won the best Parenting blog post at mycity4kids.com the largest parenting website in India, 4 times and several of my posts have been published in the #MostPopular category on this site garnering millions of views. I also write on Bonobology, Rivo Kids, Women's Web and Youth Ki Awaaz. My blog has been chosen as the Top Indian Blogs for the years 2018-2019,2020 by TopIndianBlogs website and found a place in the prestigious Top 22 Indian Literary Blogs in 2020 @TopIndianBlogs.
View all posts by Akshata Ram
www.akswrites.com 
An important lesson, I hope she listens to her mother.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yea I hope so too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately, she will need to recall this lesson many a times in her life. Hopefully, this will help face all those times bravely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True Anurag! Life can be harsh
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a nice way for Mom to give Rosie a strategy for coping with prejudice!
In my lifetime, I have seen a great reduction in racism in the UK – and thank God for that – but we’ve still a long way to go. We must all struggle until there is no prejudice at all.
Thank you for a thought provoking story, Akshata
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Penny for the wonderful comments. I have faced quite a lot prejudice in my life due to my dark skin and I do hope my child doesn’t need to face it. For the matter any child
LikeLike
A wonderful “teachable moment” for Rosie. Great story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thx so much Granonine
LikeLiked by 1 person