The girl paced the attic in The House of Bones. The catenary arches bowed high overhead as if she had been caught in between the ribs of a giant creature. When the pains came she leant over the laundry baskets, the soiled linen muffling her cries. On the terrace, she squeezed her eyes shut against the view of the city and clung to the lines of drying sheets. Eventually, she made herself a bed of pillows and coverlets in an alcove, as a cat might find a corner of a barn. She gave birth alone, kissed her child and then she was gone.
***
Some of you who read my post from about four weeks ago, might remember that I said I was sending out my first novel to agents. Well, I’m very excited to say that I now have an agent – Jane Finigan from Lutyens & Rubinstein, in London. I’m going to be working on a few revisions and then she’ll be sending it out to publishers. So, the first hurdle, at least, has been jumped.
This piece of writing is part of the Friday Fictioneers writing group. Each week writers from around the world attempt to 
write 100 words (or so) starting with a picture. The local name for Casa Batlló is Casa dels ossos or House of Bones, and apparently the attic rooms used to be where the laundry was done.
I’d love to receive comments and constructive criticism. Click here to read other people’s stories inspired by this picture from Kent Bonham or to join in with the group hosted by Rochelle Wishoff-Fields.
Congratulations <3
Thanks Charlotte
I’d like to read more.
You managed to write a really intriguing beginning to something. Great descriptions and imagery. Loved the way it only became clear she was having and leaving a child at the last.
Fancy a gander at a brand new short story?:
http://lionaroundwriting.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/answer-the-black-telephone/
Thanks for your comments. I’ll definitely take a look at your story over the weekend.
I’m in agreement with lionaroundwriting.
Thanks Troy
Well written. Made me sad but really sucked me in. I can tell you are a storyteller. Best of luck with your novel!
Thanks for reading, and commenting.
Claire
A fascinating slice of life and loss in another era. You captured her loneliness.
Thanks Anne,
Dear Claire,
Descriptive, evocative piece. Your research shows. And congratulations on the agent. Wonderful news! Now the burden of submission is off your shoulders. A step in the right direction.
shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle. One little step closer…
An intriguing vignette. And congratulations on your success. Hope all goes well.
Thanks Sandra
One of my top ten favourites for this flash fiction challenge. Nice description and despite the “House of Bones” turns out to be more realist than fantasy – I liked the moment of uncertainty that gave. The only thing – I’m not sure … did she abandon the baby or take it with her? Perhaps that uncertainty is also intended?
The ambiguous ending was deliberate, probably one of them died – because of the title, or the mother might have left. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Claire
Wonderful gothic feel to this story! But more importantly – Congratulations! Very excited for you 😀
Thanks Trudy. Hope your writing is going well.
Claire
First of all congratiolations.. and I’m glad I can write my response, beause my voice would probably break… I interpreted it as she actually died after giving birth.
Thank Bjorn. I think that’s the most likely outcome, but I quite like it being ambiguous.
Claire
Wonderful story and wonderful news!! Congratulations on both.
janet
Thanks Janet.
A beautifully written story this week. And congrats on your agent – your writing is always impeccable so I’m not surprised you’ve been snapped up 🙂
Oh, that’s very kind. Thanks El.
Claire
Congratulations on landing an agent!
This is a well written story. You can tell she’s struggling to survive and has no time to grieve for the baby that I imagine she must have abandoned or time for feelings at all. Good job.
Thanks. I’m not sure who died in this story – but probably someone did.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Claire
Congrats!
Thanks!
Congratulations on getting an agent, good luck to you!
I liked this unique take on the flash and the way that there are many ways to interpret ‘then she was gone’.
Thanks for reading and commenting. Yes, the ending was deliberately open.
Claire
I love the picture you painted of the House of Bones – wonderful. I’d like to know more about what happened to mum and baby – I really felt for her with her head in the linen basket.
And congratulations on getting you agent.
Thanks Sarah Ann. I might develop this one a little and see where it goes.
Claire