Transcendence

Fifty-word story from a prompt

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Charlie regarded Dave’s frightened face, remembering the years of transphobic bullying all through their high school years. Decades of pain dissolved, leaving only compassion as she saw only another mass-shooting victim who needed her help. His eyes closed and she removed the bullet from his chest, saving her bully’s life.

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Thanks to

Justin Deming

for another wonderful Fifties by the Fire prompt. The topic for this prompt was, of course, transcendence.

It took me a while to figure out the story I wanted to tell. I initially thought of a traditionally spiritual journey but then decided I wanted to see someone transcend the pain of their own trauma to do good in the world, even if it meant doing so for the person who had caused that trauma.