A Friend in Need

Posted on by Simon J. Wood

rio night christ

(200 words)

Peace at last! Gabriela sat, gazing out of the open apartment window on a hot night in Rio. She could hear the distant beat from the favelas, combined with the soft samba rhythms of Baden-Powell’s guitar coming from the radio.
She wished she were on the street corner in the slums, becoming one with the other percussionists in a giant rhythm, uncaring of social status for that one glorious moment.
The lights of the city shone into the far distance. The hum of the traffic made it seem alive, not just concrete, steel and glass but a living, breathing entity.
–
Someone knocked on the door and a young woman with long brown hair and twinkling browner eyes entered, even before Gabriela had time to say, “Come in.”
“Olá Gabriela, tudo bom?”
“Olá Lívia, I’m OK, Rafael’s left me!”
Her friend showed little surprise. “How do you feel?”
“Tired, worn out with all the arguing and fighting.”
Lívia threw her a cigarette and they sat smoking, blowing the smoke out into the pregnant night air.
Gabriela felt a warm hand on her naked back and sensed Lívia’s breath. “I can stay with you tonight, … if it helps.”
“OK.”
Their lips met.
–

Featured in the book, To Cut a Short Story Short: 111 Little Stories

  • Please consider making a small donation to help towards the running costs of this site. It would be greatly appreciated.
  • Don’t forget to check out some other stories on this blog. There are over 450!
  • To purchase the stories on To Cut a Short Story Short up to December 2021 in paperback, Kindle, eBook, and audio-book form, and for news on new titles, please see Shop.

2 thoughts on “A Friend in Need”

  1. This is beautiful! You’re story telling is incredible at creating mental images. I can really feel the energy of South American night and the low word count makes it quick and easy to read.
    I found you on the community pool! It would be amazing if you could choose one of my blogs, read and comment on it.
    http://www.thebluntstudent.wordpress.com
    I just started out and am looking for some feedback 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi, thanks so much! I have to say it’s one of my favourites. I can just imagine the girls sitting by the window smoking. Also, I have played some samba styles on the guitar including Baden-Powell, so I can imagine the sounds too!
      I will have a look at your blog over the next couple of days or so and I’ll let you know what I think.

      Reply