The Desperate Need to Be Noticed: A Flash Fiction Short Story

The Desperate Need to Be Noticed is an original example of a flash fiction short story that effectively paints an entire landscape of the life and times of the subject, within 300 words. There really are several subtle messages to be taken from this piece. These include; that we all have a need to be accepted in some way or another by others, although often today that social need is for whatever reason, not always acted upon in a manner that is predictable, or easily understood by those whom we hope will appreciate our needs and who we are, overall.

One of the primary objectives demanded within the art of writing any flash fiction, is to not only tell the story within a relatively few words, but to do so in such a manner, as to provide the reader with an interesting and thought provoking few minutes of reading enjoyment. I hope that you enjoy this piece and appreciate that though it is fiction, the issues that relate to the story are indeed very real for many and as such, it is also the hope of the author that this story helps to draw attention to that relevance and importance of those issues in life.

'The Desperate Need to Be Noticed'

He seemed so nice

So polite, so understanding

Each day she watched him care for others

On the train, on her way to school

Secretly wishing he would notice her

Acknowledge her presence, make eye contact

Care enough to smile and ask her

How she was on the day

Perhaps ask her name, a phone number

Or find some way to become involved in her life

He seemed to appear more and more

Silently dropping into her thoughts

As if to call out, “Surprise!!”

Then disappear again, for ever shortening periods

She trusted her best friend with her secrets

Yet for some reason chose to not mention him

Her parents would never have approved

Not that they had even noticed her feelings

Besides, she made her own decisions

Perhaps today her hopes, would be fulfilled

Her parents were devastated at the news

Initially, details had seemed almost surreal

It seemed the police didn’t know her at all

She was not that irresponsible, nor unhinged

It simply must have been a terrible accident

A train crash, a random event, beyond her control

Completely out of character, so they must be wrong

Her best friend asked if they had read her diary

She had hoped they may do so, together

Surely her reasons, would be there

He seemed so nice, so polite, understanding

He cared, though clearly was also in deep shock

They liked him the moment they met, he seemed shy

Perhaps that helped them accept the tragic reality

They listened to his softly spoken recollection of events

Hauntingly the words perfectly matched those in the diary

Entries crying out to be loved, noticed

They learned her only spoken words to him had been

“Hi, surprise!! I’ve always loved you James!”

Then she had turned,

jumping in front of the oncoming train.

_________ ♥ ________ Fin.

* Original Flash Fiction by Pearldiver *

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