Lanky and odd with gentle features, Johnny’s pa called him “sissy boy”. He served bloody noses and fat lips in hopes of toughening the boy up.
Johnny collected forgotten dresses from his older sister’s closet and hid them in the old shed. When he thought no one was peeking he slid their silken fabrics over his skin.
One night nosy Mary-Ann wouldn’t leave him alone.
He tried to escape his older sisters prying eyes but found himself cornered when she threw open the creaky shed door.
“You really should ask before borrowing clothes, that zipper is tricky, let me help.”
PHOTO PROMPT © Nathan Sowers grandson of our own Dawn M. Miller
Thank you to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers
Written with great empathy. Good one.
Thank you, I appreciate it
Lovely, sentiments at least his older sister understood his secret fantasy.
Yes, at least he’s not alone. Thank you
So much in that last line….
led us right into it and it was nice
Thank you, I was tempted to write something dark and depressing but I really wanted to step out of that “comfort zone” and try something else.
ahhhh – the ol’ comfort zone familiarity – and maybe in a way that is what I was going for when I wrote my last two fiction entries about the street thieves – hm –
truly hard to leave the comfort zone but so good for us when we do (or can be) and I like the tone of this piece
Nicely done Keeley, a very pleasing reveal at the end.
Thank you so much Iain
You tell the story well, Kelley, especially the reveal. I wonder whether Johnny should breathe easily yet – nosy, persistent Mary-Ann might have an ulterior motive…
I hope not! Time will tell. Thank you.
Nice to know his sister understood. 🙂
I agree 🙂 Thank you
I wish every kid with gender dysmorphia had someone who tried to understand them. I loved this tale.
Tracey
I agree! It would be nice if they all had someone to lean on. Thank you for reading.
I read a fascinating article on Medscape about gender dysmorphia in kids. There are places that they can get help but in general we as physicians are unprepared for the conversation. That makes me sad but I understand.
I love the unexpected reaction from his sister. Very well done!
Thank you
Awww… she may be nosy, but she’s in his corner…
Yes! Thank you
Everyone needs a sister like that – I love the way you show her understanding and kindness in a simple sentence, offering gentle advice about the zip. Unfortunately for Johnny, his father’s an ignorant bully. The fact that he beats Johnny shows his own weakness, not his son’s. A very well told story.
Thank you so much
Incredibly well-written. Loved it!
Thank you!