Aylin’s Sanctuary #writephoto

My mind is my only sanctuary. It’s the only place where I’m in control.  Outside, danger and death stalk my every move. But inside, they hold no power over me.

I’ve created a world for myself. I’m Princess Asturine, a beautiful but misunderstood royal who gave up courtly duties in favour of a more spiritual lifestyle.

They’ve given me my own property away from prying eyes. There’s a lovely garden out back full of flowers growing wild and free. There’s a gazebo there crowned by weeping willows. I like to read there on my own. The breeze reminds me of rosewater, and the raindrops in the willow fronds are like little lights in the darkness.

Not everyone approves of my garden.

Mum is angry. “What are you saying? That she’s crazy?”

The psychiatrist is trying to calm her down. “Aylin doesn’t know the difference between reality and fantasy.”

I can hear Mum’s sobs from my garden.

They float past the lily pond to the gazebo where I sit, eyes closed.

I’m sorry Mum, I want to say. It’s not that I don’t know the difference. It’s just that I don’t want to.

 

(Image courtesy of Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo)

Written for Sue Vincent’s Writephoto prompt: Sanctuary

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My free flash fiction ebook Strange Beings will be coming out soon. It will contain stories in the genres of fantasy, sci fi, horror and mystery. Keep your eyes peeled for it 🙂