Our thanks to Terveen Gill (from the team of masticadoresGobblers), we have edited every week (Tuesdays) until today 22 texts (Flash Fiction). Thank you!
j re crivello Editor
Who could take a licking and keep on ticking?
That would be my friend Nadia, the black haired, hazel eyed woman who was so helpful but talked very little.
She was only thirty-four but felt much older.
That’s what she told me one day at a coffee shop near her home.
It was a Wednesday evening, and the summer heat was oppressive.
We sat at a window side table. Her cappuccino and my macchiato were fuming.
Her forehead would’ve been plain and smooth if the stress lines hadn’t taken over.
The woman was a saint by nature and people took advantage of her caring demeanor.
It probably started when she was a child. But she resisted from talking about her childhood. Unresolved issues could glue a person’s tongue to the roof of their mouths.
I don’t know how I do it. Maybe I’m plain stupid or just stubborn by nature.
Nadia’s admission made me take a larger sip than usual. I burned my lips but hid the discomfort.
I might as well be hundred. I feel so alone and tired.
Her revelation made me set my cup down and stare at her almond shaped eyes.
They were empty. I swear there was nothing inside.
You need to stop doing so much. How about saying no sometimes?
She looked out the window. Did my advice budge a tear out of her eye?
No, it was only the light playing through the glass and reflecting off the tiny mirrors on her shirt.
Nadia never cried.
Not when her husband abused her.
Not when she finally divorced him.
Not when her only child exhibited severe mental anguish and trauma.
Not when her parents looked at her like she was a pathetic creature.
Not when her sister treated her like a means to some useful end.
Not when I asked for her help but never offered any in return.
And that’s what I did the very next second.
Nadia, could you pick up these groceries for me tomorrow?
The list was long, but I knew she could do it.
A smile flickered on her lips, and she nodded.
Nadia even paid for the coffee. I could’ve insisted on paying but didn’t.
As we embraced and said goodbye, I whispered a lame promise into her ear.
You can always count on me to be your friend.
Her silence reassured me that the feeling was mutual.
Gobblers & Masticadores 
Thank you so much, Juan and Manuela. I greatly appreciate the opportunity and this creative platform to share my stories. It has been a wonderful journey. 🙂
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[…] Count on Me to be Your Friend by Terveen Gill — Gobblers / Masticadores // Editores: Manuela Timof… […]
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Hmm…I think she brought a lot of it on herself…..
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I agree with that, Don. One needs to save themselves before they save the world. Thanks. 🙂
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True…..
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I learned this lesson, too.
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It’s a tough one but goes a long way. Thanks Tamara. 🙂
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Holy shoot – this is dark, Terveen…..
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I agree, David. Nothing good about being a doormat. Many will wipe their feet. Thanks!🙂
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You have such interesting insights on different personalities, and such a unique way of presenting them. If I dare generalize, I like how you portray here not only the doormat type, but the people who take advantage of them who don’t believe they are.
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Thanks a lot, Bob. I guess I’ve seen many types of personalities in my life and each one has left their mark or impression. Yes, there are always two sides to a story and nothing happens by chance. I appreciate your take on this. 🙂
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How tragic and unfortunate. When we are conditioned and socialized with a particular world view, it is difficult to disrupt this pattern. Though, with help it is possible. Wonderful write, Terveen; and, congrats on the wonderful accomplishment here. ☺️
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Thank you so much, Jeff. Yes, often, it’s difficult to break patterns and step out beyond one’s understanding. But developing perspective is so important. Thank you for your kind and supportive wishes. They mean a lot to me. 🙂
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First, congratulations, Terveen for the wonderful job you are doing with Masticadores. Your posts are always enlightening and a great read, and this write up is a wonderful reminder that the real world out there is sometimes elusive to the people surrounding it. Good job, my friend.
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Thank you so much, Jeff. Yes, often, it’s difficult to break patterns and step out beyond one’s understanding. But developing perspective is so important. Thank you for your kind and supportive wishes. They mean a lot to me. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Shobana. I appreciate the kind acknowledgment. And the world is a place of lessons and learning. To each their own wisdom and experiences. I wish you well always . 🙂
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Thank you, Terveen:)
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It takes more time to think about your posts than it takes to read them. That is powerful writing.
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Thank you so much, Geoff, for the beautiful words. I really appreciate it. 🙂
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