For many generations her copper gown had signalled hope for immigrants. After days at sea, suffering from bad food, seasickness and scurvy the sight was the start of an American Dream.
Captain Jason had done the same, and now lived well in his Manhattan condo.
The mission had been successful and would add substantially to his wealth. Maybe he could buy the Jaguar his wife wanted.
The four girls below had suffered as all immigrants but they could not share the hopeful view of Liberty Island. Their dreams would soon be crushed in the seedy room of an underground bordello.
Copyright Jan Wayne Fields
Wednesday is when Rochelle gives us a new inspiring picture. Despite the nice sunlight, I only saw darkness, and wrote my fiction story of 100 words. Unfortunately it could be a documentary.
At Friday Fictioneers we write stories each week on the same picture. Visit Rochelle’s page for more info or click the friendly blue guy below for other stories.
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September 11, 2013
Björn Rudbergs writings 
this gave me chills and some real sadness crept in my heart 😦
I can understand that.. this is so true and so sad…
still, perfectly delivered. 🙂
A sad tale about the abuses of freedom. At first I was like they could have pulled over onto the 120 mile long island that comes before the statue but you got me with the ending. Well done.
trafficking even happens in Sweden … it’s sad and serious…
Such a dark tale in such few words, great piece 🙂
An idea that hit me immediately … unfortunately I read newspapers
This is a world-wide problem and disgrace. Well-done story.
janet
Thank you… yes it’s slavery in its worst form
more fiction than fact Bjorn
I sincerely hope so…
Well-done! Represents the duality of experience that existed back at the turn of the last century and continues to exist now.
Sad, but true, Bjorn–promises of a new life can end in addiction and slavery, especially for the young. And, as you indicate, all we have to do is read the newspapers.
Damn B… you hit the nail on the head! Nice transition from old to present… and somethings are still the same.
Such is the lot of some immigrants, suffering at the hands of other immigrants better treated. We should always be aware of such predators. Lady Liberty should be the same symbol for all. Well written, good sir!
Dear Björn,
Applause! This is one of your best. The ending evoked both sadness and anger. Bravo!
Shalom,
Rochelle
Anger is needed – and also towards the end customers
I do a bit of volunteer work at an orphanage in the tiny town where I now live. Recently two girls arrived that was rescued from such a terrible thing. One eleven the other 3. One’s knees go weak at the thought.
I got a lump in my throat every time I hear such stories… and without customers it would never be any Jason’s
At least these two got rescued. Now to keep them safe for the future. The world can be a terrible place.
Unfortunately, a story that is all too true. Thank you for writing about it with feeling.
Great story – I start off feeling great for the bloke and then comes the shock ending.
Very well written,
I had a feeling this one wasn’t going to end well for someone. Well told.
Sad end to a tale that began with hope….
Bjorn, happy for some and for others not so fortunate. It really rang true to me. Great story!
Hi Bjorn,
Sounds like a nightmare of a dream. Great the way you contrasted the classic immigrant story with the human trafficking story. Your story moved from light to dark while describing very similar events. Very clever story. ron
A sad but satisfying zinger at the end. Nice.
If you haven’t seen the movie “Taken” watch it!
Scott
The thought of human trafficking is sickening. One day, the perpetrators and their patrons will pay the price. Thanks for broaching the subject. everyone needs to be made aware of this “business,” and come up with a solution to the problem.
Very real and frightening to think that actually happens and many are never aware of the poor girls who are brought over illegally and used in that way, Slave and sex trafficking is one of the worst and most unfortunate things still going on.
Dear Bjorn,
Good take and twist on the old and the new. Stories like this make me hope that karma truly is a bitch and has his address.
Aloha,
Doug
Strong images with this one.
I can’t like this – it’s too horrible. So well done.
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