PHOTO PROMPT © Jean L. Hays
This is my entry for Friday Fictioneers, a weekly 100-word story circle led by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.
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Jumping Through Hoops
“Again,” the merciless task master cries out.
A tear trickles down my cheek. A mistake. He sees it.
“Do you want to give in? You could. No one would blame you.”
I take a single, faltering step on legs burning like fire.
The trainer turns away for a second, and then – I take another step. Alone.
One day, while walking a much harder path on much healthier legs, I will look back on this moment. Life will always have its ups and downs, I know, but you know what? I’ve been through worse.
Anne Higa 
Hurdles can make us stronger, but I am not sure this is always the case.
I’m intrigued that the taskmaster is also a tempter, offering the narrator the opportunity to quit
It seems a tad sinister, inviting her to give up trying. But it seems to have done the trick.
A bit of reverse psychology is risky, but it seems to inspire her, so I guess the taskmaster knows what they’re doing.
A clever move on the part of the taskmaster. Nice one.
Here’s mine!
Your protagonist sounds like a real fighter.
This is powerful.
Dear Anne,
They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Your story illustrates this with determination. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I too find that realizing how I got through worse gets me through now. Interesting take on the prompt; thanks!
We never know what we’re capable of until we’re put in a seemingly impossible situation.
Beautiful. Strength of mind fighting the body
Sometimes, a mean spirited push can be the trigger.
I like your build-up throughout. Super ending …
Isadora 😎
I got caught on the taskmaster turning his back and your MC taking one more step–alone. What did she do? Give him a killing karate kick? 🙂