Portrait Of Words # 21

This writing challenge has changed. Originally Jeff (A Word in Edgewise) started up this monthly challenge, derived from a previous challenge from R.E.H.'s "Picture Fiction Challenge", but Jeff has given it up and Dr. John (Dr. John's Fortress) and Thom (Thom's Place 4 Well Whatever) have taken over. The challenge is now every two weeks and you can get all the details here, where you can also pick up the links to read all the entries. Do pop over and read, you won't be disappointed.



The challenge is you are given a number of pictures and must use some/all of the pictures to create a story.

Emilio lived with his wife, Juanita, and their daughter, Rosario, in the tiny colonial town of Cuetzalan, nestled in the hills of Mexico's central state of Puebla. From the window of their tiny house they could see the hills shrouded in mist.

Emilio’s days were spent farming the bright red tomatoes and beans, which Juanita and Rosario sold at the weekly market, dressed in their traditional white embroidered blouses and white skirts with red sashes. It was a meager existence but they were happy spending Sunday’s together picnicking in the open air, after the obligatory visit to the beautiful village church in the morning.

Rosario attended the local school and was considered a star pupil because she excelled at her studies and also had a unique gift for singing and dancing. Her teacher, Gabriela, was a city girl who had taken the post in the little town to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but she could see great potential in Rosario and encouraged her to improve her skills. Gabriela heard of a show that was being put on in the City, the producers of which were looking for new talent and were holding auditions, Gabriela thought it would be the perfect opportunity for Rosario to show what she could do and perhaps escape the poverty in which she was living. She spoke to Rosario about the auditions but Rosario was unsure, so Gabriela offered to speak to her parents about it. Juanita and Emilio were skeptical at first but Gabriela assured them she would take Rosario herself and look after the girl, like she was her own sister. After much persuasion Juanita and Emilio agreed to let the girl go.

The day arrived and Emilio and Juanita waited at the bus stop to see their daughter and the teacher board the bus, to what maybe a new life for Rosario. Rosario shed a tear as she kissed her mother and father goodbye, it was possibly only for a couple of nights but on the other hand if she passed the audition it would be for much longer. It was the first time Rosario had been away from home and it was a great adventure. She clutched her small carpet bag with the few things her mother and father had been able to get together for her and Gabriela had very kindly dipped into her savings to make sure Rosario had a few toiletries and a couple of changes of presentable clothes.

The journey was a long one and Rosario enjoyed how the scenery changed from the mountains to plains, as they neared their destination. By the time they reached the city Rosario was really tired and Gabriela took them straight to her parent’s home where they were going to stay until after the audition, which was the following day. Rosario was too excited to sleep so Gabriela took her on a sightseeing tour, Rosario thought the city was wonderful and literally had to be forced back to the house by Gabriela

The day of the audition arrived and Gabriela took Rosario to the theatre where the auditions were being held, they had to queue with hundreds of other hopefuls but Rosario enjoyed talking to the others. Eventually it was Rosario’s turn and she performed like she never had before, wowing the producer who immediately declared “She’s the one” to his aide. Rosario was asked to stay behind with a number of other hopefuls until the producer had seen everyone, then he came to talk to them.


Those who had been asked to stay behind were asked to perform again and after the second audition Rosario was called into another room where the producer offered her the leading part. He enthused about how talented she was and explained that she would be looked after, living in luxury compared to her home and how she could send money home to her parents.


“This is a great opportunity for you Rosario” said Gabriela “what do you say?”


“Nah, I want to go home” said Rosario.