This week’s picture prompt from Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.
(c) Sandra Crook
“Don’t stop. If you stop, they’ll fire you,” whispered her neighbour.
She pedalled faster, spun the wheel and kept her head down.
He walked past her station, the foreman. Every few minutes, he strolled by, whistling.
The needle followed the line—even stitches—a perfect hemline or else there would be trouble.
Don’t stop.
The noise of countless machines whirring in the background vibrated through the soles of her boots. Hours to go and already her back ached.
Just a few minutes of fresh air, sunlight, please.
But if she stopped, she’d go home without a penny. Ma and Pa would be furious.
The Quiet Writer 
Harsh realities of the workplace. Sadly, still like that in some places. Good story.
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I’m a little vague as to whether this is contemporary or not, but yes sadly, in some parts of the world this is still the reality for children.
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The poor old sewing machine, it’s the capitalist work masters who are at fault. 🙂
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My parents have a sewing machine just like it, although in better condition.
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I can feel her exhaustion.
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I’ve visited these type of victorian sweatshop factories, examples of our past, and they must have been hellish.
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Dear Rae,
An epic story in few words. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you.
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Thank you 🙂
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Sad reality for so many. Maybe not in this country anymore, but all over the world there are too many who live exactly like that.
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It is a sad situation. I’m wary of where I buy my clothes, some brands are cheap for a reason.
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Sad tale but true of so many instances in times past and even today
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Exploitation continues in many places.
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And the beat goes on. Well done.
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Thank you.
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