I finally saw my sister. “Corinne!” I ran to her, out of breath.
“Corinne, everyone at Sunny Day is very worried. Why did you run off?” I held her hand as we walked back.
“I hate it there,” Corinne said, and my heart twisted. “Everyone is old and they had tuna for lunch. Why can’t I stay with you?”
“That would be great, but you know I have to work. I’ll pick you up as soon as I get off. Want to get pizza tonight, kiddo?” Corinne smiled and we hugged. Together, we walked into the adult day care.
PHOTO PROMPT Ā© David Stewart
Copyright Ā©2026 Lisa Paul. All rights reserved.
Written in response to Friday Fictioneers photo prompt where we have to write a complete story in 100 words or less.
A Little Bit of Everything, With Love 
After my Dad died and my Mom’s Alzheimer’s really kicked in, she transitioned from independent to assisted living and finally to memory care. Independent living was okay, but the greater amount of care she required, the more difficult it was to see her and the others. In the end, they’re treated like children, but big, old, clumsy, confused children. It’s immeasurably sad. Mom passed a few years back and now she’s at peace.
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That is very sad, and I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. My father had dementia, I’m not sure if he actually had Alzheimer’s or not, but he slowly faded away mentally and physically. It is heartbreaking.
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Awww… that addition of the word “adult” changes the whole perspective. Beautifully done, Lisa.
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Lisa, I like what you saw in this image. I’m glad she has someone who is kind to her.
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Thank you!
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You’re welcome.
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Dear Lisa,
A poignant piece. A lot of emotion between the lines.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great demonstration of sisterly love Lisa š©·
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Thank you!
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Such a poignant story Lisa
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Very sad. My mother was a dementia patient and we took care of her at home till her last breath. Whenever she had to be hospitalized it was traumatic for her because she did not understand the changed scenario and could not communicate with the people around. The same was with the staff who did not understand dementia patients.
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Lisa, I shouldn’t have chuckled at the mention of “tuna”, but it was so perfectly and naturally placed. The poor woman clearly doesn’t understand why she’s in adult care and hates it there, and to add insult to injury, they’re all old people who eat tuna! Excellent piece!
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Oh, so sad. My dad used to try and walk out the door to the home he lived in before he died. He just wanted to go to Kroger down the street. When he was actually successful in sliding out, he would often get confused and in need of rescue. It is good she has her sister to look out for her. It’s important to have someone.
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Your poor dad! It is scary when a loved one doesn’t know where they are. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
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