Yan cut through the tiny alleyway.
He knew it was a risk, if the market stall holder caught him here he would be trapped and they would beat him, but if he could just make it to the end he knew he could make his way down several other snickets and away to safety.
He had never wanted this life, never wanted to steal from innocent workers.
Fate had other plans and with a small child to feed he had no choice, but as he ran for his life, he couldn’t help think there had to be another way.

Alleyway photo by Jan Morrill
Originally written in response to Friday Fictioneers challenge. Using the above image create a short story in 100 words or less.
Sounds like he is in a perilous position. Btw a rock and a hard place!
Thanks Mandi 😊 Yes desperation calls for desperate measures – poor guy. KL ❤
When you’re desperate and your child’s hungry, everything changes. I feel for Yan – you’ve drawn a convincing portrait of him.
Wow thank you very much Margaret what a lovely compliment 😊. KL ❤
Dear KL,
I hope he can break the cycle. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you Rochelle 😊, it was a fun image to work with. KL ❤
A tale of desperation. Nicely told.
Thank you Sandra. I’m glad it came across so well 😊. KL ❤
a hard side of life, told so well.
Thank you very much Michael. I’m pleased you enjoyed it. KL ❤
he could make his way down several other snickets
I love the idea of “snickets”.
Haha hadn’t realised but it is a Yorkshire term 😊 KL ❤
So sad when you are caught with desperate choices… so sad.
I think he will find another way. He has too much regret to continue.
Thanks Dawn! I’m sure he will he deserves some good luck 😊. KL ❤