There’s something about a corner. Anything might be round it—a second-hand shop with the perfect antique frock; a view all the way to the horizon; a man with strong arms and a dimple in his chin; anything.
Her steps accelerated as she approached. She was brave, and the world could be new again. With raised chin and lips parted, she breasted the bend, alert for fortune.
Just ahead, a familiar laugh—Henry leaning in to share a joke with some bitch. Why was he not hurting, too? She ducked into the coffee shop, not ready for corners after all.
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Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
Lovely sensitive snapshot of the fallout from a break up.
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Thanks so much, Jilly
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I enjoyed this Neil. That’s the annoying thing with corners – you’re never sure what’s waiting for you round them.
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Thanks so much, Mike
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Oh. She’s having a good day and it all comes crashing down. She should keep on going; maybe just one more corner and Mr Strong-arm with dimples will be waiting. I like the idea of corners – so many associations one can draw.
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There are more corners, that’s true. But perhaps not today
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Dear Neil,
You didn’t cut any corners with this story. Good descriptions. Why wasn’t he hurting indeed. Full of emotion. Hopefully she’ll be able to move on soon.
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Soon, yes, I think so
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Ugh, nothing like turning a corner too soon. I hope she drinks some really strong coffee.
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She may want a brandy too
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I feel her pain. The bravado and then one thing makes it crumble. Very well done.
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It only takes one thing
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True enough.
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Ouch. Not every surprise is a good one. I hope the man with strong arms is ordering in the coffee shop instead – after all, you never know what you’ll find through an open door either!
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I’m not sure she’d spot him if she saw him today
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That was terrific. Short ad pithy, but heartfelt – hopeful and tragic. Great stuff, Neil
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Thanks so much, Lynn
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A fascinating snap shop of a troubled mind. And a great story to boot
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Thanks so much. Michael
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Perfectly constructed. Hopes dashed just as you raised them. One day she will find the right corner to walk round.
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It may even be that corner on another day. Thanks so much, Iain
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Really enjoyed!
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Thank so much
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Your welcome indeed
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Maybe there will be a better corner for her later.
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Let’s hope so
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Well, she found her strong man with a dimple in his chin around the corner, but not the kind of strong she wants. Also, just about anything, or anyone, can be found on a corner, doing just about anything. Good storytelling, Neil, told just right.
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Thanks so much. Jade
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Optimism is so quick to retreat!
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When buffeted by adversity, yes
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Aw.. another broken heart. Everyone deals with pain a different way. I avoid corners too sometimes.
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I think we all do, except when we head full tilt towards them
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i guess somebody got cornered just in time. 🙂
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Thanks for reading
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She’ll get over it in a bit. That guy is no loss.
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Yes, everyone does
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Time heals, soon she’ll be ready to turn that corner.
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One day
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Beautifully constructed, Neil. A gradual build-up of positive emotions abruptly shattered when she encounters her ex.
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Thanks so much, Penny for your usual forensic appreciation
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But, it could have been ‘a man with strong arms and a dimple in his chin.’ Moving on is not always easy. Well done story, Neil.
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Thanks so much, Bill
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Ouch! Terrific twist. All the possibilities and hope dashed at sight of the ex. Oh boy, have I been there!
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Thanks so much, Laurie. I think we all have
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Oh, those teasing corners. It’s hard when they don’t fulfill their promises. Very well-constructed story.
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Thanks so much
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