
It was a slight—he recognised that. And this merited anger, even reprisal.
The afternoon continued lazy—wind ruffling the grass like a stroked dog, the insects’ bass and the birds’ trill stitching a pattern into the dome of the sky.
Wrath filled his glass, and he drank. Was her offence sufficient for an hour’s rejection? Or a screeching, door-slamming walkout? In the drowse and the piercing sunshine, it felt hard to calibrate. A slick bead of sweat licked his chest.
He couldn’t afford to lose her. That much was certain. So, a bit of a sulk, probably, then flowers.
.
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
All it took was a bit of time in a beautiful setting to let his feelings settle, and to formulate a response that will salvage the relationship. Wonderful images in this, and the progression of his thoughts rings true.
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Thanks so much, Margaret
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A wise decision, I think. Perhaps he should buy her, a pot plant called mother in laws tongue
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He will look that one up
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Dear Neil,
Vivid and descriptive piece. Flowers can’t hurt. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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But they may not do the trick. Thanks, Rochelle
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“Wrath filled his glass” — classic line. Says it all. As do the flowers.
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Thanks so much, Tannille
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It might take more than flowers! Nice one Neil.
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I don’t think the flowers are going to cut it, I agree
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This story intrigued me. The man’s thoughts are cold-blooded and calculating, as though he was controlling the woman, but at the same time, he can’t afford to lose her. You persuade me to wonder whether all men are a little like this.
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I hope we’re not all like this
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I hope she looks right through his manipulation.
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She probably knows him well enough to do that
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I enjoyed the descriptions in the 2nd paragraph. I’m glad to see he’s a thoughtful sort and also has common sense.
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More cunning than thoughtful, perhaps
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Let me amend that to thoughtful towards his own best interests. 😉
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Yes flowers. Or candy can be dandy, but I’ve been told that liquor is quicker. 🙂
My line is, “My feelings would be hurt, if I had any.”
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Thanks fot reading, Bill
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🙂
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Always a difficult thing to judge, and rare to judge it just right! Excellent.
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Thanks so much, Iain
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Nice description: “Wrath filled his glass, and he drank”
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Thanks so much, Frank
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Great!
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Thanks so much, Trish
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I love the thinking processes here. I hope the guy gets things settled with her.
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Thanks so much, Linda. He may be misjudging what’s required
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like they say, a bouquet of flowers is worth a thousand words.
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They do say that, but it may not be true
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Tricky one this. If it is an occasional sulk, okay flowers can break the tension, but if this happens a lot you are opened up for blackmail and much more than flowers.
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He may long since have shot his bolt
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Such a carefully thought-out and measured response. I’m a little worried about him…
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I’m also a little worried for her
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I truly enjoyed the way this story unfolded, Neil.
There was a tension that began to claim calm as you completed
the story. Great imagery, too.
Have a great weekend … Isadora 😎
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Thanks so much, Isadora
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Man, you have drawn him very well. I’m hoping she’ll be the one to do the walking out.
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Thanks so much, Eugenia. I have the same hope for the outcome
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Thankfully the beautiful weather and a bit of time settled his brewing anger and let him think about the consequences
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I think it was all calculated from the start
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Ooooooo. I want to know what she did. He does sound like a gentleman who needs a few more inches/centimeters on the maturity gauge.
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I don’t think she knows what she did either
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Run for the hills, m’dear! 😀
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Reading under the wire this time, but very glad I got to! This is fab, and very relatable. I could picture him. Well done!
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Thanks so much
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