
Behind the door, someone stands. He doesn’t mean me well, but I need him. When he abandons me, the crust of the world becomes paper thin, and I fall. The fall never stops. You can get used to falling. It’s simple really: just believe you are static and the world is moving upwards. There’s a kind of peace in that. But the certainty of the man’s embrace is better. Though his talons sink into my flesh, at least I know where I am.
.
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
Sinister.
Sometimes the need far outweighs the cost.
Yes we make that choice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Anita
LikeLike
The conditioning of a victim, to think there is no alternative. I hope she eventually embraces the fall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank so much, Iain
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thought provoking and powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Michael
LikeLike
Dear Neil,
It sounds like a tenuous and miserable existence at best. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Rochelle
LikeLike
To think there are people who live exactly like that, feeling it’s what they are meant to or deserve.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Dale
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such evil! All kinds of thoughts in my mind right now, mostly stemming from my years as a psychotherapist. Those who are capable of training their victims to expect nothing but pain, and to accept it as normal, are beyond my understanding.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Linda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s all about trust.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In this case, the trust is not well-placed
LikeLike
Hi Neil, A very deep and powerful piece.
When you are trapped in your own mind, the longing for the demon gives you the comfort of being alive even if it is in hell.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, James
LikeLiked by 1 person
It resonates for me when I think back on a past relationship. At the same time I imagine that shadow along the lines of Jung’s shadow self. It works so well either way. Wonderful wordsmithing, Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jade
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome.
LikeLike
A dark, troubling and powerful piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much,
LikeLike
This is a haunting piece that could easily be found in the midst of an intense novel. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLike
As you say, at least she knows where she is. A poignant piece indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Keith
LikeLike
Kind of a rough, yin and yang story for me. Fun read, Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Bill
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yikes, may we never get to this point.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It happens for some
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, and it is a sad and lonely place to be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love love this line “crust of the world becomes paper thin” great descriptions here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Thanks so much Laurie
LikeLike
Well, that took a turn. Nice job of lulling me into a peaceful sense of security before bringing out the talons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
A powerful piece indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Fleur
LikeLike
Chilling! Seems like the narrator is trapped and has probably developed a Stockholm syndrome towards the implied captor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He or she may not have chosen wisely
LikeLike
I love this piece, it is written so poetically ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
The tragic reality of many a relationship. Very nicely done Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Dahlia
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow thought provoking. Well done
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Andrea
LikeLike
Wow. Tragically but beautifully written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLike
I hope one day (soon) she gives in to the fall. Who knows, she may find Wonderland at the end of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You may well be right
LikeLike