Thank you Rochelle for the writing prompt, a picture submitted by a favourite blogger of mine, Dale Rogerson.
More stories from Friday Fictioneers can be found HERE.
Solitary Rose
We argued over a trivial extravagance, and Glenda stormed out.
I’m going to Cardiff, don’t call me. She slammed the front door, and plaster fell from the ceiling in the hall.
The children said nothing. After school, we had a two-week holiday in the Pennines and returned to an empty house.
Clare asked when Mum was coming home.
Soon, I said, and choked on my despair.
Late from work, I saw the solitary rose. My heart raced.
Sorry, said Glenda.
It’s okay, I said. How’s Cardiff?
George still loves me.
Jealousy, grounds for murder, I thought, and hugged her tightly.
James McEwan 
Glenda’s reply wasn’t the height of tact
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A fragile relationship, indeed.
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Oh, dear! She should have chosen her words more carefully.
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Emotions out of control. Thank you.
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Interesting sequence of events. Nicely composed, James.
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A emotionally charge relationship, me thinks. Thank you.
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You’re welcome.
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Honesty is not always the best policy!
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A slip of the tongue, perhaps.
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A volitile relationship which may produce terrible circumstances.
Powerful start to a great drama, James. Nicely done … Isadora 😎
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Many thanks.
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Oh dear, I hope he can keep his impulses in check. Glenda should find out what she wants. There’s honesty, that’s a good thing.
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What a thing to say! Bye bye George.
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hopefully, they can fix their issues before they get out control for the sake of the children .
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Agreed.
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So much story in a very few words. I enjoyed the mysterious ending. Well done!
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Thank you. Love is such a complex emotion.
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Goodness, there is a lot of heartache in this story, for the children and the spouses. So well written. I am surprised I became so involved in their story despite only reading a few lines! Well done!
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I try my best to add depth to the 100 word stories. I am pleased you were drawn in and were entertained.
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You bring emotional depth to your characters by the care with which you select what you tell us about them. For example, ‘George still loves me,’ tells us a huge amount about Glenda. Good writing, James.
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Penny, thank you. I humbly appreciate your kind words. I am pleased you were drawn in by the characters.
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Dear James,
Oh dear. Glenda isn’t the queen of tact, is she?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle, no. Poor Glenda is confused.
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The kids and him are better off without her. I wonder how tightly his hug will be and whether she will survive it. Let George have her.
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Yes, she needs to get her priorities in order and he needs to be clear of their future. Kill George.
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LOL
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It would not be easy to deal with that kind of heartache. I love the twist in the end. Good story
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Thank you.
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So that’s why she went to Cardiff. That’s definitely a tortured marriage – but they’re hugging, she’s telling him the facts, and he’s only thinking about murder, not actually committing it. So – there’s hope here. Layers of story here – very good.
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Thank you.
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Ouch, that’s not the makings of a good relationship. I think it was broken long ago.
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It fees like he’s been here before. I’m thinking he needs to tell her to go…
And I am touched by your intro! How very sweet of you. 🙂
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Thank you.
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Very powerful and heartbreaking story of a marriage on the rocks and my heart tugged for the husband at the end when, in spite of how he was feeling, he hugged her tightly as if he didn’t want to let her go. The situation can’t continue like that, however. He needs to figure out what he wants to do (and not resort to murder).
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Yes, I agree and Glenda needs to be totally honest with her own feelings- either stay or go. Thank you for a great comment.
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