This story is for Friday -Fictioneers, a flash fiction site hosted by Rochelle. Other contributions can be read HERE.
I like this week’s picture, I can sense the thunderous roar as the water falls over the cliffs, and almost feel the humidity hanging in the air. It is a powerful scene.
Emotional Blackmail
‘The falls are wonderful.’
‘What did you say?’
Laura shouted, ‘I said this is impressive!’
‘Come on.’ Mike held her hand and led her along the narrow path.
She felt his grip tighten as they neared the edge of the cliff.
‘I can’t live without you. If I jump, nobody will ever know.’
‘No Mike, don’t.’ She struggled free from his clenched hold.
He laughed.
Laura’s legs shook, and she stumbled away from the precipice.
Mike knelt and held up a ring.
She felt her heart thumping
Her answer must be no.
Will he really jump?
Only she would know.
James McEwan 
No pressure. Feel free to say yes any way you like.
Oh, well, it’s been nice knowing you, Mike old boy.
Well done, James. 🙂
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Thanks Bill. This is very close to the truth – young men and their infatuations with girlfriends.
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🙂
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I think her answer was no.
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i hope so Frank, but did he jump off the cliff? Thanks.
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Selfish, mean, stupid. Why are so many people like this? The atmosphere you create here is great.
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In one. Thank you. I know that some young men get lost with their ideas of relationships.
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Of course she must say no this control freak
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Sounds to me as though she might be as well to cut her losses and give him a wee push. For such a small word count you did an excellent job of scene setting.
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I did think about giving him a push, but that would have been too easy. Thanks for reading.
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if she says no to his face, he may feel insulted and push her off the cliff. the best way is to be diplomatic and tell him she respects his feelings but she’s not thinking of being in a relationship at the moment.
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Thank you. Or, she might suggest they discuss this elsewhere, like in a cafe with other people around.
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This guy is not at the same stage in relationships or life as she is. It would never work but he has years before he understands that. Emotional blackmail indeed. Well done!
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So true, thank you.
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I think say yes, and then change your mind when safety is reached.
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Good idea.Thank you.
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The tension is palpable. Well done! If she says ‘no’ he’s so unstable that he might pull her over with him.
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Yes, it is a tricky situation. thanks for reading.
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Yikes. She needs to run a mile, but right now she needs to say yes to his ring and pledge undying love. Then get back home and disappear. What a spine-chilling portrayal of this young man, and your comments about obsessive boyfriends are chilling too.
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Absolutely no pressure ! 🙂 Good one James
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Saying yes now doesn’t mean she has to do through with it.
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Ooooooo ouch. Too much pressure. He sounds terribly desperate. Love or something more sinister?
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Never go near cliff tops with dodgy friends. Thanks.
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Dear James,
That’s no way to begin an engagement. How could she say yes? He sounds dangerous. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I agree, she needs to get somewhere safe. Thank you.
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I like where you ended the story, it gets the gears churning. Whatever she decides, I hope she knows there is a price to pay for each one of them.
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Such is confusion of young minds. Thank you.
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You’re welcome.
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You’ve outdone yourself this time James. I love this!
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Thank you, Lynne.
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