PHOTO PROMPT © Sarah Potter
They were in full bloom now. Red. Pink. White. Yellow roses had been Anna-May’s favourite. A bouquet of fresh buttery roses always cheered her up. Especially after they argued. Shame flushed through him as he remembered. Raised fists. Hurt and anger. Sobering shame. She always forgave him. Until that day her skull cracked. He had wiped the kitchen wall clean of her blood and his tears and got the shovel from her garden shed. He glanced at the ground beneath the rose bushes. Now Anna-May would always have her yellow roses near her. And she would always be his.
99 words
Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The Challenge is to write a story in 100 words or less. Submit your flash fiction to the frog link below and read what other’s have written too. Thanks to Sarah Potter for her photo prompt contribution.
Fajr, Books & That First Cuppa 
At least he felt some shame about it. Still a monster though.
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They usually do feel bad about it… but they always choose to save themselves in the end.
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Chilling. I feel that his shame was only ever temporary. He seems happy enough now… I hope no-one else joins her.
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I think she will be the only one. Until a nee missus shows up that is.
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Great character piece, Fatima
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Thank you, Neil!
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the rule of thumb is once he hurts you, it’s time to leave. otherwise, the cycle of abuse will continue.
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It is very difficult to get out of that cycle. And dangerous too if not done with adequate support.
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Such a sad story. Too late for her to realise that she should have walked away instead of constantly forgiving his behaviour.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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The sooner she walked away, the better it would have been. Thank you, Susan.
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Dear Fatima,
It’s hard to feel sorry for him. Terrible way to end an argument. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t blame you, Rochelle. Thank you for your comment!
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When things go too far, regret can never be forgiven in this case. A sad story that brings out the awfulness of domestic violence.
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From the outside, it is difficult to understand why women stay. But it is a very difficult cycle to break out of. And needs adequate support. Thank you, James.
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Grisly but good 😁
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Thank you!
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They are always so sorry… The poor women who can’t get away for whatever reason. Well done piece, Fatima.
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They always feel shame and regret but it isn’t enough for them to realise they’re no good for their partners. Thank you, Dale!
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Indeed!
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A tragic tale indeed.
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Thank you, Keith.
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Chilling story especially how he justifies what he’s done. So scary!
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It is chilling that he acknowledges she will never leave him now.
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