This week’s photo prompt from Madison Woods’ Friday Fictioneers.
Dysfunctional
Mother papered over the cracks in her family – appearances were important, she said.
She wouldn’t recognise that my sister was a thieving whore, and when she ran off with someone else’s husband, mother said it was a phase she was going through.
My brother was a sadistic psychopath, but mother said he was highly strung.
She’d no problem recognising me for what I was though; plain, inadequate, a convenient drudge. And said so.
Often.
So when the time came, I had no problem papering over her existence.
The cubbyhole had been there for years; it was a simple enough matter.
Dear Sandra,
Your MC has a solid voice, no doubt tempered by years of enduring her mother’s acid tongue, and weaves a convincing tale of an acrimonious and delusional family. The final solution of the narrator will ease their lives somewhat, but the bad seed was sown long ago, took root, and now flourishes in them all. A grim portrait painted with an unflinching eye for detail. i hope none of them have children.
I am also intrigued by what other stellar stories we’re going to see inspired by the photo. Yours got us off to a great start.
Aloha,
Doug
Thanks for commenting Doug. I’ve certainly enjoyed the ones I’ve read so far, and as ever, there’s been plenty for me to Google (including some of your references).
Great work! http://oldentimes.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/old-wallpaper-friday-fictioneers/
Propriety is a word I love because I hate what it does to people, but admire how stealthy it is. Wow, your story sure dredged up some strong feelings in me. Great job!
A truly dysfunctional family. The narator’s cool and detached attitude sent goosebumps all over me. You captured the essence of the story very well. Mine is here: http://readinpleasure.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/fridayfictioneers-lost-without-you/
Thank you, glad you liked it.
Fantastic, nothing less.
Thanks for commenting Craig, appreciate your compliment.
Nicely done, as usual, Sandra, and a little different for you, I think. Shades of Alfred Hitchcock. The wallpaper image/idea was perfectly realised. Here’s mine: http://repuestodelatabla.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/friday-fictioneer-100-word-srory-parents/
Thank you Carlos. I loved your story – felt sorry for the narrator.
Excellent, well written and such a perfect tone of voice. So simple, really, I guess mom taught well about papering over things…
Thanks Judee, glad you liked it. Hope all is well.
You nailed it with the title. Although, dysfunctional families seem to be the norm nowadays. It’s a shame, really.
http://authorbrandonscott.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/this-old-house/
Thanks Brandon, I guess they are the norm, sadly.
We’ve all been there, in the relationships which paper over the cracks and this was a fantastic insight into just what could happen if something were taken far enough. Excellent
Here’s mine: http://womanontheedgeofreality.com/2012/05/03/friday-fictioneers-a-wall-to-keep-a-secret/
Thanks Linda, enjoyed your offering.
Great story! You nailed it with the title. Although, dysfunctional families seem to be the norm nowadays. It’s a shame, really.
http://authorbrandonscott.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/this-old-house/
Your title couldn’t be more true! Such a lovely family…
Mine is nearly 200 words this week:
http://garybaileywriting.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/175/
Weren’t they just?
you can’t choose your family, but you can choose to paper over them.
http://brainsnorts.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/54-friday-fictioneers-by-madison-woods/
Thanks for commenting Rich.
Something tells me her siblings should be a little worried. Very nice bit of writing.
http://whimsicalquestsofacuriousmind.blogspot.com/2012/05/may-4th-friday-fictioneers-youre-insane.html
Yes, they might be the next ones on her list … Thanks for commenting.
Ah justice
Women always get their own back Sue!
Thanks for dropping by.
wonder what in herself that she papered over..am sure she wasn’t just plain.
I think there may have been quite a bit going on under the surface there.
I agree with Jess, her siblings should be making a run for it! Coldly calculating.
This photo is stacking up the dead bodies – what *has* Madison done!?!
http://www.lazuli-portals.com/flash-fiction/old-wallpaper
A real killer this week! Thanks for commenting.
I think what you captured here is the norm; the facade for show covering the truth. But then, what (which) is the truth?
Here’s mine: http://thebradleychronicles.wordpress.com/
Thanks for commenting. Enjoyed yours.
Wow, so many of us have gone for the “wall up the loved one” theme, and they’re all unique and great reads.
Thanks for the comment on mine.
Yes it’s a popular theme isn’t it? The compulsions that so many seem to be harbouring …
Thanks for dropping by.
Wow, nicely done, Sandra. I got the patient and determined anger. The frustration and then the solution. Dark and I loved it. Well done.
Revenge is a dish best served cold, I’ve heard. Thanks for dropping by.
Absolutely love this! One of your best. here is mine http://jemcogdell.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/100-word-flash-fiction-hide-n-seek.html
Thank you for commenting!
Glad you liked it.
Excellent and so powerfully chilling is so few words. I think the moral here is ‘Never take anyone for granted’ Loved it !!
Thanks for commenting.
I like the powerful, flat tone in the POV…the first line, to me, was great…set the cynicism and tone.
Here is mine: http://integrativethought.wordpress.com
Thanks Kris. Enjoyed yours too.
SHRIEK! In the best possible way.
I’m at:
http://notforallmarkets.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/the-beholder/
Another deliciously written vendetta! Well done! I loved it!
Mine: http://www.vlgregory-circa1800.vpweb.com/blog.html
Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
This piece is one of my favorites so far. You say so much between the lines and I love that.
Here’s mine: http://teschoenborn.com/2012/05/03/friday-fictioneers-the-gig/
Thanks for commenting. Off to yours right now.
Good job. The MC can see the wrongs of others but is deficient in spotting her own. Mother failed to recognize the reality of her child yet again.
Here’s mine http://createrealitylivelife.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/friday-flash-fiction/
Thanks for commenting Amanda.
Excellent piece this. Thanks for sharing.
Here’s mine
http://tollykitsjourney.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/old-wallpaper-for-fridayfictioneers-flashfiction
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for dropping by.
Are they wealthy or prestigious? Because that’s the vibe I get off mom. Appearances for appearances sake. Covering up problems only ever makes the problems worse. Always. Great job.
My attempt: http://unduecreativity.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/rebuild/
Thanks for commenting, and for your tip on that irritating WordPress problem.
Funny…the ones who are the biggest trouble makers are easier to ignore and the one who is not the problem is the one the mother dumps it all on…hmmmm. Thanks for sharing.
~Susan (http://www.susanwenzel.com/)
Hi Susan, thanks for commenting.
Once again, your writing amazes me in its perfection. I try not to be jealous and allow myself to learn from you, but this line: “Mother papered over the cracks in her family – appearances were important, she said.” Is so wonderful in the context of this prompt and your story.
Your fan,
Laura
You’re making me blush!
Thanks for dropping by.
Harsh and sardonic, highly entertaining. The edge of truth is what gives fiction its strength.
Thanks for commenting Wakefield.
great and matter-of-fact again; a perfectly understated title
http://sacha1nch1.wordpress.com/2012/05/03/friday-fiction-the-story-of-felicity-washington/
Thank you! And for dropping by.
Like the way the narrator speaks with cynical, matter-o-fact attitude. One of the best I’ve read today! Oh, and thanks for commenting on mine.
Glad you liked it!
This definitely puts the “fun” in “dysfunctional”. Very identifiable MC for me. We can all find a memory somewhere of being the long-suffering “good child” and yet getting shafted for it. Very well done indeed.
Yes, she certainly took her revenge in a … conclusive manner. Thanks for commenting.
Super! I think I’ve met this family.
Yes, there are tensions running through most families, but perhaps not this serious.
Thanks for commenting Rochelle.
A great story Sandra.
This is one hell of a dysfunctional family.
About as bad as it gets, I’d say.
That’s horrific! (But really well done
)
Thanks for dropping by to comment Stacey.
Thats really good stuff and I loved the ending
http://theequiaticbind.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/friday-fictioneers-wallace/
In a way, I think the mother gets what she deserves – it’s often the quiet, “normal” ones that you have to watch out for! Excellent story!!
Thanks Julia!
It’s true that it’s the quiet ones we need to worry about. Another excellent story from you, Sandra.
Thank you Michael; yes, still waters run deep.
Obviously, the MC wasn’t Mama’s pet. Covering up for the brother reminds me of the lyrics to the Warren Zevon song, “Excitable Boy.” This was a great tale from start to finish.
Very clever story here, Sandra. You tell everything in a matter of fact tone, but we can feel the venom beneath the surface.
Great story Sandra. Love how you build up to the end and the feelings you portrayed were very believable.
sounds like my family!! and I DO have that little cubbyhole…