Copyright Jilly Funnell
The acres of glittering steel, marble palaces and arching fountains have become wearisome, while at times the overly-green lawns, sweeping man-made waterways and towering gin-palaces have resembled the stuff of nightmares.
She’s felt like a swatch of material being held up for critical acclaim against an alien backdrop, not sure which was more unpalatable, to be found wanting or to be deemed worthy of acceptance.
It couldn’t go on.
He stands in the doorway, staring at her open suitcase.
“You’re leaving…?”
“This is your world, not mine.”
He eyes her with regret.
In a certain light it could be relief.
The (tenuous) link here is that Portsmouth’s Spinaker tower was sponsored by Dubai-based Emirates airline, as depicted on the tower itself. And my story is based in Dubai, a city which holds little attraction for me. Friday Fictioneers however, sponsored by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, has held my interest for almost seven years now. Time flies…
castelsarrasin 
There is something rather wearisome about the man-made wealthy landscape that has been constructed with complete disregard to how nature shaped the land. Loved the 2nd line in particular.
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Thanks, Iain. It’s gratifying to discover that I’m not alone in my sentiments. 🙂
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I agree with Iain about the second sentence, especially from ‘more unpalatable…’.
And the last line is a gem, of course.
You tell us entire relationships in so few words, I am again mesmerised!
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Thanks, CE. Glad that you liked it.
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Superb piece of writing!
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Many thanks, Reena.
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I’m glad she was able to reach the conclusion that it was the relationship and environment that was lacking, and not her. A superb story about her strength of character and the ability to make tough decisions based on her own needs.
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Thanks, Edith.
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I’m with her. I feel that way about Lad Vegas, Nassau and any one of these playgrounds for the wealthy. Give me a narrow street with cafe tables on thse sidewalk any day.
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Las Vegas would be hell personified for me. As was Hong Kong.
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Brilliantly done, Sandra. I think we are all in agreement with her. This over-the-top opulence is an eyesore.
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Wall-to-wall opulence, or in this case horizon to horizon opulence… bah! 🙂
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Dear Sandra,
As always, you exceed all expectations. The last line took my breath away. On a side note, my husband spent some time in Dubai care of the US Navy. Mostly what he remembers is the heat and, of course, the gold souk. Again wonderful writing.
BTW this month marks my 6th anniversary as Queen Cat Herder. But I joined in April of that year. Wow. It is almost 7 years. 😀 (You’ve certainly held my interest).
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for your kind comments, Rochelle. I remember you taking over the hot seat. How time flies!
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That’s an excellent story. Like everybody, I loved your second paragraph. And the conclusion – his regret – or is it relief? Brilliant
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Many thanks Penny, glad you enjoyed it.
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Both are incompatible. They have their own outlooks to life. It is better they part company. There is no room for compromise.
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Recognising your differences is one thing, resolving them another. Thanks for reading.
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My favourite was “She’s felt like a swatch of material being held up for critical acclaim against an alien backdrop”, And the ending, of course. Interesting that we both thought of Dubai, but perhaps not so strange given the Spinaker tower
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Funny word ‘swatch’. I was in two minds whether to use it. Thanks for reading, Neil.
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Nicely tied up at the end. Two different worlds may not always be able to meet.
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So true. Thanks for reading.
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She sounds like my kind of girl. You have painted a compelling argument that he doesn’t deserve her. Nicely done.
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Thanks, Jo. 🙂
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i guess to each their own. everybody is entitled to his or her own happiness.
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And it doesn’t always have to be together. Thanks for reading.
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Very well written. The piece is packed with some beautiful lines.
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Thank you!
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Aesthetics over quality & comfort. Never been my thing
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I can identify with that. Thanks for reading.
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I’ve never been to Dubai but from pictures I can already tell I wouldn’t like it as much as rolling hills and moors. It doesn’t sound like the relationship or the environment are working for her.
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I agree. On both counts.
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Brilliant, Sandra. I particularly liked the dreaded dilemma: “to be found wanting or to be deemed worthy of acceptance”? Well done.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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Many thanks, Rowena.
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As humans, we try to improve on the splendor of our natural environment. Living in the concrete jungle of Hong Kong, I often long for the beauty of wild open spaces. I’m not a fan of Dubai either. Beautifully written as always.
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Thank you Brenda. We once spent a week in Hong Kong when it looked as though we might be relocated there. That was a dark few days for me. Instead though, we ended up in South Africa, praise be. 🙂
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It sounds like you enjoyed your time in South Africa. I’ve always wanted to visit.
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I don’t like cities either. Went to Dubai once on my husband’s business trip – too much luxury is boring.
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I visited Hong Kong and Singapore on the same trip. At least Singapore was clean, but then it bordered on almost sterile. Give me open spaces any time.
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So true! I find the big gleaming shopping malls soulless and bland. Judging by the ending looks like he is glad she took the decision out of his hand.
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It must be hard if you’ve found the environment you love, only to find that the one you love hates it.
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I like so much… it’s almost like it’s all about who should break up first… incompatibility cannot be combated.
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So true. Thanks for reading.
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Reminded of how I feel about Las Vegas! We are kindred
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I’ve not been there. Nor would I. I’d expect to feel very, very lonely in that environment.
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Yes – and I feel annoyed
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Yes, the last line is a gem, of course.
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Thank you, Neel.
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Wow, loved that second line, and the ending. Absolutely with you on Dubai, I’ve never understood the attraction that it holds for so many people. For me, it’s always been a concrete monstrosity, heartless and soulless.
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I imagine it to be an exaggerated version of Singapore, though I’ve never been to Dubai. Thanks for reading.
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She’s leaving vanity fair! You really can have too much of an (apparently) good thing.
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Indeed. Thanks for the photo.
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I very much agree. I have no desire to visit Dubai or anywhere so artificial. Nature’s beauty cannot be contained in a box. 🙂
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Hear, hear. Thanks for reading.
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regret or relief, that’s the quandary….always.
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It’s rarely 100% either, I’ve found. Thanks for reading.
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I was blown away by the architecture of the second paragraph. Excellent writing, Sandra.
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Thanks Russell. 🙂
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Love the character development in this piece.
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Thanks for reading, Lisa.
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Fantastic writing as usual, every word is brilliantly chosen so we really understand her despair.
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Thanks for the compliment, Michael. And for visiting.
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Your story is more intriguing in what it doesn’t say.
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It sounds like she’s been facing this dilemma for quite some time, and has finally made the decision to leave. You’ve expressed the conflicting emotions between them so well.
By the way, the photo also made me think of Dubai and its over-the-top opulence.
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Nice last line!
I also like the swatch comparison. I didnt know the Dubai connection of this tower. But i can see growing tired of the desert.
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The last line held so much intrigue for me. I feel like perhaps in some way, he wanted it to end too. Either way, I’m glad she chose herself.
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