Copyright Ted Strutz
I didn’t know who those people were.
I’d hovered between the accumulating piles – charity shop, memorabilia, rubbish, before dropping the photos in the middle pile. I’d go through them later.
And now they’re on the table, between me and this unwelcome stranger bearing news that’s shattered my world whilst clarifying a lifetime of puzzling incidents, regular and prolonged absences.
“Take them,” I whisper fiercely, “all of them.”
“If you’re sure…?” she falters, drawing them towards her.
I can scarcely frame the question; the answer will define me either victim or fool.
“When were you married?”
It emerges I’m the fool.
Thanks to Rochelle, the leader of the Friday Fictioneers, for hosting our activities on a weekly basis. Why not join us? All you have to do is a come up with a 100 word story every week… I say all, but… 😦
Wow! That cuts deep. You set the scene so well, that hint that the MC has a stash of mysterious photos, that question why. Did you see the BBCs Mrs Wilson last year? Based on the true story of a man who married many times and no one knows even now if he worked for the government or was a fantasist. Reminded me of that. Super story
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Thanks Lynn. Lovely to see you again – it seems like ages. Yes, I found that series quite thought-provoking, as I did when I wrote this earlier today. When I was writing this, I had a clear idea of who the narrator was, the first or the second wife. But since then I’m not so sure.
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Mrs Wilson was an interesting view and especially so as it’s based on truth. First or second wife, the deceased left a huge amount of hurt
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It seems deception runs deep this week, Sandra, and none with more pain and bite than yours.
Three lives created, and two destroyed, all in 100 words.
Not bad at all!
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Thanks CE. I’ve not had time to read any yet, but I did wonder whether there might not be an alzheimer trend after this photo prompt.
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You’ve summoned a world beyond the 100 words. That takes real skill
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Thanks so much, Neil.
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Dear Sandra,
When I look at old photos in second-hand shops I wonder who the people were and why their images landed where they have. As always, you’ve told a story that goes beyond the boundaries of 100 words. Gut-wrenching.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I hadn’t thought of my old photos ending up in a second hand shop somewhere. Food for thought and reflection there then. Thanks for visiting Rochelle.
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Those lost memories. It’s a cruel affliction that steals our loved ones from ourselves. We can only hope the part that remains is the part we loved. I’ve seen the opposite happen, where all the familiar and kindly parts were stripped away and all that was left were the bitter resentful pieces. Well done.
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It was a story about a bigamist actually, Josh. 🤣
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ah! Even better!
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Great write, as ever!
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Thanks, Sue. 🙂
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Entrancing and more than a little disturbing … So many layers of deception there … What is or isn’t real and who knows what and who about … Well done tapestry for 100 words!
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Thanks for reading. 🙂
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My pleasure! 🙂
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Very good story
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Thanks, Neel.
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Pictures really speak more than a thousand words.
People read them in different ways 🙂
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Thanks Anita.
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Some things are best kept hidden, for everybody’s sake.
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Indeed they are. Thanks for reading.
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I wonder if by banishing the photos, she will be able to banish the spoiled memories.
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I doubt it. What’s done is done. Thanks for dropping by.
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I read dementia on a first pass and betrayal on the second pass after reading your comments. You gave me all of the clues but I saw only what I wanted to see on the initial reading. Interesting and well written as always.
Tracey
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Thanks Tracey. I thought we’d get more dementia themed stories on this prompt so tried to avoid that.
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One of earth-shattering moments that etch themselves in.
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It’s there for good, I’m afraid. Thanks for reading.
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You are welcome.
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Oh! I saw bigamist right off the bat, well, at the end really. So nicely done, my dear. You are a great weaver of words.
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Thanks, Alicia. I’m glad you liked it.
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Ouch. I reckon she’s also a victim, though I’m sure most in that situation would brand themselves the fool.
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Great story! Having been one to find a whole box of photos & documents in my Mom’s closet that are of an entirely different family, I can really relate to this one. So many hidden secrets that will never have answers.
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Oh my. Family secrets can be devastating.
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Great story – and it comes just after a morning coffee with a neighbour who told me how her husband discovered three half-siblings after his father died!
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Brilliant! That’s the ultimate piling insult on top of an injury. Hauntingly crafted. I could feel the dread building up to the compounded heartbreak of the reveal.
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Very skillfully written, Sandra. You evoke the triangle of characters so well that we can speculate about both their future and their past.
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I was engrossed with this story, it captures the agony of such betrayal. Yet, there is something about wanting and not wanting to burn the evidence, to admit the truth and suffer of being deceived.
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What an awful thing to find out. What an well-written story.
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At first I thought it was dementia but something nagged me… and when I realised it was betrayal, your style made even more sense. I felt the confusion and then the instant clarification of all I had just read – just like your MC. Brilliant, Sandra!
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The pain and discomfort was palpable. The stories behind photos can be many.
You unfolded a masterful one, Sandra. As always, a wonderful story for us to enjoy.
Isadora 😎
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Great writing! I felt discomfort and sadness with your character. Loss, betrayal, shock, and confusion. As always, your story is layered and the beginning of a much deeper one.
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Hmmm seems there is a lot more to this story!
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Finding out your husband was a bigamist would cut really deep, Sandra. This was a powerful story. —- Suzanne
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