Copyright Rowena Curtin
When the red mist lifts, as lift it surely will, he will be consumed with regret.
But for now, the thrumming of his rage, the clenching and unclenching of his fists, the drumming of his heels… this is the fodder for his blackened soul.
Darkness descends.
Oblivion…
Stillness…
Time…
A thin sliver of light permeates his narrowed eyelids, gently raising a curtain on his despair. He struggles to his knees, stumbling from the wrecked porch, reaching for her.
She’s not there… that’s nothing new.
But the gaping mouth of the disused well, the cover cast aside… now that’s something else.
The last week of September – how quickly the year has passed. Thanks to Rochelle for leading the Friday Fictioneers through another summer.
castelsarrasin 
Absolutely chilling!!!!! Unfortunately these things are real life for too many people! Thanks for the colourful story!
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Thanks for reading Carole. Hope you had a lovely summer. x
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That well is going to look more and more seductive
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Or more horrifying. Thanks for reading.
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Dear Sandra,
This does leave a chill in its wake. Well done as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Many thanks for reading, Rochelle.
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YES! This goes one of two ways, and I love it!
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Thanks for reading. 🙂
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Grim, but it feels like the inevitable result.
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For one or maybe both of them, I guess. Thanks for reading.
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You’ve managed to convey a huge story in this tiny sliver of a tale. Brilliantly done, Sandra!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thanks Susan!
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Potent language. Chilling. Well done S!
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Thanks for reading, Tannille.
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Chilling ending there!
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Thanks for reading.
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What a cliffhanger. I’m left wondering what happens next😯
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And he’s wondering what happened before… 🙂 Thanks for reading Eugenia.
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Well Sandra, I think this story is my favourite of yours so far. It was very atmospheric and the emotions grabbed me by the throat.
It’s interesting that the subject of this photo is a charity donation bin, which itself has had a rough life and has a few dents. This particular charity raises money for religious education teachers in our local high school, but no doubt many people in strife have passed through the charity shop itself, along with people like myself who like a bargain and treasure hunting.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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Thanks for reading Rowena. Interesting photo, and interesting to hear the background to it.
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Being Australian, I’ve struggled with a number of the photo prompts before because I couldn’t place them. Yet, it’s taken me many years to finally send a photo in to Rochelle. It’s been very interesting to be able to apply the replies to a place I know.
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Did she fall or was she pushed? Either way, he’ll never be the same.
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I think not. Thanks for reading.
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The sense of despair is palpable through your words. I fear this doesn’t end well.
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Thanks for reading, Keith.
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Oh. Dear. Horrible outcome of an uncontrolled temper fit. Excellent writing.
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Thanks for reading, Linda.
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Once again I marvel at your ability to pick a genre and make it your own.
From the brilliant first line to the stunning denouement this is horror at its finest.
I am all out of chapeaux…
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Thanks for your lovely comment CE. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods, though I suspect that’s not the case. Take care.
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Sandra, What a transfixing story of how anger turns the most loving into monsters. Now for the consequences! Chilling.
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Thanks for reading, Dora.
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I can only imagine what happened… and it seems like he is blessed with oblivion… but memories will come back I fear.
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I imagine looking down the well might be a good place to start the recall process. Thanks for reading Bjorn, hope you are safe and well.
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There is such a lot to think about in this. I am not sure who will end up in the well
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Thanks for reading Mike.
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Tragedy is afoot. My hope is that she has left the farm and that he jumps in the well.
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Yes, the uncovered well might be an invitation rather than an explanation, I guess. : Thanks for reading.
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You’re welcome.
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Chilling. This time he went the extra step.
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Thanks for reading! 🙂
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like they say, regret always comes last.
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Thanks for reading.
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Chilling take on the prompt! I wonder what waits at the bottom of the well.
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Thanks for reading, Sue.
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Brrr! How cleverly you call up the arc of an abusive relationship – but with a little twist that makes it all your own. Brilliant writing, Sandra
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Thanks for reading, Penny. Sorry to be so late acknowledging and returning the favour. I don’t know where the week went.
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Well done.
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Thanks Bill.
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A brilliantly written story. The ending gave me a shiver. I can only imagine what he had done in his fury. The pain he inflicted. Horribly sad because of the truth of it. But, so well written!
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Many thanks, Brenda.
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Great description, Sandra! Such visceral language. I always love reading your stories. I hope you’re doing well these days.
-David
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Thanks for reading David. Always good to see you on the squares again. I’m fine, hopefully you are.
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I’ve known people who’ve been vicitim of a blind rage. I’m happy to not be one of them. You’ve captured it well in a stunning silhouette.
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Yes, I’m not sure which is worse, observing or actually experiencing blind rage for yourself. Thanks for reading
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Hi Sandra. I hope and pray you are all safe and healthy. This virus is making life difficult with masks and social distancing. Cases are on the rise every day though fewer deaths.
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Hope you and your family are safe and well Indira. X
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Chilling story. Looks like this time he has done the unimaginable.
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Powerful and intense story this week, Sandra. It leaves the reader trying to understand this type of person. You unfold words brilliantly. Thank you for another inspiring write. Have a great day … Be Safe
Isadora 😎
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Sandra, I read this and was so drawn in. How well you describe domestic violence–the abuse, the regret and then it begins all over again until the abuser goes too far.
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Oh no! Shudder! Well written, Sandra!
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