Copyright Susan Eames
There’s time to reflect now… an outcome as unwelcome as it is unendurable.
Momentum lends impermeability – stuff happens, nothing sticks.
But inertia leaves him exposed – vulnerable to the actions, reactions and sensitivities of others, which is a minefield he’s spectacularly ill-equipped to navigate.
Resentments, long buried beneath the carpet, crawl out on a seemingly endless daily basis. Tempers flare, tantrums ignite, leaving everyone exhausted.
When it’s over and he’s released into the wild again he will forget this interlude.
Unlike his family, each of whom is already making plans to ensure this never happens again.
One way or another.
The end is in sight… hopefully. Our gym opens again next Thursday, as does my hairdresser. Simple things, which for the moment represent the pinnacle of my aspirations. Friday Fictioneers has been a constant throughout these difficult times, many thanks to Rochelle. Click on the frog if you’d like to join in.
castelsarrasin 
They also wait who only stand and serve. Nicely done, Sandra
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Many thanks, Neil. Sorry for the late response.
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Deep, dark and disturbing.
Love it.
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Many thanks, CE.
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Gosh! I hope they are not planning to bump his off 😦
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Thanks for reading.
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We’ve all had too much time to sit and contemplate things this year. I find myself hoping he can keep his family on their toes for a few more years yet.
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Thanks for reading, Iain.
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Dear Sandra,
He sounds volatile, if not dangerous. Much to contemplate these days, isn’t there? I know how much you’re anticipating both gym and hairdresser. I fear ours might be both shutting down again in the near future. I hope not. At any rate, before I forget to say so…well written as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle, sorry to be so late responding, if I am. I was sure I’d been through the process last week, but maybe not.
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Beautifully expressed, Sandra.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Many thanks, Susan.
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Sounds like a nasty cycle… Very moody.
Yay for the reopening.
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Yay indeed. Thanks for reading.
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This interlude shall be over.
This too shall pass.
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Can’t pass soon enough for me. Thanks for reading.
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Extremely moody. Very well done.
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Many thanks, Eugenia. Sorry to be so late acknowledging.
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Meanwhile, here in the USA, they’re talking about locking down tighter than ever. For the good of our economy. Seriously, that’s the line we’re being fed.
Your story is deeply disturbing, as you meant it to be. We don’t even need the backstory to know this probably won’t end well.
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Thanks for reading Linda. Yes I’ve been following your statistics – very disturbing.
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A disturbing story well told.
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Thanks for reading, Keith.
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Well crafted as is your trademark, I don’t know what they are planning for him, but I hope it’s nothing more sinister than a retirement home! 😀
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I think there may be a variety of options on offer, depending on their exposure to him. Thanks for reading.
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That was definitely dark! But what the heck…a very good story, indeed.
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Many thanks Neel.
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Oy vey, Sandra … Well done to set the mood for someone I’d rather very much avoid … 😉
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Thanks for rading Na’ama. Sorry to be this late, I didn’t realise I’d not been through the responses. Been that kind of a week.
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No worries, Sandra! I don’t always get to read everyone’s response to the prompts and though I like it when I do, I also know that sometimes life gets in the way. I don’t take it personally when people don’t read my posts – I figure everyone’s doing what they can as they can.
ALWAYS happy, of course, when you do have the time to read and comment! 🙂 Na’ama
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A very topical take on the prompt. Wonderful how you’ve captured the dynamic of the family – they sound as dysfunctional as he is. I suppose lock-down has been like that for some people.
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Yes, it must be a nightmare in a dysfunctional relationship. Hope you’re keeping well, Penny.
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methinks, everybody’s exhausted about all the drama. it’s time to call spade a spade and move on.
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So true. Thanks for reading.
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Chronic stress brings out the worst in people. I understand he would want to forget it. I understand why his family wants to remember it. Good storytelling.
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Thanks for reading 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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I love how you wrote this dark piece. Wonder just how they will ensure he no longer can wreak havoc…
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Each to his own method, I guess. Thanks for commenting Dale, and sorry to be so late acknowledging. Spent the last week installing everything on my new laptop and quite a few things have fallen through the cracks. 😦
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Don’t you worry about that!! New computers are great except when it comes to having to transfer everything!
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You take us through his thoughts and emotions brilliantly Sandra and leave us with the ominous thoughts of his family. Really well done
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Thanks Michael, I’m never convinced that omniscient (or is it omnipresent) narrator works all that well.
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That sounds a bit ominous. “each of whom is already making plans” – I wonder which of them will get to him first?
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The wife, I think. 🙂
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You have laid out the emotions so well Sandra. A dark yet enjoyable story.
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Many thanks, sorry to be so late acknowledging.
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It is amazing how over active people can become unbearable if they are trapped static for a while.
Like a caged bird, I expect.
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Yes, enforced inertia – bad omen I think.
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Intriguing, and brooding. well told.
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Thanks for reading!
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A compelling read, Sandra, as always.
It’s both thought-provoking and engaging. I could have read more, more, more.
Be Safe
Isadora 😎
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Aww thanks Isadora. Hope all is well with you.
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👍 😎
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