She twangs the elastic mercilessly against her inner wrist, and the compulsion subsides.
She can do this… everything will be fine.
Within a minute, the feelings resurge. That gnawing sensation in her gut, a rising flutter of panic in the chest, the short, shallow gasping for air.
She twangs it again, harder. This has worked before and it will work again.
It does. She masters the rising tide, breathes more easily. All will be well.
Or will it…?
The sensations overwhelm her. Disappointment, regret, shame… yearning.
Ripping the band from her wrist she plunges through the shrubbery after the man.
First Friday Fictioneer post of December 2020. This weirdest of years will soon be behind us, Many thanks to Rochelle for her continued efforts on behalf of this happy band of writers.
castelsarrasin 
Jings, raw emotions laid bare.
Is she going to do what I think she’s going to do?
Women, eh…
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Yeah women, when you’re not chasing them you can be sure that one of them will be chasing you. You may not know it at the time…
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It felt like bipolar disorder. But the end is startling 🙂
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Thanks for reading, Reena.
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What a clever use of the string!
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Many thanks Neil.
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Wow, this was such a fast moving read! The end came as a surprise though, didn’t see it coming…
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Thanks for reading 🙂
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Dear Sandra,
I thought perhaps the string was to help her quit drinking…or smoking. You leave me with the feeling it’s more sinister than that.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s a form of compulsion, that’s for sure 🙂 Thanks for reading Rochelle.
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I have heard of those using an elastic band to “snap themselves” out of whatever compulsion they have. I love how you used the prompt. Dunno what he did (if anything) but I’d keep walking were I him!
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I wonder if it would work with my evening G & T. Nah, I’ll assume it won’t. 🙂 Thanks for reading Dale.
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Whatever would you try for that one? 😉
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I had a friend who flicked rubber bands to avoid eating. Sounds like the protagonist might have deep psychological issues.
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I’ve never tried it myself. Maybe I will have to this Christmas.
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Very innovative use of the prompt. The man sure is in for interesting times 🙂
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Brief, but interesting time I suspect. Thanks for reading.
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You have packed in a lot of emotions.
Hope she succeeds in her mission and is safe.
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Thanks for reading, Anita.
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What a take on the photo prompt. There I was thinking her compulsion was to do with alcohol or tobacco and then you shocked me with that last line.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thanks for reading, Susan.
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OCD? I wonder if the man has any clue, and if she adores him or hates him!
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I don’t think the man even knows her. She just has these compulsions… 🙂 Thanks for reading, Linda.
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You built up the tension then took off at speed! Excellent.
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Thanks for reading, Keith.
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The story gathered momentum, and then snapped! Good one, Sandra
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Thanks Neel.
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I’m pretty sure she shouldn’t be going after the man, but well, some compulsions need to be fulfilled!
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Exactly so. Thanks for reading, Iain.
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I had no idea where she was going until the last line. I liked the way the emotions seem to take on a new meaning when you got to the end. 🙂
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Thanks for reading. 🙂
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Oh my god! whats happening here, sounds sinister but could be the nerves getting to her, wonderfully evocative
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Thanks for reading.
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I have mixed feelings, the situation sounds dangerous
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I think it is dangerous. For someone.
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Oh wow! I feel her anxiety! Great job!
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Many thanks.
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A very surprising ending Sandra. It was easy to get wrapped up in her emotional waves.
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Thanks for reading.
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Your story makes me want to know more. I like the snap of the band paralleling her resolve snapping.
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Thanks for reading 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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believe it or not, i tried that technique once… all it got me was a bruised wrist. love the story. :>
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Quite a surprise ending. I guess one elastic band wasn’t enough.
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…and then she woke up. it was just a bad dream after all. 🙂
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Lots of suspense in those few words.
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Great stuff. Self-control over addiction or compulsive fads can be difficult.She needs a man or that particular man?
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There’s nothing like someone jumping out of the shrubbery at you. Well crafted, as always.
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Sometimes the compulsion can be interrupted and overcome, sometimes not. She’ll have to start over after. I felt for her. Great writing as always!
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You did a great job of painting a picture of her internal turmoil. Great story, Sandra.
-David
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Great story! Really felt the line “That gnawing sensation in her gut, a rising flutter of panic in the chest, the short, shallow gasping for air.”
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