Friday, April 4, 2014

D is for . . . DOMESTICATED

Welcome to The Blogging from A-Z Challenge April 2014! This year, I’m offering up a story – each one 100 words or fewer - for each letter of the alphabet.

Some are heartfelt, poignant, sweet. Others are…not. 

I hope you enjoy them.


*****

DOMESTICATED

A turtle separated from its shell will die. Still, David coaxes his wife outside. She whimpers. Her phobia holds them hostage. One day soon, he’ll escape. Alone.

But not today.

Her terror slams his heart, cracks it.

He lets her grip his hand and lead him back inside.

*****

(Previously published in Blink Ink #15)

24 comments:

  1. At some point, he'll have to break the bond. Hopefully with her, but it might not work out that way.

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  2. Tasha - definitely.

    Alex - I guess we'll all just have to wait and see….

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  3. Oh, very sad story today. I can't imagine what that kind of phobia is like.

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  4. This is so sad. Phobia is an awful thing to deal with,and it's sad to see it.
    Sophie
    Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles - A to Z Ghosts
    Fantasy Boys XXX - A to Z Drabblerotic

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  5. I agree with Alex. If his wife can't improve her life, David must work to improve his own. ~~~ Excellent flash fiction!

    Precious Monsters

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  6. Julie, Sophie - it's sad for everyone in that person's life.

    Jolie - thank you!

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  7. I love the opening line that frames this little story- kinda says it all. Great D story! :)

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  8. Wow! This tidbit is very powerful and vivid. You captured the pain and sadness that accompanies all phobias with few words. Well done!

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  9. Wow. Now that is crazy. I love the metaphor.

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  10. Crystal - the tortoises aren't so crazy about that metaphor though…. :)

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  11. A sad situation, but brilliantly written. Well done!

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  12. Great story! I'm always so amazed to read these types of stories that have so much heart and emotion in only 100 words. Amazing.

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  13. MJ - thanks!

    Kristin - thank you! I love the challenge of trying to convey so much in so few words.

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  14. Hello there. Just stopping by to wish you all the best with the challenge!
    Entrepreneurial Goddess

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  15. Brilliant. Wondering what her phobia is. Sun? Or just outside in general?

    ~Patricia Lynne~
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, YA Author

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  16. Patricia - in my mind, she was afraid of going outside, of being around people, in crowds - that kind of thing.

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  17. Your opening line sets the tone really well... and lends a sense of anticipation... makes me ask, what will come next? Really enjoyable!

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  18. Terse and to the point writing....opposite my own style like it. THX for also visiting mine on A-Z!....http://bonnieupnorth.xanga.com/

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