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5.6.19

SHUTTERS - a story in exactly one hundred words


SHUTTERS

All visitors see are the bright paintwork, the pots of cheerful geraniums leading up to the front door. Nobody notices the shutters down here, the shrubs blocking the steps in case anyone becomes curious.
Two years I have spent here – I mark the days on the wall behind the sofa, hidden from sight.
They tell everyone I died and left them the house. She wants to make it true, but my pathetic son hasn’t the stomach for it.
She will try one day soon. She imagines I am helpless, but even a wooden spoon can be sharpened to a point.
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Thanks as always to https://rochellewisoff.com/  for hosting our weekly jaunt into a flash fiction fantasy world. Follow the link from Rochelle's blog to read scores of other stories, all prompted by Ceayr's photo of a house that doesn't have the dark story I have attributed to it - or maybe it does?

36 comments:

  1. Oh! That's very deep and sad, Lizy.

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  2. In-laws can be such a bother sometimes!

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  3. I'm not sure I wouldn't bet on the old lady

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    1. I certainly would, being one myself and feisty with it!

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  4. Oh wow! Great way to really study the photo for a perfect story!

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  5. Great take on the photo. You really took in every aspect.

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    1. Thanks Sandra - sometimes I can do that, at other times it's a struggle to hit on anything!

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  6. You never know what lurks behind closed doors, Liz.
    Ann

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  7. You seem to hint she's right. Some older people have fantasies. If she's right, her life is in danger and her son must also be afraid of his wife. She must be hell on wheels. I doubt she really understands her mother-in-law. A good story and well written, Liz. ---- Suzanne

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    1. That's a very thorough analysis of an imagined situation, Suzanne!

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  8. Dear Liz,

    I don't think the kids should tussle with the old lady. I'm betting she'll outlive them. Nicely done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. She's determined - she'll win in the end.

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  9. "My pathetic son". What a story those three words tell, all on their own! The roots of this situation would seem to lie far in the past, when the young man's spirit was overwhelmed by his mother's scorn that he was not strong as she was. Very well written, Liz.

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    1. Could be - or maybe she lost respect for him when she saw the way he was overruled by his wife.

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  10. First class horror story but also a story of survival. I love it.

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  11. She's not to be messed with! A delightfully different take Liz.

    My go at Friday Fictioneers!

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  12. I can taste her desire for revenge.

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    1. They deserve whatever she can dish out.

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  13. it's incredible what can be happening behind closed doors and we don't even have a clue.

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    1. How often do we hear it aid, they seemed such nice people?

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  14. I don't think anyone else--so far--has built a story on the basement. Outstanding--and I'm glad the poor old guy is prepared to fight back.

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    1. Thank you Linda. And you're the first person to think the prisoner is a man 😊

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  15. So creepy! Shame on her son but good for her, she's ready to fight when she needs to. Hopefully, soon she can be free. Great story!

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    1. Thanks Brenda - I have every confidence in this sparky woman!

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  16. This was brilliant, Liz!
    Excellent write.

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    1. Thanks, Dale. Hope the unpacking is going well?

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    2. Ummmmm. snails pace.

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  17. I wouldn't mess with her. A great write.

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