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.
........................................................
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?
Oh! That's very deep and sad, Lizy.
ReplyDeleteImagine being shut up like that.
DeleteScared you, have I?
ReplyDeleteIn-laws can be such a bother sometimes!
ReplyDeleteYou speak from experience?
DeleteI'm not sure I wouldn't bet on the old lady
ReplyDeleteI certainly would, being one myself and feisty with it!
DeleteOh wow! Great way to really study the photo for a perfect story!
ReplyDeleteThank you Donna 😊
DeleteGreat take on the photo. You really took in every aspect.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra - sometimes I can do that, at other times it's a struggle to hit on anything!
DeleteYou never know what lurks behind closed doors, Liz.
ReplyDeleteAnn
And writers have vivid imaginations!
DeleteYou 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
ReplyDeleteThat's a very thorough analysis of an imagined situation, Suzanne!
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteI don't think the kids should tussle with the old lady. I'm betting she'll outlive them. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
She's determined - she'll win in the end.
Delete"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.
ReplyDeleteCould be - or maybe she lost respect for him when she saw the way he was overruled by his wife.
DeleteFirst class horror story but also a story of survival. I love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jade!
DeleteShe's not to be messed with! A delightfully different take Liz.
ReplyDeleteMy go at Friday Fictioneers!
I admire strong women. Thanks Keith.
DeleteI can taste her desire for revenge.
ReplyDeleteThey deserve whatever she can dish out.
Deleteit's incredible what can be happening behind closed doors and we don't even have a clue.
ReplyDeleteHow often do we hear it aid, they seemed such nice people?
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda. And you're the first person to think the prisoner is a man 😊
DeleteSo 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda - I have every confidence in this sparky woman!
DeleteThis was brilliant, Liz!
ReplyDeleteExcellent write.
Thanks, Dale. Hope the unpacking is going well?
DeleteUmmmmm. snails pace.
DeleteI wouldn't mess with her. A great write.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
ReplyDelete