TWENTY-SOMETHING
Dora had built the perfect life.
Henry returned each evening from the city to a
sparkling home and the smell of something delicious cooking. Dora fitted her
translating work seamlessly around school runs, entertained Henry’s clients,
and did a fortnightly stint at a charity shop.
Then she found condoms in Henry’s car and her world
wobbled. She tried to prop it up with his favourite meals, a different
hairstyle and a new negligee, but it was too late.
A twenty-something brunette had blown in like a
hurricane, reducing Dora’s carefully constructed edifice to a heap of crumpled
wreckage.
.....................................................................................................
There have been some strong winds blowing round here recently, though the only damage we suffered was to a tower of runner beans, which are now propped up horizontally on my neighbour's fence. I have spoken to the plants gently in the hope that the shock will not have stunted the growth of their babies.
Thanks to Rochelle for the photo of her own minor disaster which prompted this week's stories, and for hosting Friday Fictioneers on her blog https://rochellewisoff.com/
Poor Dora. Perhaps she is better off, once the storm has blown away, a new sunshine will emerge for her.
ReplyDeleteAnd Henry will live to regret taking on the brunette.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteGood analogy for the prompt. It sounds like Dora's husband threw away a good thing with the brunette hurricane. Hope he pays for it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
He certainly deserves to.
DeleteOh, poor Dora. Am I wrong to wish a hurricane on Henry and the brunette?
ReplyDeleteSusan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
No you're not - hopefully karma will strike them.
Deleteit happens all too often when men reached their midlife crisis. hopefully, there'd be a calm after the storm.
ReplyDeleteToo many people blame irrational behaviour on that so-called midlife crisis.
DeleteA midlife crisis erected on the basis of early life mistakes
ReplyDeleteOn feeble excuses, more likely!
DeletePoor Dora, slaving away while her husband's off gallivanting.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your runner beans :-(
Thank you. The runner beans are still producing so all is not lost.
DeleteDefinitely a destructive force in your story! thanks for playing. Good job.
ReplyDeleteRonda
Thank you, Ronda
DeleteAs a proactive person, I would clean out the bank account before he comes home. Then I would fix a frozen lasagne for him, drug his wine. Take a sledge hammer to his car. Call brunette, pretending to be Henry's dr. nurse, apologizing for his recent blood test showing STD. Let's see...I am sure there is some other stuff but I need to give some thought.
ReplyDeleteGreat short story! I love it.
Remind me not to upset you, ever!
DeleteWhat a great take. I feel for Dora and wonder if in her quest to make her life perfect, she didn't see that he was drifting away.
ReplyDeleteThis does not give him leave to do what he has done. Horrid man.
Thanks, Dale. I was aiming for that thought, though as you say, it's no excuse for him playing away.
DeleteThat's a healthy runner bean tower there, Liz. Puts my meagre offering to shame. Shouldn't have used beans from my own crop as seeds, I guess. Enjoyed your story.
ReplyDeleteDespite the storm I am giving beans away. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteA delightfully different take on the prompt. You have too feel sorry for Dora though.
ReplyDeleteMy story - Gail's Gazebo!
Thanks, Keith, glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteDora deserves better than Henry. I enjoyed your skillful telling of Dora's story.
ReplyDeleteShe does deserve better, and so do their children. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteGreat metaphor.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisarey.
DeleteHenry is a fool!
ReplyDeleteHow is, though perhaps perfection bores him?
DeleteHer husband isn't very bright. She who cheats WITH you, will cheat ON you.
ReplyDeleteProbably.
DeleteA good, well-written story, Liz. It seems you've become quite attached to those runner beans. It happens. :D --- Suzanne
ReplyDelete