It’s time for another Friday Fictioneers entry. The challenge is to write a 100-word story in response to a weekly photo prompt chosen by our host Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Follow the link to her blog for more information and join the fun!
She’d arrived early to get their old corner table. There was no one else in the room and she felt vulnerable. Floor-to-ceiling windows sent a wintry chill over her ankles and shoulders, but her shivers weren’t from that. He’d insisted on meeting at the same place he’d asked her to marry him ten summers ago. Did it mean he’d changed his mind about leaving her?
He walked toward her carelessly, ignoring the empty tables. And his eyes were cold as the ice on the windows. Now she remembered. This was the just sort of thing he called “breaking it gently”.
Genie in a Box: Words and thoughts from Eugenia Parrish, Author 
Breaking up over a fancy dinner? That’s horrible.
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So maybe she will finally realize she is better off without him? Thanks for reading and commenting 😊 I appreciate it.
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If that is how he rolls I do hope she realizes it and is able to move on.
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Looks like he means business and it doesn’t look like a happy ending. Nicely written.
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It can’t be a happy ending for both of them, can it? Thanks for reading and commenting 😊
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I suspect he was unhappy for several years. Why? Who knows? Selfishness, having an affair, just not in love. In her place? Seeing it in his eyes and his bearing—I think I would have simply gotten up and walked out. No need to sit through what cannot be a good conversation.
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That’s all true. Thank you for these insightful comments.
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Seems to me that she’s better off without him. He sounds too cold and domineering for her. 🙂
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I’m sure she is, but will she ever believe it? Thanks 😊
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I get the feeling that she simply hasn’t been taking it board the way she was meant to. Sometimes when people refuse to grasp the situation, the other party resorts to delivering a hammer blow to simply get the deed done. I think that might be the case here.
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I wanted to show that sometimes our first impression can be off. He seems cruel, seen through her eyes, but yes, maybe he had just been driven to that hammer blow. Thank you for your thoughtful comments and thanks for reading.
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I get the impression he’s, like the weather, quite cold, but how do you break news like that warmly. This piece raised a lot of food for thought.
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Thank you, that’s what I was hoping to do.
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I don’t think there is a gently in that situation. As long as feelings remain, it’s going to be rough.
I like the summer/winter beginning/ending hot love/cold separation dynamic.
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Thank you! I worked on that. I’m glad it came through.
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If that’s his M.O., perhaps she’d have a more satisfying life without him. I can feel her shrinking inside of herself. Very good writing.
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Thank you! Unfortunately, WordPress sometimes notifies me of replies to my posts — and sometimes it doesn’t. I appreciate your comments.
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You are very welcome.
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Dear Genia,
I see him as cold and cruel. What a way to end a relationship. Talk about rubbing salt into an open wound. Well done. (the writing)
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aww I think it’s time she moved on. Sad after 10 years but I don’t think he loves her anymore 😢
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You’re right, she just needs to realize it. Thank you for your comments, Cathryn.
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I got the sense that he wasn’t about to tell her anything he hadn’t told her before, she perhaps just needs to accept its over.
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Yes, the more I worked on it, the more I thought maybe he’s not the Bad Guy after all. Thanks, Iain.
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I like the way you pick up that the floor to ceiling windows would be cold, and use that to help establish the mood. It’s satisfyingly indirect.
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Thank you, Penny! That makes me feel so good.
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I wonder whether he’s unfeeling, or whether she’s in denial
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To be honest, I’m wondering that myself. I may have to delve deeper. Thanks for reading!
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Ugh… Why be so mean as to do this where there was once so much joy. It’s cruel. But better rip off the bandaid now then keep something dead going.
Good one, Eugenia
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Thanks, Dale. I wonder if it’s a case of Bandaid ripping or that she’s just been refusing to admit it was over. He’s mean, but maybe he’s desperate to get through to her. We never know till we’re there, do we?
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