I’ve missed writing 100-word stories with Friday Fictioneers, so this week, I’m doing something about it. My story follows the photo prompt.
Light the Fire Again
Another long night. She waited—waited for his return; a lame excuse; the scent of perfume. Her heart had broken a thousand times, scar tissue all that was left.
She lit the candles on the side table, her gaze caught by the flickering flame. How did love, as warm and bright as this light, die? She watched as the puddle of wax formed, then snuffed the flame and watched it solidify. She wondered if a rekindled flame could melt her hardened heart.
His key unlocked the door, and there he stood, an armful of flowers. Their eyes met, tears fell.
Everyone is welcome to participate, instructions can be found here.
Thank you, Rochelle, for hosting Friday Fictioneers.
Very well written. Nice love story with a good ending (I think?).
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Thanks, Mike, I hope it’s a happy ending. 🙂
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Dear Patti,
I’m not so sure this is a happy ending. But perhaps it’s a beginning. One bundle of flowers wouldn’t do it for me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like to think there’s always hope, Rochelle. Shalom.
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Dear Pattisj,
The wax is melting. A heartwarming ending to follow a cold beginning. Well done. You make me pull for them, which is exactly what a good story does.
Aloha,
Doug
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Thank you, Doug, for such kind words. I hope they can make it work.
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i don’t believe it for a second. he was trying to cover his stepping-out tracks is all…
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LOL Theresa. I think I dated this guy…
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A few flowers for a thousand heartbreaks? The maths ain’t right. Where’s her mum in all this? She needs support.
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Hopefully it’s a start and he’ll come to his senses, Patrick. 🙂
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Nice one! Leaves us to write the rest of the story. I like TexWisGirl’s train of thought. 🙂
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So many relationships end badly. I hope they don’t stop trying, Elizabeth.
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Lovely story. Well done. 🙂
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Thanks, E.C! 🙂
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I agree with the others- no amount of flowers can cover for the damage he’s caused. It breaks my heart, as a few of my friends have experienced similar trauma. However, your poetic similes with the candle brought beauty to the pain. Very well done.
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Thank you for weighing in, artfullyadelie. I appreciate your thoughts and kind words.
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Beautiful story and I love the accompanying photo. Nothing quite as soft and peaceful as candlelight.
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The candlelight set the mood for me, Angelia. Thank you.
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Awwww…it’s a love story 🙂
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Imagine that, Dawn! 🙂
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I love a love story 🙂
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This was set up to be a sad story, but I see the ending as hopeful. Not quite a happy ending, but flowers and an open heart make for a good start.
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Yes, I don’t want her to give up hope, Janna.
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I find the comments interesting. The men pull for him, and most of the women don’t trust his motives. Your story evokes emotion, a sign of great writing.
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Thanks, Russell. I appreciate your affirmations.
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Exquisite.
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Thanks, Trece.
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I like the metaphor of hardening wax and heart.
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Thank you, Liz.
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Patti, Good and well-written story. That’s a beginning, but I’d make him go for counselling to show he means it this time. And no more smell of perfume on him when he comes home. 😦 Well done. 🙂 —Susan
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Thanks, Susan. 🙂
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Good writing. You have us in suspense right through the last line. We are still asking ourselves: are the tears falling because all is turning around as it should, or are they falling because they’re still going to be living the same lie, and she feels there’s no way out? Maybe you could get a sequel out of this and let us know for sure.
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Thanks, Sandra. 🙂
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Patti, I love happy endings–well done!
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
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Thanks, Wendy. 🙂
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I like it Patti! I would have to tell him he could keep his flowers and show him back out the door! I’d be changing the locks too,
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LOL So many in this situation feel so helpless, that there’s no way out. Or they think they deserve such treatment. She needs you for a neighbor, Pix. 🙂
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scar tissue all that was left . . . watched it solidify. Interesting – the thought of scar tissue and solidify wax. Much the same texture.
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I hadn’t thought of the texture, Alicia, thanks for the comment.
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Dear Patti, Love your story! And, he brings her flowers, I hope he is a changed guy and doesn’t keep falling backwards into his old ways. Very good story! Thanks! Nan 😉
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