The rose garden

PHOTO PROMPT © Sarah Potter

They were in full bloom now. Red. Pink. White. Yellow roses had been Anna-May’s favourite. A bouquet of fresh buttery roses always cheered her up. Especially after they argued. Shame flushed through him as he remembered. Raised fists. Hurt and anger. Sobering shame. She always forgave him. Until that day her skull cracked. He had wiped the kitchen wall clean of her blood and his tears and got the shovel from her garden shed. He glanced at the ground beneath the rose bushes. Now Anna-May would always have her yellow roses near her. And she would always be his.

99 words

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The Challenge is to write a story in 100 words or less. Submit your flash fiction to the frog link below and read what other’s have written too. Thanks to Sarah Potter for her photo prompt contribution.

Responses

  1. Iain Kelly avatar

    At least he felt some shame about it. Still a monster though.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      They usually do feel bad about it… but they always choose to save themselves in the end.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. draliman avatar

    Chilling. I feel that his shame was only ever temporary. He seems happy enough now… I hope no-one else joins her.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      I think she will be the only one. Until a nee missus shows up that is.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. neilmacdon avatar

    Great character piece, Fatima

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you, Neil!

      Like

  4. plaridel avatar

    the rule of thumb is once he hurts you, it’s time to leave. otherwise, the cycle of abuse will continue.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      It is very difficult to get out of that cycle. And dangerous too if not done with adequate support.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Susan A Eames avatar

    Such a sad story. Too late for her to realise that she should have walked away instead of constantly forgiving his behaviour.

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      The sooner she walked away, the better it would have been. Thank you, Susan.

      Like

  6. rochellewisoff avatar

    Dear Fatima,

    It’s hard to feel sorry for him. Terrible way to end an argument. Well written.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      I don’t blame you, Rochelle. Thank you for your comment!

      Like

  7. James McEwan avatar

    When things go too far, regret can never be forgiven in this case. A sad story that brings out the awfulness of domestic violence.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      From the outside, it is difficult to understand why women stay. But it is a very difficult cycle to break out of. And needs adequate support. Thank you, James.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. jwdwrites avatar

    Grisly but good 😁

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Dale avatar

    They are always so sorry… The poor women who can’t get away for whatever reason. Well done piece, Fatima.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      They always feel shame and regret but it isn’t enough for them to realise they’re no good for their partners. Thank you, Dale!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale avatar

        Indeed!

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Keith's Ramblings avatar

    A tragic tale indeed.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you, Keith.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. msjadeli avatar

    Chilling story especially how he justifies what he’s done. So scary!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Sascha Darlington avatar

    It is chilling that he acknowledges she will never leave him now.

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to plaridel Cancel reply