Copyright–Douglas M. Macilroy
Here we are this week, gathered in the virtual insect house of the town zoo. This was Doug Macilroy’s idea. The spiders have just been fed. Good thing we’ve already eaten lunch. We’re here to discuss our original stories for Friday Fictioneers. Our gracious and talented hostess for this gathering is author and artist Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The weekly challenge for this group is to write a story with no more than 100 words. It’s supposed to have a beginning, middle, end, and follow the picture prompt for the week. This week’s prompt was supplied by Douglas M. Macilroy. Thanks again Doug. Happy Holidays to all!
The link for all other stories is as follows:
http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/2014/12/17/19-december-2014/
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100 Words
TRAPPED By P.S. Joshi
Beth felt trapped. When she married him, Greg was sweet. His parents expected a lot from him, and he made them proud. He strived and became successful.
Added duties of his company job in Client Relations meant entertaining new clients. This included cocktail parties.
Beth found alcohol made him mean. Physical abuse to her, savage slaps and punches, began and escalated. Injured, she worried about their two children. Her parents were scared as well.
Finally, a concerned friend suggested she and the children go to a shelter. Trembling, she rapidly packed one afternoon, and her friend took them to safety.
Musings on Life & Experience 
Entomology is an abuse of sorts. A very different on this prompt.
Excellent. 🙂
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I wonder did he change or was he like this all along and kept it hidden until he “trapped” her.
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A different take on the prompt Susan. Anyway she’s out of his clutches now, and will hopefully remain so.
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This is altogether sad.. how alcohol and other reason can change a person.. the backside of success.. I hope she could find herself again.. too often even cases when going into sheltering end sadly..
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A wonderful take – being trapped inside a web of fear and abuse.
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It happens all too often. At least this woman was brave enough to leave.
MG
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Trapped and abusive – nice links to the photo prompt.
Cheers
KT
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Quite a good take on the prompt equating the trapped nature of the bug with that of the wife. I wouldn’t mind having that job in client relations either!
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Sounds like was a good idea to get out while she could.
Claire
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Dear Susan,
Oh, I thought this story was headed towards a poisoning and just desserts for him and her. Realism is far more gritty than fictional ending, though. Well done.
Aloha,
Doug
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Nice take on the prompt photo. I hope she keeps strong and stays away from him.
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Great story! I was happy that she got out of it. You included the spider, bug, and web. Do you think the marriage was the web or the parents? Just curious.
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Thanks Priceless. I’m so glad you liked the story. I think the parents have encouraged the web by probably not seeing any faults in their son. He has a mean streak. Drinking brings it out, because many people can drink without beating up on others. Beating someone weaker than yourself is also cowardice. The marriage has become the web. — Suzanne
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Thank you Suzanne! That makes sense!
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You’re welcome. I thought about it and it made sense to me. 🙂
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A thoughtful piece. Thank god there are some shelters around. But I wish there were more and better funded and publicised. And I wish that there were no need for them.
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A great take on the prompt. Caught in the web, he was sucking the life out of her, literally. Well done, Susan.
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At least she got out! It’s a sad web to be trapped in. Nice job Suzanne.
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A nicely paced piece of fiction. You managed to fit in quite a bit in so very few words. The shelter took me by surprise at the end a little. As Doug indicated, I was all geared up for a poisoning or some other brutal ending!!!
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This is a fantastically restrained piece which played with my emotions beautifully.
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Good thing there’s shelters and friends. It’s that time of year for parties and alcohol. Hope we all know how to handle both. Good to be reminded.
Lily
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Sad story, but fell well told in a hundred words. I’m glad they made it out to safety. Well done.
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Thanks Amy. Yes, it was sad. I felt they should have a happy ending, getting out of that terrible situation. I’m very pleased you liked the story. — Suzanne
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I remember reading this now! It must have inspired me to write my abuse story. Yea, this guy was a real cockroach! Ha!
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He sure was! He really needed help. Now his parents have to try and help him, or get him help. He’s all their’s again. — Suzanne
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Loved that you used the spider to represent the abuser. Excellent work.
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Thanks M. That idea just came to me when I saw the insect caught in the web. I also thought it would be more interesting than just commenting on the spider and victim. I’m so pleased you liked the story. Thanks for the encouragement. I really appreciate it. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Interesting piece – especially since I do have an interest in insects! Where is the photo taken at the top of your blog page? It’s awesome!
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Thanks Noelle. I’m so pleased you liked the story. That photo was taken by one of the writers in our Friday Fictioneer group, Doug Macilroy. He lives in Hawaii and saw the spider and cockroach on a web between the legs of his telescope’s tripod. He hurried to get his iPod and took the photo. He then sent it into the blog to be used as a future photo prompt. 🙂 — Suzanne
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