Still writing out my darker side, this time for FFfAW #97
Photo: Louise @ The Storyteller’s Abode.
Jean thought the river cruise might re-spark their relationship; a romantic, 2 weeks on the water, focusing on wine and history, two of Al’s favourite pursuits. After receiving the gift, he grumped down to his workshop at the bottom of the garden. Staying there til Jean fell asleep reading travel guides or historical mysteries.
Eventually, Al’s project calmed him – he was less prone to angry outbursts and childish tantrums. He even became amorous again, nuzzling her neck while she cooked or did the dishes, and whispering naughtiness in her ear.
Well worth the cost, Jean thought, as Al handed her the remote control, and the cruise was still a week or so away. Al locked himself away for a few days in his study. Jean could hear him whistling, humming and tapping on the keyboard.
Friends and family saw them off at the docks remarking how happy Jean looked and relaxed Al was.
Only two days into the cruise, terrorists blew the boat right out of the water. A manifesto, by a previously unknown group, claimed responsibility. Sadly Al couldn’t be buried next to Jean; his body was never found.
(c) Lorraine
January 14, 2017 at 3:58 pm
I’m sure there are less explosive ways to end your marriage! Al must have been incredibly desperate to go to such lengths. Good story, Lorraine. :)
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January 14, 2017 at 4:07 pm
I was still writing on the dark side and Jean paid the price.
Thanks for the compliment, even if Al’s methods were extreme.
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January 12, 2017 at 6:44 pm
Surprise ending! Such a shame to have their anticipated renewed relationship end so tragically. At least they were happy for a short while before the end. Dark story, but a good one. :)
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January 13, 2017 at 1:32 pm
Thanks — I was writing out from my dark side — needed to get some darkness out. Jean and the rest of the ship were the “collateral damage” I’m afraid.
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January 12, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Oh wow, surprise ending! Al was up to no good on that study, his poor wife. She only wanted him to be nice and pay attention to her. And all those people he killed, yikes!
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January 13, 2017 at 1:35 pm
I was writing out some of my darkness, and unfortunately Jean and the other tourists were the cost. I don’t usually end my stories in mass mayhem and carnage — at least I like to think I don’t.
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January 13, 2017 at 4:27 pm
No worries, sometimes we need both, light comes from darkness.
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January 13, 2017 at 6:36 pm
True — there can not be darkness without light. And in our life, we turn the light into darkness.
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January 13, 2017 at 7:45 pm
😀🔥
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January 10, 2017 at 6:03 pm
Ouch! A chilly tale well told.
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January 10, 2017 at 11:43 pm
Thanks. It’s that dark side of mine that can take a sunny photo of two river cruise boats and . . .
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January 10, 2017 at 4:55 pm
Very chilling! I think Al executed his plan to get rid of his wife and get away with it. Otherwise they would have found his body. Wonderful story!
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January 10, 2017 at 5:01 pm
Thanks – I’m still writing from my darker side, hence Al’s answer to divorce.
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January 10, 2017 at 4:17 pm
LOL – right, how inappropriate is my reaction?
But seriously, I can’t help it – because that was so unexpected and yet it works so well as a plot device!
And just enough questions – did he or didn’t he – and the lingering aftertaste of not knowing – is just the right hook to keep one wondering ….
well done!
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January 10, 2017 at 4:39 pm
Thanks — another piece from the harder side — black humour is allowed, lol
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January 10, 2017 at 4:45 pm
LOL – black humour? Love it. I’m thinking maybe it might do to change my name: imagine introducing yourself as such, “Hi, my name is Black Humour” …. seriously. LOL
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January 10, 2017 at 4:56 pm
The story potential alone is amazing.
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January 10, 2017 at 5:02 pm
LOL …. well off we run …. and just so you know, I replied to your email this morning, BUT no pressure or anything, as usual …. so carry on as best works for you in this moment and today :)
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January 10, 2017 at 5:05 pm
I’ve read it twice — and started to reply. I went to the pain clinic today so I’m in pain from their trying to cause extra pain. Later today I think I’ll be able to finish it.
Got to stop commenting now — computer usage adds to the pain sometimes.
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January 10, 2017 at 5:11 pm
no hurries my friend – just take care of you … and I get it …. about the computer …. extra extra hugs ….. ((((((((Lorraine)))) …. rest
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January 10, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Goodness Lorraine but that was all rather grim wasn’t it….wouldn’t it have been less messy to simply divorce her?
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January 10, 2017 at 4:29 pm
Not in Al’s rather twisted mind. Grim is the style of the day, I’m afraid.
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January 10, 2017 at 4:31 pm
LOL…..I so wonder what goes on in that mind of yours….your therapist would rub his/her hands together at the prospect of exploring your blowing up boats and spouses…
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January 10, 2017 at 4:37 pm
yes, it’s probably good she doesn’t read my blog and we don’t talk a lot about it.
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January 10, 2017 at 4:47 pm
Well I guess you have to have some private side to you…lol….
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January 10, 2017 at 4:55 pm
Oh, she does know things that I’ve never told anyone else — so I do let her into some of my private life, lol.
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January 10, 2017 at 4:56 pm
Well I wont breathe a word of your blog to her…..
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January 10, 2017 at 5:00 pm
Thanks — I’m not sure she is ready for this yet. I do make her laugh a lot — not sure one should make their therapist chuckle, lol.
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January 10, 2017 at 3:25 pm
I could sense All was up to something, but didn’t see that coming, quite a way to get out of a marriage! Great fun.
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