Prompted by: Mary Ellen
Iraq.
It took more than just his legs. So much more. It stole the man I loved. A piece of my heart.
Okay, that’s a complete and utter lie.
It stole the man I still love. Ripped out my entire heart. Left behind a raw, gaping hole I’ve never been able to fill.
I hate Iraq.
It’s been a decade.
Over a decade.
Ten years. Seven months. Thirteen days…
He froze in the doorway and growled, “You deserve better.”
“I don’t want better. Besides,” Wrapping my arms around his waist, I pressed my forehead between his shoulder blades. “I dig scars.”
His entire body tensed, taut as a bowstring. Then he turned toward me. Slowly. Painstakingly.
And I dared to hope. That he’d pull me close. Hold me tight. Promise me it would be okay.
Instead, he grabbed my shoulders and shoved me away, his mouth flattening into a stubborn line.
I knew exactly what he was about to say. Because he refused to meet my gaze. I wasn’t ready to hear it. I wasn’t prepared…
“We’re done.”
Fighting back tears, I choked out the words, “You don’t mean that.”
He meant it.
He left.
He didn’t once look back.
Little did he know…
I would never move on. I couldn’t. Not completely anyway.
He would always own me. I would always belong to him. And everyone else would pale in comparison.
Always.
It’s been over a decade since I’ve seen him.
He looks different. Leaner. Older. More worn in.
But nothing’s changed.
He’s still the sexiest man I’ve ever laid my eyes on.
I watch as he turns to leave.
“Tom.”
Not this time.
“I’ve missed you.”
I won’t let him.
What’s the prompt for next week, guys?
Make suggestions below. 7 words or less.
Aww! Fabulousness Mistress Ann!! Complete fabulousness!!
Prompt suggestion . . .
“Could you be any more stupid?”
Holy, lightning fast, Batman (a.k.a. Princess Jane haha)!!
And THAT is a fan-freakin’-tastic suggestion! 😀 😀 😀
Hugsss,
Ann
You know I’m always at my computer waiting for the exact second your flash fiction pops up!!
I love you, Princess. Dead serious. Super dead. Super serious. ♡♡♡
And I love you too!! (ɔ◔‿◔)ɔ ♥
Tom’s back! But man, poor Tom, she’s not going away so just give in to the love. *smiles* So good, Mistress Ann.
And I love Princess Jane’s prompt. So glad I wasn’t sipping my coffee when I read that:)
Prompt:
The tears wouldn’t stop.
“Follow me,” he said tersely.
Hahahaha, Queen Amanda!
All I can think about right now is “Ewww, like toe fungus!” Of course, nobody else knows what the heck I’m talking about so…
[insert crazy laugh here]
Thank you so much for the prompts!!
Hugs,
Ann
Thank you for the hope at the end of this story which is lovely as ever!
Nooo, Miss SC…
Thank YOU for commenting! And see? I can be nice and give readers hope once in a blue moon 😉
Hugs,
Ann
Whoa!! Love this! So many questions to that ending!
Prompts –
“I’m so confused” she said desperately.
I don’t think it should be different.
She glanced around before…
“Two flights of stairs?!”
Oooh, Miss Laura!
Those are some fantastic suggestions!!! And thank you! So happy you loved it 😀
Hugs,
Ann
Amazing! No pressure, but I will be expecting a perfect ending for this one next week Miss. Ann!!!!
Prompts:
If that’s the case…
That smile…
Aiya! There’s two Laura’s!! Oh, dear. I’m sure I’ve confused you ladies at some point…
*grins sheepishly*
Thank you very much for the awesome suggestions, Miss Laura! As for next week? Ooh! A squirrel!!
*runs away*
Tee hee.
Hi other Laura! Love your name! 😉
Are you the Laura who writes? If you are, I definitely love love love your stories!! If not, well, just ignore me. 🙃
Other Laura IS certainly the Laura who writes. I actually thought she just decided to negate her surname sometimes haha! I’m gonna call you ladies Writing Laura and Reading Laura now. 😉
Yeah, her stories are pretty stupendous, eh?
*content sigh*
I didn’t expect to meet Tom again. Now I really, really hope it wasn’t for the last time!
Even though it is short I can feel the hurt they both suffer. Great writing Miss Ann!
My prompts:
I slowly opened my eyes
There is no excuse for this!
Only a phone call away
Awww, shucks!
*blushes*
Thank youuu for the kind words, Miss Cat!! And those are super duper prompts! 😀 😀 😀
Hugs,
Ann
Awesome! But please a satisfying conclusion, please? For next week?
But, Miss Kara…
*pouts*
You know satisfying conclusions aren’t my strong point 😉
I’m a butt. I know. Please don’t leave me? Pleeeease??
Hugs,
Ann
You manage to get me every time… every dang time. Love it as usual.
Prompt ideas:
What it used to be
First off,
I’m with him
How did we get here
Swell…
Come on, right away?
I’m not surprised
The pain of my heart
I can’t wait
The only problem I’ve ever had
I’m not gonna get you
It’s been like this
Miss AnRo!
*tackle hugs*
I looooove your prompt suggestions! And so many to choose from!! Eeeek! And so happy you enjoyed the bit of brain vomit too, of course 😉
More hugs,
Ann
Ah, the other side. I do enjoy reading stories that address trauma. They are always so much more interesting!
Stories addressing trauma, you say?
*smiles wide and somewhat creepily*
Done.
( Thank you, Mr Matt! 😉 )
You’re welcome! Speaking of which (or not, I don’t know, you’re the writer!), my seven words for next week:
“They say you don’t dream in cryosleep…”
We’ve never gone SciFi before, eh? Hmm…
*smiles wide*
How do you do?! Suck us in with just a few words! Love, love, love.
Next week’s offering: ” Wider!”
Ah, Miss Des, you just make me…
*blushes profusely*
Thank you so much! And for the suggestion too!! 😀
Hugsss,
Ann