It was a beautiful morning. The sunshine streamed in through the window. The flowers were in full bloom and gladdened her heart. Dolores put on her favourite lace dress and took care over her make-up and hair.
Today, Thomas was expected back and she was sure he would come with a proposal.
Then Matilda had brought the letter.
‘Dear Dolores,’ he had written. Not his usual loving opening, Dolores thought. ‘I hope this finds you well.’
Dolores felt a knot in her stomach. She scanned the rest of the page. Words jumped out at her: ‘ill-advised;’ ‘drunken;’ ‘one night;’ ‘pregnant;’ ‘duty.’
She slumped in a chair. Another victim of the war.
Everything that had seemed beautiful moments before seemed ugly to her now. She rose from her chair and picked up a fine China teapot. She let it fall onto the wooden floor. It smashed. The destruction felt good. A teacup followed. Saucers. A coffee pot. Finally, the vase of flowers.
It may not bring Thomas back to her, but Dolores felt much better.
Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story, in around 150 words based on the weekly photo prompt. For more information visit HERE.
To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
So many are left single by war, but this was cowardness.
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You smash that damn crockery, Delores. Man I love how you write her frantic reading, it’s brilliant.
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Thanks Jac, felt good just writing about smashing stuff up! 🙂
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Oh, this is very good. Love the way you hint at his indescretion, without having to spell it out for us. And a bit of crockery smashing is the perfect response. Great tale
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Thanks Lynn, sometimes it helps just to smash something up 🙂
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A good feeling – and better than aiming that frustration at the cat! 🙂
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Love the slow buildup like a lamb being led to slaughter. Also the last acts, her way to lessen the pain. Iain, well done, your usual self.
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Only much later did Dolores realize she’d have to clean up the mess, alas.
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Very true, but I reckon she thought it was worth it!
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Smashing crockery is a great relief. Too bad she can’t take a swing at Thomas!
Great response to the prompt and so very true of the era!
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In the absence of Thomas, crockery will have to do! Many thanks 🙂
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I know that type of anger and you described it very well! This story is awesome, Iain! All of her anger and disappointment taken out on the fine china. Love it!
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Thanks PJ, it was fun just writing about smashing up the fine china 🙂
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LOL! I’m sure it was fun! Hahaha!
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Excellent, especially the crockery smashing.
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Thanks Shehanne 🙂
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Heartbreaking. I love how you made Dolores go into a smashing frenzy. It really brings out the pain that she must have been feeling in that moment.
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Thanks Jade, pain and a need to get rid of her anger I think.
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Its what makes you feel better isn’t it….sad when these things happen to take away from a life…
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Thanks for reading Michael. Sometimes everyone just needs a release.
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A heart rending take on the prompt…so very effective…and the crescendo of breaking crockery…cannot think of a better way to end it. Beautiful, Iain.
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Very kind, many thanks.
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I loved this! Comedy in tragedy – very well done 🙂
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Thanks Dahlia, glad you saw the comedy in there as well as the downside 🙂
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She must have really loved this guy. It would be disappointing and hurtful to find out he had to do his duty due to a one night stand. I bet you she thinks he’s more than a moron. Can completely understand her throwing stuff and breaking it. The fact that it’s fine China, all the better smash. Great job 🙂
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Many thanks, it helps to let some frustration out, although she might regret it when she calms down…
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‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’. Dolores has lost the man she loved due to a one night stand, and has made a great start in venting her anger. The best China didn’t stand a chance! I love the scene you describe here, Iain. Well done.
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Many thanks Millie.
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Good job!
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I would imagine this did happen, right down to the broken dishes.
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Thanks Dawn, I like to think so.
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A smashing story! Really enjoyed it.
My story is called Dear Jane
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Thanks Keith
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Sad take on the prompt and nicely done.
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Many thanks
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well, what a perfectly good waste of china! Good story though
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Thanks, it made her feel better at least.
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I loved how you had her vent the anger! Well done.
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Thanks Roger. Something about the picture made me want her to get up and break things!
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