IAIN KELLY

HAPPY THOUGHTS

She stood contemplating the display of strange ornaments.

The yellow one would have the most impact, but was too heavy for her to wield.

The ornate one was too flimsy.

The stumpy one too short.

The blue one seemed perfect, but she noticed a crack around the trunk.

She settled on the red one – perfect size, weight and shape. A long handle and thick top, perfect for bludgeoning. It helped that the blood would blend in.

‘Darling,’ her husband’s voice interrupted her daydream. ‘Do pay attention when I’m talking to you.’

‘Sorry, dear,’ she replied with a smile.

saltaire-sarah-ann-hall
Copyright Sarah Ann Hall

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

117 responses to “HAPPY THOUGHTS”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    Here’s your rat poison, dear

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I suspect it’s not the first time she’s thought about it, or alternative methods.

      Like

      Reply
  2. Moon Avatar
    Moon

    Nice euphemism, Iain .
    Wonder why she wants to wield them! Hmmmm. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I can’t imagine 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  3. MrBinks Avatar
    MrBinks

    ha, very good!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  4. trentpmcd Avatar
    trentpmcd

    Happy thoughts indeed…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s nice to fantasise once in a while.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. trentpmcd Avatar
        trentpmcd

        I guess fantasizing about it keeps one from doing it 😉

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        For now….

        Liked by 1 person

  5. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    Oh, she was paying attention, all right. Just not to soon-to-be-deceased hubby 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Concentrating on what is important I think! Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Varad Avatar
    Varad

    Loved the title, Iain. Very befitting. 😀 I was wondering if the line starting with ‘She settled on…’ would have been better used as the last line.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Varad. I like the line where it is – revealing the use of the weapon before revealing the likely recipient.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Edith M. Field Avatar
        Edith M. Field

        I like the line where it is, with the focus on the last in the list of ornaments under consideration for her purpose. At the moment she decides this is the one, her husband’s words break into her thoughts. I love that last line – so sweetly spoken, so caring. Such a powerful contrast with what’s been going through her mind! A brilliant story, Iain. I loved it!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        Thank you Edith, glad you liked it 🙂

        Like

  7. yarnspinnerr Avatar
    yarnspinnerr

    🙂 Wonderful ominous read.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    Dreams sometimes come true, daydreams too. Hubby is heading for a nightmare!

    Click to read my FriFic!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Keith – I think he is sleepwalking into it!

      Like

      Reply
  9. Claire Fuller Avatar
    Claire Fuller

    What would Friday Fictioneers be without a little bludgeoning? I like it.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      In truth, it’s because I wasn’t sure what these objects were, but I knew a good use they could be put to! Thanks Claire

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. ceayr Avatar
    ceayr

    A 100-word masterpiece, Iain.
    Cleverly conceived and superbly crafted.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      High praise, thank you.

      Like

      Reply
  11. scr4pl80 Avatar
    scr4pl80

    Not so darling is she?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Not in the least – he doesn’t seem to have noticed tough!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. J. E. Kennedy Avatar
    J. E. Kennedy

    Great piece Iain. I think I can relate a little too well. Ha 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I hope your partner isn’t in any immediate danger! Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. J. E. Kennedy Avatar
        J. E. Kennedy

        Luckily for him he’s an ex-partner now 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  13. joyroses13 Avatar
    joyroses13

    Oh if he only knew her thoughts! Will he figure it out before its too late!? 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I don’t think he pays much regard to her thoughts – which is the problem and also his downfall! Thanks Joy 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. Reena Saxena Avatar
    Reena Saxena

    I like the way you combine ornaments and tools – and the purpose they would serve.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Reena

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. Lavanya Avatar
    Lavanya

    She sounds very like how I switch off when ppl go blah around me. Nicely done, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I hope you never act on your thoughts if they are like hers! 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  16. rgayer55 Avatar
    rgayer55

    I hope my wife doesn’t reat this one. We’ve got far too many vases in this house.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      So long as she just thinks it – would be a waste of a good vase after all.

      Like

      Reply
  17. J Hardy Carroll Avatar
    J Hardy Carroll

    Good stuff

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. James Avatar
    James

    She always gets a gleam in her eye when she’s contemplating murder.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      And her eyes have been gleaming a lot recently.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. James Avatar
        James

        I think I’d pass on a relationship with her.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. bbryanthomas Avatar
    bbryanthomas

    Pleasant thoughts

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      A harmless daydream?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. bbryanthomas Avatar
        bbryanthomas

        Who knows?

        Liked by 1 person

  20. Mrs. Completely Avatar
    Mrs. Completely

    I think I’ve entertain that daydream on occasion myself. :o) Love the story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    A lovely example of a ‘list’ story. You carry it off beautifully!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. magarisa Avatar
    magarisa

    I like her logic. My favourite line: ‘It helped that the blood would blend in.’ 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Well , you know, it’s the little things that help! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. Jelli Avatar
    Jelli

    Oh, that is another vicious one… the blood blending in… love that line!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Jelli 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  24. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    Some afternoon hemlock maybe?
    That pillow looks great for smothering… so many opportunities.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      How the mind can wander…

      Like

      Reply
  25. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar
    Alicia Jamtaas

    And here I thought this would be an upbeat piece! Happy Thoughts indeed. Although I do suspect it depends on which side of those thoughts you reside. Well done, Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Absolutely – she’s happy, so it’s upbeat for her at least! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  26. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain

    She’s nothing if not practical. Well done.

    Shalom

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle – everything has it’s use 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  27. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Oh so well done, Iain! Loved the title and the thoughts… may they not become actions – unless of course, he totally deserves it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dale – I’m not sure he deserves death, but it’s nice to let the mind wander sometimes!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        Hey, much as I loved my hubby, I cannot lie and say a nefarious thought never crossed my mind… 😎

        Liked by 1 person

  28. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    Ah, decisions decisions… deliciously dark and premeditated 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s important to get the details right!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. Kelvin M. Knight's blog Avatar
    Kelvin M. Knight’s blog

    I knew it, I knew it…. twas still fun to read though. Sometimes, the twist is no twist.

    On a separate note, Iain, I nosed around in your Kindle book and was wondering how many flash fiction stories it contains, and are they all under 100 words?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Kelvin. It contains about 100 stories roughly, but they range from 100 words to some longer pieces – I think about 3000 words is the longest one.

      Like

      Reply
  30. neeltheauthor Avatar
    neeltheauthor

    I liked the cold bloodedness that came through. A masterpiece in 100 words, Kelly.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neel

      Like

      Reply
  31. Alice Audrey Avatar
    Alice Audrey

    If he only knew.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      One day, he might find out!

      Like

      Reply
  32. Vinay Leo R. Avatar
    Vinay Leo R.

    She was paying attention to him, just not the way he expected. 😉 Liked it! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  33. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Ha! Now there is a dangerous daydream !

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      For hubby certainly!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  34. Vivian Zems Avatar
    Vivian Zems

    Killers abound! She needs advice from my murderer – especially in body disposal.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Could use the advice – her daydream hasn’t got that far yet.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Vivian Zems Avatar
        Vivian Zems

        It’ll grow…I’m sure.

        Liked by 1 person

  35. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    Daydream into reality? Love the way you wrote this. The interruption at the perfect time.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I think there’s every chance it may become reality one day soon… 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  36. Fatima Fakier Avatar
    Fatima Fakier

    Well she definitely won’t get away with saying she murdered in a moment of rage. Or she might, with a poor justice system. But definitely pre-meditated for sure!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      So long as she keeps her thoughts to herself 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  37. Akshata Ram Avatar
    Akshata Ram

    Dangerous thoughts – what did the poor husband do to deserve this?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I get the impression he is just a bit of a bore lol.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  38. Norma Avatar
    Norma

    Oh, poor hubby. Happy indeed for her. I hope its only the thoughts that make her happy.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Up to this point it is, but who knows what will happen next?!

      Like

      Reply
  39. Liz Young Avatar
    Liz Young

    Pompous twit deserves what’s coming to him!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Liz 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  40. Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist Avatar
    Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

    Watch out hubby.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Quite!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  41. Susan A Eames Avatar
    Susan A Eames

    Oh, I like that – subtly creepy!
    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Susan.

      Like

      Reply
  42. Inside the Mind of Isadora Avatar
    Inside the Mind of Isadora

    Oh my … I hope that her thoughts don’t turn into actions. I like the way she was trying to figure out which one to use. Great story and take on the photo prompt, lain.
    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Isadora. For now, it’s just a fantasy. In the future, well….!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  43. tedstrutz Avatar
    tedstrutz

    Wicked take on the prompt photo. Love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Ted 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  44. Sarah Ann Avatar
    Sarah Ann

    I think he should have been the one paying more attention. 🙂 I wonder how soon she’ll act.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Who knows? Maybe it will remain a dream, unless he does something more to warrant it.

      Like

      Reply
  45. yuhublogger Avatar
    yuhublogger

    Oh dear! Poor guy. A fantastic read!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  46. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    As soon as I read ‘too heavy for her to wield’, I guessed a husband was about to die – or is she just daydreaming? I like the thought she’s putting into the whole process – good planning is key. Apparently. Great tale, Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Lynn. I think just a daydream, for now…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Lynn Love Avatar
        Lynn Love

        A disturbing one though 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  47. spicedmullings Avatar
    spicedmullings

    I hope she was just fantasizing and not planning a future event!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      For the moment… 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  48. michaelwynnauthor Avatar
    michaelwynnauthor

    Ha. I think we must ll indulge in these types of daydreams at some time or other

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It would be a strange person who didn’t. Thanks Michael.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  49. mandibelle16 Avatar
    mandibelle16

    That’s really funny. He is boring her to death and she’s choosing the best vase as a murder weapon. Hypothetically of course but I think many married people could relate 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Without a doubt! Thanks Mandi 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  50. lingeringvisions by Dawn Avatar
    lingeringvisions by Dawn

    Aaahhh the things we day dream about when we are not paying attention…
    Good story Lain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dawn

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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