A story

for The Sunday Muse

 

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There was a time when she was one they envied. Outgoing, exuberant, not a care in the world. No matter what, she saw happiness even where they saw pain. 

Then one day she changed. Why nobody knew. She began to lead a monochrome existence in the technicolour world she’d created.

A shrug of her shoulders, a frown as she gazed to the ground, or a glance over her shoulder was as close as she ever came to expressing her feelings.

Inevitably her circle of acquaintances grew smaller, after all, many of them were only ever there to benefit from her joy and generosity.

A few genuine friends remained but despite their best efforts to withdraw her from the dark place where she dwelled, she resisted. They begged her to open up about what if anything had happened causing her to become so reserved.

But I know. And the pain I caused her is something I’ll regret to the day I die. What I did was unforgivable and even if she offered a hand as a gesture of forgiveness  I couldn’t bring myself to take it.

Please don’t ask me what happened. Thinking about what I did to her is more than I can bear, talking about it would, well…

It’s best I leave.

Disappear.

Now.  

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woman with yellow paint brush

28 thoughts on “A story

  1. Dee Min Jul 2, 2022 / 15:51

    Intriguing … left me asking “what did you do?!” Good one!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Helen Jul 2, 2022 / 16:07

    This is intriguing prose … and I am left wondering. Cheers.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. pensitivity101 Jul 2, 2022 / 17:01

    I’m reading it as you broke her heart………….. or worse and stole something more precious she was not ready to give. Sad story Keith.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. coalblack Jul 2, 2022 / 21:39

    I saw myself in your character–I seem to be technicolor at my best and monochrome when I’m not. People or life knock us down, but we don’t have to stay down. My view anyway.

    –Shay/Fireblossom

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Shawna Jul 2, 2022 / 23:17

    I think you illustrated precisely why she does not speak in refusing to illuminate yourself. Well done! The story is so much more interesting when you don’t divulge the particulars.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Carrie V. H. Jul 3, 2022 / 02:18

    I so enjoyed hearing you tell this Keith. It was captivating and leaves the reader/listener wanting more.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. messymimi's meanderings Jul 3, 2022 / 03:10

    It’s so sad, she’s letting the person who hurt her live in her mind, rent free, and it is costing her everything.

    Like

  8. Rob Kistner Jul 3, 2022 / 03:26

    This was wonderfully intriguing Keith. Well written…

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Staarlz Jul 3, 2022 / 10:30

    True or fiction it’s nonpareil. You could have been writing my story, except for the male character who is not you 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

      • Staarlz Jul 4, 2022 / 00:51

        Mere months way from 70, bad memories just go with the territory–no worries 🙂 And you’re most welcome, I’m glad to be Following you 🙂

        Like

  10. Jim Jul 3, 2022 / 21:58

    Keith, you read the prompt photo sooo very well. I wish all
    molesters and perverts would be so remorseful as your writer.
    ..

    Like

  11. Natasha Jul 5, 2022 / 10:54

    Leaves a lot to my fertile imagination, Keith…

    Brilliant! Heading to catch up on some humour now. 😉

    Like

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