Time for another entry in Friday Fictioneers challenge, courtesy of Rochelle Wissof-Fields. If you want to give it a try, check the info on her blog. 100 words more or less, inspired by a photo, here we go….
Copyright – Janet Webb
There is a price to be paid when you fall for the illusion that the grass is greener on the other side. A casual glance, a not so casual touch, a foolishly insignificant affair…
Rose left her husband one late summer afternoon, seeking her long gone youth between her gardener’s thighs. Four months later, with both her wallet and her heart broken, the walls of a cheap hotel room started closing in.
“The winter is coming.” she said.
“Come home.” her husband said.
Once beautiful, now withered, the flowers were still there.
She said: “I don’t deserve you.”
He said: “It’s Christmas.”
Snow's Fissures and Fractures 
Dear Loré,
She’d be a fool not to go back to her husband. I think, at some time or another, we all look back and wonder what happened to youth. Some make tragic mistakes.
Beautifully written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle. I wonder between the two of them who is a bigger fool?
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Dear Lore,
It’s never easy to come home, but it sounds as though that is exactly where she needs to be. Lovely story.
Marie Gail
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She’ll only back if the husband takes her back. Sounds as if she has a lot of making up to do. Can he ever trust her again?
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Who knows what the future brings. Everything looks nice under the Christmas lights. Thank you, I am happy you liked it.
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You really put the “awww factor” in this story. Well done! Let’s hope all works out for them.
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Thank you for the “awwww factor” comment. I never aim for that, don’t really like sappy love stories. So, to hear I achieved it without going over the top, that is rewarding.
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I hear ya! I’m not much for the sappy love stuff either. 🙂
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I firmly believe everyone deserves a second chance. Well done.
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Thank you, Alicia. I too believe in second chances. But they only work if we forgive and let go.
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I think a wasted garden is a small cost for getting home to Christmas.. I really hope they could make a new start… (without a gardener)
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I think she was lucky…but let’s wait till the Easter. 😀
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Lovely story, though I don’t think she should go back. I suspect she will never feel good about herself within the marriage. Well done for writing a story that provokes many different responses
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Thank you for recognizing my true intentions. Much appreciated.
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I don’t think she’s a fool, I agree with Rochelle. She should go back. It happens, I feel bad for her and her desire is almost charming. Maybe just one time would be better though.
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I don’t really know what would be better, it depends on so many different things. But I like all the comments and opinions I get. Thank you.
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WIsh all spouses could be as large hearted! I really liked your story, Lore!
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Thank you, that means a lot.
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There’s no fool like an old fool. They’ll muddle through some how, won’t they? The heartbreak is terrific in this one. Nicely done.
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People go through worse things and get to the other side. There is always hope. Thank you1
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Dear Lore, He did say “It’s Christmas” so I hope she goes home. There is a lot of sadness in this story and thank God everyone doesn’t act on a whim. Good job! Nan 🙂
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Thank you, Nan. When dealing with problems, we need to keep our cool. Maybe they’ll make through these tough times.
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She was foolish and impulsive,wasn’t she? I’m glad they reconciled. She did her penance in the hotel room and realises her error. You’ve shown the complexity of her feelings well here.
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Your comments are always much appreciated, especially your ability to read between the lines. Thank you, Margaret.
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Mercy is the greatest Christmas gift. This story opens itself to a lot of twists and turns for the future of this couple.
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I agree, who knows where that road will take them.
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Yes indeed!
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🙂
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A cautionary tale with a happy ending!
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Thank you.
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Forgiveness is divine and some men are lovely as well as this story.
Lily
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Thank you.
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Dear Lore,
Your story illustrates, from a woman’s POV, what I hear far more often from the men’s POV. It was interesting to note that your male character asked his wife to come home. Interesting in that you, the author put those words into a male’s mind and had them issuing from his mouth. At the very least, you made men look a little better than they usually do.
There was deep feeling and shallow desires, self realization and the Damocles’ Sword of consequences despite her being asked to return home. An open ended story, as is all of life, whether we wish to acknowledge it or not. Well done.
Aloha,
Doug
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Every time I read your comments, I feel very proud that you connected with my stories. I think that is the greatest compliment someone can give me.
In my core I am a feminist, equal rights and opportunities for all. That’s why I like to challenge the stereotypes, to try and look the world from all perspectives. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but at least I try.
Thank you for recognizing that.
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And some do take them back even after being hurt. Beautifully written.
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Thank you, much appreciated.
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Her husband must really love her to give her a second chance. Hope it all works out for them. Good story.
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Who knows, every life story has endless possibilities.
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