Below is my 100-word story for Friday Fictioneers. The photo prompt this week is courtesy of ©Erin Leary.
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Photo-prompt for Friday Fictioneers 23/05/2014 ©Erin Leary
New Year’s Day
Julie had glanced back from the pub door last night as she left to relieve the babysitter. Another round of New Year’s Eve kisses started. Ed’s hand was on the mini-skirted bum of his friend’s sister, who responded willingly when he pulled her greedily towards him.
He would be home soon, full of ‘it was someone else’s fault’ excuses.
Outside, the winter sun seemed weak but it soon burned through the overnight fog.
The break-up would be tough on the children, and inevitably Ed would convince everyone that he was the victim.
But Julie’s nights of self-doubt and silent tears were over.
© Siobhán McNamara
siobhanmcnamara 
Good for Julie, just shake it of.
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Yes, Julie is stronger than she knows
Thanks for reading 🙂
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Dear Siobhán,
Good for Julie. It’s time for her to get on with her life, no matter what others think. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle, Julie is ready to move on
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Dear Siobahn,
An apt title and a good story. The children will only be convinced for the short term. In the end, he’ll have no one to blame..and no one.
Aloha,
Doug
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Thank you Doug 🙂
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Sounds like the right choice.. Ed seems to be a bastard.
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He certainly is. It just took Julie a while to admit it to herself
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Another fog lifting piece like Rochelle’s, but this time she’s better off without him and that winter sun will hopefully bring her a happy and successful life. Nice piece! Well done 🙂
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Thank you Jessie, I think she made the right choice 🙂
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The key is in the details – triumphant line, Ed convincing all he is the victim, that dark side of human nature.
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Thank you 🙂
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Good feeling of having turned a corner in her life I think. And what better time than New Year. Nicely done.
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The timing helped her I think. New year is a good time for big changes
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Good characters here! Sad story and SO well-told. Bravo!
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Thank you 🙂
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But Julie’s nights of self-doubt and silent tears were over.
Good for her. No more watching Ed’s hands on someone else’s bum and feeling like she’s not good enough! Well done.
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Thank you Alicia 🙂
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The change in perspective here as she leaves is really powerful, as we quickly realize the nature of her relationship with Ed. Well told.
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Thank you 🙂
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I like the way your title foreshadowed the story and the realistic way you told it. Her resolution came through loud and clear, something she’d been thinking already from the sound of it and this “little” incident was simply the last straw. Deftly done, Siobhan.
janet
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Thank you Janet 🙂
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I like how you contrast the two characters, both in their actions and their endings. Sounds like it’s time for her to take this step. You make it clear that this isn’t his first offence.
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Thank you, she is certainly ready to move on 🙂
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New year, new start.
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New year is always a good time to move on with life 🙂
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An interesting take. “The fog lifting” I assume. Nicely done.
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Thank you 🙂
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New year, new life. Why not?
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Thank you Patrick 🙂
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Empowered and strong. A well told story
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Thank you 🙂
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There comes a tipping point, doesn’t there? Well done – a great read.
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There certainly does. Thanks for reading 🙂
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So happy that the fog lifted for her and new year really came in-hope she kicks that Ed to the other end of the world!A fantastic tale Siobhan 🙂
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Yes the fog has lifted for Julie!
Thanks for reading 🙂
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🙂
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A brilliantly written story – it seems she’s going to be a victim but ends up taking control of the situation. Realistic and powerful. Great stuff.
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Thank you 🙂
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Excellent. The first step is the hardest. Especially with kids. I used to wonder why a woman stayed with a certain man, why not leave him? Then, I was there. But, once you make up your mind there’s a great deal of relief. Well done, Lucy
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Thank you Lucy 🙂
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Go forth Julie, be Free & never look back.
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🙂
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May your character never lose her resolve. Good story.
All my best,
Marie Gail
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Thank you 🙂
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very well-written. i’m happy for julie. who cares what others think… it’s her happiness, her freedom and her sanity that’s more important. 🙂
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Thank you K.Z.
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Dear Siobhán, I love it! I think Ed is a stinker and he not only has roving eyes, but roving hands. I’m glad Julie has wised up! Well done! Nan 🙂
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Thank you Nan 🙂
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Sounds like Julie’ getting control of the situation.
I like the sun burning through the fog, just like the fog in Julie’s mind has cleared and she sees the situation for what it is and she now knows what to do,
Nice one!
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Thank you 🙂
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