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Bernard and the Brimstone

Around and around we go.
You saying one thing, me saying another. 
Both staunch in our views. Nobody willing to back down. 

That’s how it used to be. I don’t want that anymore. 
I don’t want to fight. I don’t want to argue. I don’t want this combative version of us.

I see you. Cheeks rouged from rage. The heat of the brimstone hitting my face.
But I won’t rise to it. Not this time. I’ll let you have it if that’s what you want.

Because this, this here, right now – this isn’t it. There’s a better way.

“Yes dear.”

Hey, Listen

Take a listen here to my recording.

Read More

Read more. It’s good advice full stop, but it’s also what you should do after reading this story. It was written for Friday Fictioneers, where you’ll find other writers posting 100 word stories based around a photo prompt – this week supplied by… me! Go read their stories here. Go on. You know you want to!

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16 responses to “Bernard and the Brimstone”

  1. James Pyles

    Unfortunately, the alternative seems to be a doormat. I’m not sure that’s a viable option either.

    Reply
  2. Neil MacDonald

    We went with very similar ideas this time. Yours ending (perhaps) more happily

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      I thought that too when I read yours. Great minds and all that. Thanks for reading.

      Reply
  3. Dale

    So many relationships “work” like this. It’s not a success story, methinks.

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      File under: Anything for a quiet life.

      Reply
      1. Dale

        Right. Easier to agree than to leave…

  4. Nobbinmaug

    Yes, suppressing feelings is always the best way to deal with them.

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      ha!

      Reply
  5. The Sicilian Storyteller

    Rather depressing to be in a relationship like that. Exhausting too.

    Reply
  6. James McEwan

    The adage, That opposites attract; is in my opinion only true for magnets. As for people, it maybe fun for a while to contradict each other, but seriously after a while it is just an irritating noise. You can hear but have the choice to listen or not.

    Yes dear.

    Reply
  7. Angela

    This nicely captures a very real situation. There are certain times when you decide not to die on that hill, but hopefully overall they’ll find a healthier space between the two modes. Nicely done.

    Reply
  8. msjadeli

    MrBinks, lots of decent stories are being generated from this image, including yours. I can feel this watershed moment for him. Been there done that. Good for him. He will begin to plot his getaway…

    Reply
  9. Dawn M. Miller

    It’s all good unless she is one of those who likes a battle. I have a bad feeling for him. i hoe he moves on.

    Reply
  10. Margaret

    A very true to life picture of the way some relationships operate. I fear he’s not going to be able to keep saying ‘Yes dear’ forever, though. Great photo, by the way.

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      Thanks!

      Reply
  11. Laurie Bell

    I agree sometimes it’s best to make the choice not to argue but I think it helps if it’s on both sides or the butter taste remains. Nicely written

    Reply

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