MAKE. EVERY.WORD. COUNT.
Below is the PHOTO PROMPT. Sit a while and study it. Does it tell you a story? Share it in 100 words or less.
PHOTO PROMPT-Copyright-Melanie Greenwood
There is only one PROMPT. Any sketches or photos following my story are meant to be illustrations for it.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 98
ROLE REVERSAL
“Your stepfather’s in this chair,” says Dr. Rice. “Talk to him.”
“I can’t. It’s empty. He croaked twenty years ago.”
“Try.”
I sit in the chair opposite my ‘stepfather.’ “You filthy pig.”
“Good start.”
“I’m glad you’re dead…Daddy.”
In that moment I’m thirteen. Just as he’s done since I was seven, he slips into my bed. I wrestle from his grasp.
“How did he die, Natalie?” asks Dr. Rice.
“I don’t remember.”
“Yes, you do.”
“I…” My hands sweat and shake. “I used his gun.”
“Tell me.”
“I’d do it again. He stole my life. I took his.”
.
.
.
Not the Photo Prompt. ORIGINAL ARTWORK – copyright-Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Oh, so painful, Rochelle —
But — the dialogue is very real — and your artwork is amazing.
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Dear Jen,
There’s some personal experience although I never killed anyone. That is unless you count fiction. 😉
Thank you on both counts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very much real.. so true.. yet so sad. I can feel it happening. I will not write this week as I will be travelling most of the week, and I really want to revisit as many as possible.. I might drop by and read a few of my favorites though 🙂
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Dear Björn,
You’ll be missed. Enjoy safe travels.
I’m pleased that my story felt real to you.
Thanks for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A powerful story. I really liked it. The artwork was as beautiful as the piece. Thank you for it. God Bless you.
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Dear Matthew,
Thank you for your affirming comments on my story and the artwork. He has blessed me richly.
Blessings and Shalom to you,
Rochelle
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You’re very talented Rochelle. A sad story but an even sadder illustration, beautifully executed.
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Dear Sandra,
Nice of you to say so. The story, of course, is fiction. The drawing is really an illustration of what was going on in my head at the time. Happily things have changed.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are full of surprises, my multi-talented lady.
Superbly crafted piece.
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Dear Elephant,
What a lovely compliment. I try not to be predictable. It’s how I challenge myself as a writer.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Thank you for sticking around. Keep it up.
You are your own work of art…still in progress.
Happy to be watching.
Aloha,
The Herald
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Dear Reverend,
When I think of all I might’ve missed…well, I’m happy to still be here whittling my pole into toothpicks. I get by with a little help from my friends.
Yank thou merry vuch.
Shalom
QOD
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Gave me chills. No 13 year old should experience such a tragedy. The art work of yours depicts the feeling very well, Rochelle. Both story and art are fantastic. 🙂
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Dear Vinitha,
Chills are good. 😉
Thank you on both counts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This took me completely by surprise. Very intense emotion in every word. I can feel Natalie’s resistance to the probing questions. Killing them off in a story is less messy. Well done.
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Dear Stephanie,
I’d hate to be predictable. 😉 I’ve done role play in a similar setting although with different results. Nonetheless, an intense experience.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, This is a heartbreakingly realistic story. We know it happens, but it hurts to even think about it–poor, poor children. The art is great and fits the well-written story perfectly. — Susan
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Dear Susan,
Yes, it happens. Today it’s more out in the open. Back when we were children you were told it was your fault and if you told your parents you’d get into more trouble. 😦
Thank you on both counts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sad that such things aren’t confined to the realm of fiction. Powerful stuff this week, Rochelle.
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Dear Adam,
Unfortunately this story is more fact than fiction. I wish it weren’t so.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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To be marked so cruelly and to live in a shadow of a nightmare…you captured is masterfully. And the sketch is so powerful, a perfect illustration to your story.
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Dear Loré,
Which came first? The chicken or the egg? The drawing is actually something I did years ago when I was the girl in the picture. Glad it spoke to you. The story is fiction.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very powerful, especially in such a short space.
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Thank you, Guapo. Nice of you to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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oh, wow.
Too much for words – and what an immense piece of artwork.
A new other side of Rochelle comes out.
Glad to meet it – and you.
Randy
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Dear Randy,
Multifaceted….as we all are.
The artwork is twenty years old and I was then the girl in the picture.
It’s all grist for the mill.
Your lack or words speaks volumes and for that I say Todah Rabbah.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is such a great idea for the empty chair. Put someone in it, and make them have a conversation, however painful.
Claire
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Dear Claire,
Role play. It’s used often in therapy. Although I never did it with an empty chair. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was wondering where it would end. Without a doubt, was stunned at the end. The pent up emotions of a 13 year old, suppressed for years and letting them go, with the vengence still staying back.. Loved it..
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Dear Rajesh,
It would be a heavy load for a girl to carry around all those years. I can’t say I felt sorry for the stepfather.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well told, Rochelle. This is one situation in which I firmly believe murder should be legal.
All my best,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
No arguments here.
Yank thou,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dark and serious. You captured a devastating situation so well.
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Thank you Caerlynn. Nice of you to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Unfortunately with my temper I can understand the appeal of revenge & vigilante justice. This is quite a realistic post
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Dear Larry,
A person can only take so much abuse. I think Natalie’d had enough. As she said, her life was ruined. I hope you’re never pushed that hard.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A dark and disturbing story – as an alternative view – what if she had only imagined killing him? The artwork is absolutely brilliant.
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Dear Subroto,
I like your alternate view. Could’ve been the way it went had the story been longer. At any rate she wanted him dead.
The artwork is twenty years old. I drew it during a dark time in my life.
Thank you.
shalom
Rochelle
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The master at work again, and with the art work, a double master.
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Dear Jan,
Your sweet words support me. We weathered that storm, didn’t we?
I love you.
Rochelle
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That’s a very powerful and sad story. Your artwork is terrific as it perfectly justifies the dark situation (both mentally and emotionally) that the person is going through.
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Dear Norma,
The story is fiction, thankfully. The drawing, however, is something I did twenty years ago when my therapist suggested I draw my feelings.
Thank you for coming by and commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m HOME! Nothing like the sights, sounds, and tastes of home to make you leap for joy! Now, to rejoin my friends… wait, the table’s empty…..
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Wow, your story is such a sad reflection of today’s societal norms that it’s deafening in it’s clarity! Love it! 🙂
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Dear BearmcQuinn,
The table’s empty so Friday Fictioneers can fill it. 😉 Welcome home!
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is so good to be back home, Rochelle. War is hell… I hope I never have to see it again!
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You make your point so cleverly, so brilliantly. Voices – cruelties – from the past haunt us all the time. It’s good to talk back to them, kill them if we must. (And the pen is mightier than the sword.) Shalom, Rachel – May His peace be with you.
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Did I write Rachel? Yep. Did I mean, Rochelle? Yep. Pardon the ink blot. But the sentiment remain true: Shalom, Rochelle – May His peace be with you.
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Dear JD,
I have found writing to be cathartic over the years. I used to use poetry as a means of journaling. A few stories I’ve written have actually brought resolution to an old problem.
I’m often called Rachel. 😉 No matter. It’s my name in Hebrew. Different pronunciation.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Some people earn their fate, and this father certainly did.
Your artwork is stunning too. Such pain, so many layers.
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Dear Melanie,
No argument about the stepfather’s fate. He had it coming.
Thank you on both counts. And thank you for sharing the photo. It leaves so much to the imagination.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ouch! I’m so glad I don’t have to deal with this sort of thing and know no one who has gone through it. I count myself among the lucky ones. Well done.
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Dear Alicia,
You are indeed one of the lucky ones. I’ve known a few through years of therapy, myself included. At any rate, I’ve reached the other side of the tunnel and can speak of it openly without pain. More grist for the writing mill.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Haunting story and phenomenal artwork!
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Hey, Sarah,
I’ve missed you but I see you’ve been busy. Thank you for coming by with your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Oh, the relief when these monsters are dead, whether through natural causes or otherwise. I guess that as long as they’re around, there’s little chance of any closure; although unfortunately, even after they’re gone, it’s impossible to erase the memory or the damage done.
Of the many things possible to forgive in this world, this comes very near the bottom of the list. And what is particularly difficult to forgive, is the way these people rationalise that it’s in some way the victim’s fault — that they must have encouraged them — even to the extent that it often convinces the victim this is the case.
That artwork is an excellent illustration to go with a very brave and sad story.
All the best,
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
Although it’s tough to make out in this photo of the drawing, the date in the corner is January 1994. The story is fiction, of course…for the most part. Most of my memories didn’t surface until after my perpetrators were long gone.
My therapist (Dr. Audrey Rice) suggested I draw my feelings. Later she said she wasn’t prepared for the results.
At any rate, I didn’t have a stepfather, nor did I murder anyone. However I relate to Natalie. It took years and good therapy to come to the point of being able to look back and say I’m glad I’m alive.
It’s all grist for the mill.
Thank you for coming by and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ouch! I like where you took that third chair, Rochelle. I’m someone who was raised to be doubtful of therapy, but it intrigues me and I imagine it can help a lot if done right.
Thank you for leading us down this merry (or less merry, week by week!) path, and Happy Anniversary!
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Dear Jennifer,
There’s therapy and then there’s therapy. 😉 I was fortunate in encountering some good professionals (and a few not so good).
Thank you for the anniversary wishes and kind comments. Maybe one day we can meet for that pum runch.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yikers! This is positively harrowing. What an awful beginning for the poor girl. I don’t blame her for what she did at all.
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Dear Eric,
Unfortunately the act itself would be harrowing. Not sure how a person could recover from it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Seems justified to me.
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😉 Thanks, Dawn.
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Your story and sketch fit together so well, Rochelle. You are so uniquely talented.
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Thank you, LHN. Nice of you to say so.
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Not a pretty story. Your drawing is very complex and intricate. It indicates darkness and secrets for me.
Lily
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Dear Lily,
There are too many ugly stories out there and they’re true.
The drawing, on the other hand, is something I did twenty years ago. It’s part of a series of drawings that came out of my therapist’s suggestion that I draw my feelings. (There are lots of secrets there.)
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
the dialogue here sounds so realistic it’s a bit of a gut-punch to read, although I mean that as a compliment. Great picture as well. You have all sorts of talents. You still decorate cakes, right? I’d order one if I was anywhere near Kansas City. 🙂
-David
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Dear David,
Yes, I decorate cakes…at least for the next twelve months. Once I retire that part of my life will be relegated to the past.
Years of therapy make me familiar with the dialogue. The drawing is twenty years old.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, Great story that is well told. Too bad this happens all the time. I agree with Marie Gail though. I guess I would be looking out of bars for the rest of my life – unless I could be so clever as to make it (being the demise of the offender) look like an accident. Rochelle, you are so multi-talented! – with your brilliant writing and beautiful artwork. Do you play any musical instruments or dance? I’m in awe of you! Nan 🙂
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Dear Nan,
Since you asked.
I don’t play any musical instruments or sing. And there are plenty of things I can’t do. Careful about being in awe. I could disappoint you at any given moment.
Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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PS The dance video is from a play that Kent and I collaborated on a few years back entitled The First Nights of Hanukkah. It started out in the 1930’s. This was the play’s opening. He intentionally made this look like very old footage.
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Pretty Cool Rochelle, and I knew it was you so it couldn’t be that old. The video does look old – he did a good job with this! Excellent! Nan
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It’s about 6 or 7 years ago. So not that old. 😉 Thank you.
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Chilling and a great structure. Does she shoot the good Dr Rice in order to escape the wrath of the law?
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Dear Patrick,
I don’t see her shooting Dr. Rice. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Powerful 98 words!
DJ
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Two more words, Danny. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a very dark tale, so realistically told. The aftermath of abuse lasts so long.
Love your drawing!
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Dear Ali,
The aftermath lasts a lifetime.
Thank you for your affirming words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved your story! The blue guy is not working right. It indicates “get the linkz code.” I’ll come back later to add my bit of flash! Hugs and have a great day! ^..^
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Dear Barb,
It seems the blue frog has a mind of his own. I’ve seen him blink off and then back on. You just have to catch him at the right times I guess.
Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was powerful, frightening and gut-wrenching, Rochelle! How can one write anything after that?
Masterfully told.
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Dear Vijaya,
How does one answer such high praise? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice Story! I am glad it was a work of fiction. Too many of our children have to suffer at the hands of pedophiles.
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Dear SNB,
Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Powerful!
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Thank you, Leonah. 😀
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Hi, I’m new around here, not quite sure what to do.
Junker
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Hi Junker,
Welcome. First copy and paste the photo prompt onto your blog page and write a story to go with it. (I actually write mine in Word first and then copy and paste it to my page). When you’re ready to share your story with the rest of the group copy and paste your URL into the linkz list by clicking the blue frog then following directions. Hope this helps.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, this sounds like fun! 🙂
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Beautiful and haunting artwork! I love it.
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Thank you, Freckles. 🙂
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I wouldn’t have picture the image bringing out such a tale. Like so many of your readers have said before me, it was haunting.
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Dear Vinay,
As Thoreau said, it’s not what you look at…it’s what you see. That’s the beauty of Friday Fictioneers for me. We all see something different in the various photos.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle. I feel so inadequate to comment on your powerful writing. It touched my heart. Awful for the girl. So difficult to come out of it. Very beautifully expressed. I just sat looking at your artwork. It’s haunting. I just wonder what thoughts were going inside you when you drew this. Only true artist can depict their emotions in words as well as in drawing.
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Dear Indira,
There are too many true stories like Natalie’s. It makes me wonder what could make anyone treat a child so. I don’t understand, either, the devaluing of women.
As for the artwork. You may have already seen in my comments above that I drew it twenty years ago. At the time I was going through a lot of therapy. My mind and emotions were in a tailspin after suffering flashbacks of childhood sexual abuse. I dealt with it by trying to starve myself to death.
Happily, those days are behind me. I can speak of the past without pain. It’s all grist for the mill now.
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Amazingly powerful and evocative story.
And how you are so full of amazing surprises! What an amazing artist you are – who knew you were so well-versed in so many different ways?
Tough content – but so well done. 🙂
And as I’ve read through the comments – all I can say is: too many of us can relate – in some way – but we can take heart and courage in our own personal journeys, when there are people, like you Rochelle, who share freely.
Blessings to you.
Shalom
Pat
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Dear Pat,
How sweet of you to say such things. The twelfth step is to share experience, hope and love. There was a time I didn’t believe I’d make it to that point. I was sure the serpent in the picture was going to finish me off.
If someone is encouraged through my writing or visual art it has been worth it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, what a punch Rochelle. I’ve worked with sexually abused children for much of my adult life, and saw its impact on a family member… your story really hit home. Beautifully written. Shalom.
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Dear Dawn,
Too bad there wasn’t anyone for me like that when I was a child. But back then you didn’t talk or tell. So I tucked it neatly away in my psyche, only to have it come raging back to mind in my 30’s. Not to worry. I didn’t have a stepfather nor did I murder anyone. If anything my dad was wholly respectful and loving. I can’t say the same for a neighbor and a couple of uncles.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m so sorry to hear that, Rochelle. It is staggering how many men and women can say the same thing (as indicated in your comments, and my experience). Sadly, once abused, other predators seem to see it on young victims. It’s so often a vicious circle. I’m glad you’ve found healing, and support. With love, Dawn
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One POWERFUL Story.
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Thank you, Bob. How many daughters?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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He got what he deserved. Glad she realized that in the end.
That artwork is amazing, Rochelle.
Ellespeth
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Dear Ellespeth,
I can’t say I have any sympathy for the long deceased stepfather.
Thank you for the comments and compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle … Such a terrible story .. and your art work adds to the poignancy rendering it closer than reality .. too close for comfort. I know the fantasy well … glad you got through that period as safely as you did. Georgia.
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Dear Georgia,
It was a tough go but I’m happy to still be alive and at peace with the past.
thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle … I’m happy you overcame that darkest of moments … your serenity really always inspires. Ciao, Georgia
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in my book that is just self defense.
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Dear Alice,
I agree. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Immensely powerful. It bought a lump to my throat.
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Dear Louise,
All’s fair, isn’t it? A lump for a lump. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Howlin’ Wolf,
A very haunting tale that has rang true for far too many children. I assume she’s institutionalized for having killed him–or from the abuse. Too bad she couldn’t have made herself invisible at thirteen. Loved the art too.
Steve
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Dear Steve,
You’re pretty much spot on to how I envision it. I agree with you. Invisibility would’ve put her at a great advantage…and no telltale fingerprints.
Thank you.
Shalom,
HW
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A sad reality all too often of lost innocence…the dialogue was so real, I could distingush the two voices clearly. I love your art work!!! I write poems about this every now and then and can never find the right image…my words have to do but that art is stunning!
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Dear Oliana,
This is one of those ‘which came first’ events. The story is fiction, loosely based on my own years of therapy. The drawing is twenty years old.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The drawing still speaks to me and my clients. I actually wrote a poem last year describing pretty painful things I would do to a man like that…then i felt guilty and wrote another one.
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My therapist suggested I draw my feelings. This drawing is part of a series.
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art therapy is really great…a few of our former counsellors are art therapist. My mom discovered this about 40 years ago and it not as invasive…it really helped her. I would have loved to get my Masters in that…in another life perhaps:) Rochelle, thank you so much for sharing this story and art work with your readers.
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My honor and my pleasure, Oliana. If I were younger I’d consider art therapy as a career.
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Very powerful Rochelle, where really every word counts! Impressive! v
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Dear Veronika,
Such affirming words. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The story is good and tragically sad. But it’s the drawing that really grabbed my interest. I keep looking at it and seeing different things and feeling different things. I’m crazy jealous of people who can draw something this cool and this good!
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Dear Michael,
Thank you on both counts. The drawing is actually twenty years old and is part of a series I did while in therapy. At that point I truly believed the serpent would win. Happily he didn’t and now lies beneath my feet.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A powerful story and a moving and fascinating illustration.
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Thank you, Hilary. Your comments make me smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I usually comment after I write my story up, but today’s a backwards kinda day for me.
I was just thinking about some of the girls I grew up with who went through something very similar. Well done story, Rochelle. You’re very strong to get to where you are today, too.
And I’m very impressed with your artwork, as well. Once the holiday season’s over, I might try my hand at visual art again, too. Writing, crafts (I make most of my gifts by hand) and family obligations must take priority ’till then.
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Dear Emilie,
I had some wonderful support along the way. And even with that there were times I was convinced I wouldn’t and didn’t want to make it.
By all means, tap into the visual arts. The drawing on this page was part of my therapy. Hand made gifts are the best.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A stunning story this week, Rochelle. Wow. I get the sense that this therapist is wanting her to regret her actions. Well, I don’t blame her one bit for taking matters into her own hands. This is such a painful, horrible reality for some. No one should have to endure this.
And your art work!!! Amazing! I had no idea you were such an accomplished artist. I’m really impressed.
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Dear Amy,
I’m not sure the therapist is trying to make her regret her actions so much as getting her to remember them. Part of healing is acknowledgement. It’s amazing what trauma can do. I never imagined that one could block out those kinds of things until my own flashbacks started.
This particular drawing was part of my therapy twenty years ago.
Thank you. Thank you for such lovely compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow! Tragically powerful. The pain is evident in every word.
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Dear 40something,
Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle – this made me simultaneously furious and sad. This sort of story pushes my buttons readily – and you did a masterful job.
A respectful, yet still powerful take on a difficult topic.
KT
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Dear KT,
Anger and sadness go hand in hand in a situation like this. Thank you very much for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very powerful tale you have told Rochelle. You always wonder what goes on behind some people’s closed doors, unfortunately it’s normally after the event and making headlines. Well told!
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Dear Weltchy,
No doubt there are stories like this that will never make the headlines or even be told. 😦
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So strong and powerful – the release that comes with being able to recognise and accept the past. It is easy to understand why she did what she did. Hopefully Dr Rice can help her to a better future. So well written.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
I’d say Natalie has a long way to go to acceptance. But it’s a beginning.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A powerful and sensitiviely told piece. Heartbreaking.
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Dear Marg,
I’ve nothing to say but thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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A message is so clear in your illustration, loved your story
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Thank you, Meenal. 😀
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I just don’t think there’s anything I can add to what’s been said. And every accolade is so accurate and well-deserved. I know it must have been a little painful to pull out the artwork and work up the story, but as you said in one of your replies: grist for the mill. If we couldn’t make use of what we’ve been through or are going through to create something positive, it would be an even sadder world indeed. But, thankfully, we can do so.
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Dear Sandra,
Surprisingly, this hasn’t been as painful as you might think. And this says a lot for how complete the healing has been. 😉 I won’t say that I don’t have regrets or that I never think about things that happened or that it never hurts. But I can say that the serpent in the drawing lies beneath my feet. The more I can talk about it and, perhaps, give hope to someone else going through it, the less strength the beast has.
Thank you for coming by with your affirming comments. They mean a lot to me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I would like to join this, but I’m really confused as to how to go about doing so. I’ve suffered 3 strokes, and the brain doesn’t always connect the dots. Can you help me? Thank you!
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