The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Mr. Binks
Genre: Novel Excerpt
Word Count: 100
Tony, Elise’s husband, had never considered himself a candidate for therapy. He’d always believed all that psychobabble was hogwash and hooey. However, since he’d met Dr. Hank Rogers at the verteran’s support group meetings, his opinions had begun to change.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND WELCOME HOME
Tony had great respect for Hank, a Vietnam veteran who’d lost both legs in battle. He was the recipient of two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and a Distinguished Service Cross.
At their first meeting, trying not to stare at the therapist’s stumps, Tony focused on the medals in their shadow box. “You must have some stories to tell.”
“You bet, but we’re not here to discuss my service history, Chief. Surely you have a few medals of your own. Nightmares?”
“I see how it is.” Tony had bristled. “What’s this gonna cost me, Doc?”
“Nothing, save some emotional baggage.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
I like how you utilised this prompt. Good therapists are worth their weight in gold.
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Dear Anonymous,
I agree about therapists. I’ve been blessed with some good ones. Probably the reason I’m still here today. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I liked the metaphor of traumas as medals
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Thank you, Neil. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The trauma never ends, does it? Until war itself ends. Great slice of life, Rochelle.
On another note, I tried ordering your book, Ebook version but the site wants to charge me an extra $8 for delivery. I thought it was electronic.
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Dear Joy,
And we all long for the day when we’ll do war no more, don’t we? Thank you.
As for the book, I’m wondering if you clicked the right tab on the site. I wouldn’t think there’d be a delivery charge for an ebook. Unless there’s a glitch, which is possible. At any rate there are other sites to preorder the ebook as well. Amazon, Nook, Kobo. and https://books2read.com/b/4N8YYN
Hope that helps.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS I went to the OHP site as a customer and was asked for a delivery charge for the ebook. Strange. I’ll ask my publisher about that. Meanwhile, you might try one of the other sites. Thanks so much.
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Once emotional baggage is gotten rid of, sure to be more medals & trophies in store. Of course, extra stories & learning too.
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That’s one way to think of it, Anita. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
A most interesting interpretation of the photo this week. I love me some snippets of your oeuvre. I think it’s a wonderful thing that Tony, albeit reluctantly, has decided to embark on this ride for his well-being.
Shalom and lotsa courageous love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
A loose connection to the photo. Think legs. 😉
Yeah, I love this about Tony. It is a wild and unfamiliar ride for him. Thank you. Won’t be long now. Thank you coming by and giving my story a whirl. 😀
Shalom and lotsa healing hugs,
Rochelle
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No, I love that you did. It’s fun to have to take the time to figure out what it was. I did, by the way 😉
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Yeah, I really love what you did with the prompt. But then you never disappoint. Seemed to have a true ring to it as well. 😉 I lift my coffee to you this bright A. M.
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Awww… You’re so sweet. I love that you think it’s got a true ring to it. Still waiting for a roller coaster rider 😉 Cheers!
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Hopefully his negativity was washed away with his emotional baggage.
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Dear Keith,
It takes time to let go of emotional baggage. At the very least Tony is taking the first step. Negativity seems to be a habit, doesn’t it?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Makes me wonder if Tony was a military person also. I believe shared experiences make it easier to relate in a therapeutic relationship. Good story.
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Dear Lisa,
Tony is also a Vietnam vet. He served on the patrol boats. He met Hank through the VA so, yes, they have much in common. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I’m always happy to hear when vets are helping vets.
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Here’s to survival as a badge of courage. That matters, too.
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Na’ama Y’karah,
Indeed. Survival is a badge of courage. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Glad Tony got the help he needed for his ‘medals’. I share a piece of his cynicism about therapy, but I think the right therapist at the rigth time can also be priceless.
I’m off to see if the book’s available here too!
Jen
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Dear Jen,
Tony is seeking help under protest. 😉 There are some crackpot therapists out there, for sure. Fortunately there are some who are wonderful and caring. I was blessed with a couple of dandies. I’m alive and grateful. (I’ve also encountered a few not so dandy ones).
Thank you re the book.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m glad Tony has found someone he trusts for help. I also don’t often trust therapists, but I think a therapist who had been in the trenches would be invaluable. Great story! -Angela
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Dear Angela,
They say the best therapists are the ones who’ve suffered trauma and overcome it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nicely done, and congrats on the book!
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Thanks so much, Mr. B.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Creative take, Rochelle! This is going to be a very interesting ride for Tony if he bristled at his first meeting with the therapist. Hopefully, this will be just what he needs to deal with the nightmares of war.
Wonderful piece!
Shalom!
🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
Tony has gone into this therapy thing thinking it will somehow help Elise. Far be it from him to admit he’s part of the problem. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can’t imagine the horrors people endure in war. Watching on a screen can never match living it. Therapy is probably a lot better than my grandfather’s method of excessive drinking and violent outbursts.
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Dear Nobbin,
Back in your grandfather and my dad’s day it was called shell shock. I’m pretty sure my dad, a Purple Heart recipient, suffered from PTSD. He didn’t drink but we all suffered his violent outbursts. I don’t remember anyone ever connecting the dots.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I hope Tony gets the help he needs.
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Dear Dawn,
It’s all in the book. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like the way you’ve made these two characters interact. Your 100 words bring them to life. Tony’s bristling and suspicious but I believe he’s come to the right therapist. Great use of the prompt too. Legs!
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Dear Margaret,
I’m glad you picked up on my connection to the prompt. Legs indeed. Hank is the perfect therapist for Tony. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nicely done. Medals and trauma and emotional pain. Clever use of the photo. Terrific piece. Short but full of so much detail
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Dear Laurie,
I’m glad you connected all the dots between my story and the prompt. 😉 Of course the answers are in the book which is being released as I type. 😀 Thank you for your generous comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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