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 © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
The photo this week was snapped at a flea market. The shelf unit is in front of a window. The lower shelves are fully of colorful bottles. On the second shelf up there is a doll on the left and a glass angel on the right. From there on up the shelves are loaded with all manner of doll heads.
CLICK frog to join.
Genre: Fiction
Word Count:100
AN EYE FOR AN EYE
Sifting through shards of her grandmother’s treasured porcelain vase, Carla fumed.
Five-year-old Angela hung her head. “Sorry, Mommy.”
“What were you thinking? You know better than to throw a basketball in the house.”
In a fit of anger, Carla ran to her daughter’s room and ripped the head and stuffings from Big Bird. Yellow fuzz drifted to the floor like snowflakes.
***
Years later Angela recounted the incident to her own children with, “Let this be a lesson to you, kiddies.”
Her son gasped. “You wouldn’t do it to us, would you, Mommy?”
“Break one of my things and find out.”
____________________________
Ask your local library to carry LAST DANCE WITH ANNIE. (Thanks, Lisa 😉 ) Audio book out soon!
Breaking her daughter’s stuff for breaking her treasured vase sounds vengeful. However, she’s right to be upset when her treasured vase broke.
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Dear Aptivi,
Yes, it does seem harsh, doesn’t it? It is, however inspired by a true story. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re right, it’s indeed harsh. 👍
My pleasure, Rochelle ☺️
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Oh the horror 😮
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Horror indeed. Thank you, whoever you are.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, Rochelle, you sent me right back to Grandmother’s dining room, China cabinet filled with sparkling Depression glass. Grandmother’s ever watchful eyes staring me down, as if it was a crime to look at the glass glowing in the sunlight of the big windows across the room.
My collection is on open shelves, I encourage the grands and great-grands over age 5 to look and handle, younger ones are allowed with some supervision.
And, really, it’s only glass.
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Dear Mary,
I didn’t make this story up, although it isn’t mine. A friend relayed it to me. And you’re right, things are things. People are precious. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That would be a scary and real threat in the eyes and mind of a child. Good story.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
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Dear Jan,
And weren’t there times we were tempted to retaliate? Thanks, m’luv.
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Yes indeed.
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Don’t mess with mommy
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Got that right, Neil. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Mommy’s vengenance is fierce.
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Dear James,
Hell hath no fury quite like it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Scary mommy eh? But not as scary as those dolls. I’m running………..
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Dear Chris,
No argument. Those dolls are spooky. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was quite taken aback at the violence of the response. One deed was an accident, the other an act of vengeance. Quite chilling. Good one, Rochelle.
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Dear Sandra,
A bit extreme perhaps. My cousin Kent relayed this story to me as told by a friend. Although there were times when my kids were rambunctious little boys…;) Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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They’ve been warned. A somewhat extreme reaction though!
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Dear Keith,
Mom made an impression in any event. 😉 Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fun story, but I’m not too sure if that’s the right way to teach our children how to behave.
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Dear Kwadwo,
Probably not the best parenting tactic. 😉 But I couldn’t resist the story when it was told to me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Amiga,
In my 30’s – Me
In my 70’s – the hell with it. LOLOL
What’s important at one time is insignificant to the heart of a child looking back.
We grow as we age. Muy bien escort ….
Abrazos y Carino.
Izzy ❤️
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Querida Izzy,
We do learn as we go, don’t we. At least, that’s the hope. Gracias mi amiga.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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YIPES! We grew up dirt poor so no risk of breaking any valuables in our house. Rule by threat would be so damaging to the child. I pity that kind of mindgame relationship between parent and child.
Sorry to say my story is even more depraved 😦
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Dear Lisa,
Definitely not the ideal way to raise a child. Thank you for reading and commenting and forgiving me for being so tardy in my reply.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are very welcome. No worries, my friend.
Shalom,
Lisa
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I love how this story leans into the creepy-cute of the picture.
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Thank you, Anne. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I can well imagine there are those who would mete out such a lesson in a rather cruel way. Effective, mayhaps; best? Mayhaps not.
Shalom and lotsa gentle love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
All I can say is that it’s a true story…and not mine. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom and lotsa tardy hugs,
Rochelle
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Yes, I saw in some of your comments. I can imagine certain parents doing this.
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There are many events in our own life’s that serve as lessons, either regret or as a warning. Mum’s can get so angry when the emotional button is pushed. A treasured heirloom being broken clearly switched on the red mist, a lesson and memory being passed down the generations.
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Dear James,
Our children know how to push our buttons, don’t they? Even when they really don’t mean to. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle, but still we love the little ones. I am sorry I won’t have time this week to take part as family matters, once again, have taken over. See you next week.
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No worries, James. Family is the most important thing in our lives.
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from one generation to another. circle of life, i suppose.
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Thank you for stopping by, Plaridel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh wow, Rochelle, this was a very intense one.
From extreme response to transferred generational trauma.
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Dear Chioma,
Definitely an overreaction. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story – I imagine that would put the fear of god into her kids!!😃
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Dear Ange,
Perhaps an extreme reaction, but it would put the fear of God into her kids. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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while it is harsh it happens. We can tsk tsk all we want, but when people are overwhelmed and have very little either emotionally or in opportunities, etc they can be rash and vengeful. And then there is the cyclical pattern of repetition. I became very aware after I became a mother if I didn’t eat right, sleep well and take care of myself I was not a very good mommy and reverted to being my parents, because it was a learned behavior. My friends and I used to tell some stories and I realized my parents weren’t great, but weren’t that bad either!
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Dear Michele,
I can relate to repeating the patterns of my parents. While this story isn’t a personal one, I’ve stood on that precipice with my kids. I’m thankful for therapy. Thank you for sharing your story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, that sounds like the kind of story a mom would make up to scare her kids straight. However, I can totally see someone doing that too.
I hope you’re doing well. I have been absolutely swamped with work and life for the last few months but trying to get back into a routine again.
Have a good Labor Day weekend!
David
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Dear David,
As you can tell by the tardiness of my reply, it’s been a busy one. It was a good labor day and my birthday always falls into the mix.
While the story isn’t mine personally, I do understand this mother’s reaction. Thank you for your understanding.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We all make mistakes, kids and parents alike. I wonder if Carla regretted the revenge after she had calmed down. I know she wouldn’t be the only mother to regret a punishment meted out in the heat of the moment.
Jen
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Dear Jen,
I’m not sure the real Carla regretted her behavior but apparently her kids never forgot.
I made so many mistakes myself and am pleased to say that my three babies grew up to be responsible and caring men.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Works every time! Great story, Rochelle!
Shalom
🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed. Thank you for not giving me a keyboard whipping for Carla’s behavior. 😉 (it’s just a story)
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I hope she shows the kids what they’ve done to her bank account next.
I don’t have kids, but I have minor experience in the challenges of parenting. I spent a lot of time with my goddaughter when she was little. It’s a tough job. One never knows what works and what doesn’t until years later if ever.
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Dear Nobbn,
I raised three little houligans who, thankfully, grew to be responsible, caring men. There are times when a person is pushed to the edge. I can’t say I handled those times well. 😉
Thank you for your understanding comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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