PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright Janet Webb
She sat on the floor looking up at him. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She’d pushed him too far again. A few more petals fell from the flowers in her heart. They were beautiful once, before him. He saw to it that they’d never be beautiful again. Only a handful of the flowers still cling to life. Most of them have long since died beneath his heavy hand. For years she struggled to protect their beauty. Now she just waits anxiously for the last petal to drop, wondering what she will become when the beauty in her heart is gone.
—
I skipped last week due to the holiday, but I’m back now with an offering to the Friday Fictioneers gods that is more tragedy than horror, at least until the last petal drops. I have a feeling that that is when the true horror will begin.
Also, in case you missed the announcement, WICKED LITTLE THINGS (100 Tiny Tales of Terror, volume 2) is available on Amazon, Smashwords, and in Print (B&N coming soon). Pick up a copy and let me know what you think. Thanks in advance and you have my condolences for the sleep you’ll be losing.
Adam Ickes 
December 3rd, 2014 at 11:46 AM
Congrats on the book, Adam. I hope holiday sales are all you could possibly dream of. Also hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving.
Sad story this week. Personally, I’d like a little more action in a story this short. The pensive nature of it leaves me feeling that I’ve read only a snippet of a longer work. Still, the character is strong–let’s just hope she is strong enough.
All my best,
Marie Gail
December 3rd, 2014 at 11:56 AM
Yay for holiday sales, all 6 of them! Well hopefully more than 6, but only time will tell.
As for the story. I kind of felt the same, but the broken heart felt like the important part this week. Sometimes a snippet of a life is the only part that really matters. The abuse and the eventual revenge (if he doesn’t kill her first) all just leads back to the broken heart that will likely never heal.
December 3rd, 2014 at 2:05 PM
The hurt in this is palpable. Also sadness and want – to live, to have things change – and the feeling that that will never happen.
December 3rd, 2014 at 3:22 PM
Such terror.. and she is still letting her heart be destroyed.. such a case of a weak man.
December 3rd, 2014 at 4:55 PM
The saddest part of the story is her acceptance that the last petal will fall. I too wonder what she will become. A great use of image to describe what is happening to her, and to many people who find themselves in that situation.
December 3rd, 2014 at 6:00 PM
She had a life before him…perhaps she will again once the last petal falls. Sad story, but it you twist it just right, there is hope!
December 3rd, 2014 at 6:12 PM
Let’s hope when he reaches out to destroy the last petals, he gets a great big thorn through his heart. Wonderful story, Adam.
December 3rd, 2014 at 10:48 PM
such beautiful lines. i’m very impressed.
December 4th, 2014 at 2:51 AM
Really lovely, Adam. I know that you are a horror writer, but I really enjoy your other stories too!
December 4th, 2014 at 4:07 AM
Dear Adam,
I love the comparison of the heart to a dying flower. Almost poetry. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
December 4th, 2014 at 7:05 AM
Adam, This could be the calm before the storm. I wonder what she’ll do when she has no more to lose. He may push her too far and reap what he’s been sewing for so long. Very sad, well-written story. All the best for the sale of your books! 🙂 — Susan
December 4th, 2014 at 11:32 AM
Good story Adam! And, good luck with the new book! If you are interested in participating in a new challenge, I began a site called Mondays Finish the Story. I provide a photo prompt and the opening line of the story that you get to finish! 🙂 Be well! ^..^
December 5th, 2014 at 3:22 AM
Dear Adam, I usually try to read your stories with all the lights on and the sun up. Maybe I’m getting more brave for here it is – the wee hours of the morning and only one lamp on. Love your story – it’s so sad because she will never be happy again. Great job! Nan 🙂
December 5th, 2014 at 4:40 AM
I really like the idea of the flowers in her heart as being a repository for love and how the story flows (sadly) from that.
December 5th, 2014 at 6:24 AM
I love the petal image. Nice. This is a sad story – I feel for her.
December 5th, 2014 at 10:29 AM
I do find myself wondering who will be the truer horror… him or her?
December 5th, 2014 at 10:31 AM
That is indeed a sad and tragic tale. I like the imagery with the petals.
December 6th, 2014 at 7:00 AM
Dear Adam,
An imaginative take on the prompt and on life. Congratulations on the book. Don’t stop.
Aloha,
Doug
December 6th, 2014 at 7:39 AM
Oh, you saw a dying heart, how poetic. I fear this is far greater horror than your usual stories. Dying bit by bit, day by day…I must admit this is one of my favorites out of your pen. Congrats on the book.
December 6th, 2014 at 5:15 PM
What will happen when the last petal drops? Ooh, you should continue this one. Congrats on your book! I’m so happy for you.