Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers
has challenged us once again
with an intriguing photo prompt.
This is my response.
The man stood off to the side, silently watching, seething.
They were neighbors, friends at one time …. brothers, a lifetime ago. When asked to go into business together, he turned his friend down saying it was a foolish venture, throwing good money after bad. He was afraid.
His friend was successful in his business and became wealthy beyond measure while his own life languished. Jealousy turned to self-pity which morphed into anger and hatred so deep and volatile, his head pounded at the sight of his once friend.
And look at her with that flashy red purse. Disgusting.
NAR © 2023
100 Words
This is “My Brother’s Keeper” by Orphaned Land
The Elephant's Trunk 
So many people need to make others their scapegoat.
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Exactly right!
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You snooze, you lose, as the saying goes.
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Very true!
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Jealousy turned to self-pity. So true, Nancy! Poor man!
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It happens in the blinking of an eye,
and once you’re swallowed up by self-pity, you’re lost.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts today, KK.
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A lovely dissection of the prompt. I would love a sequel where the successful friend overcomes the hate and they are reconciled!
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That would require a happy ending; not my wheelhouse 😊
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We lack support for each other in so many ways.
Your story tells of one, Nancy. A nicely unfolded series
of words about bitterness and jealousy.
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Thanks so much, Isadora!
I appreciated reading your thoughts today.
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Your welcome 😊
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Scary how some people blame everyone and everything else for their bad decisions.
Well told.
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Thank you, Dawn.
Very true …. some people never learn to take responsibility and be accountable. I have no patience for that.
I appreciate your thoughts today.
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Dear Nancy,
Once that anger and bitterness take hold, it colors everything else in life, doesn’t it? Well told.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, it does and it spreads like a wildfire!
Thanks for your great comments, Rochelle.
I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving.
Peace 🕊️
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Oh yes. That’s how it happens. And then it escalates, and it just doesn’t go away. Your story gives a very accurate account of the process: fear, self-pity, jealousy, anger, hatred. We can see it all around us. Great title too.
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Thanks so much, Margaret!
I had no idea what I was going to write; nothing popped out at me at first. Then I saw him and it all started falling into place.
Greatly appreciate your comments.
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You describe envy so well here. They don’t call it one of the seven “deadly” sins for nothing.
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That’s for sure! You got that right, Lisa!
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It sounds like he’s about to explode with exasperation.
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He’s a ticking time bomb!
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Jealousy is a strong emotion and that is why Cain killed Able.
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The oldest and strongest emotion in the book.
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At least he wears the better hat 🙂
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Yeah, it’s a good hat.
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Btw, that is a phenomenal album by Orphaned Land!!🤘
Perfect accompaniment to your ink, cara!
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Tanti grazzi, caru! 🔥
The music of OL is incredible. ⚡️
This vid of yours is amazing; grazie per l’introduzione, caro!
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Good story interesting twist 💜
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Well, there I am again! LOL!
The twist …. it’s been dubbed by a good friend as The Sicilian Curveball. ⚾️ Just a little twisteroo today. Thanks, Willow.
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The “Sicilian curve ball” I love that…
I hope you didn’t mind me sending another Connie and Trevor 💜💜
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Nope! I didn’t mind at all. I think they’re hysterical and we all need a good laugh. People are too uptight! 😂
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Yes they are 💜💜💜
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A poor poisoned man.
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Makes for a dangerous man.
Morning, sis. 🥰
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