Flash

The Lake

Nancy's Notes đŸ–ŠïžđŸŽ¶

Written for Friday Fictioneers where we are
encouraged to be creative in 100 words or less
using this photo for inspiration. Here is my story.

Photo Prompt © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Eileen gathered some boxes from the attic and began to pack up her late husband’s belongings; Ned always told Eileen he wanted his things donated to the men’s shelter.

Now the drawer was empty except for a folder; inside Eileen found Ned’s sketches of their lake. Leafing through them, Eileen was outraged to see drawings of her sister Denise in the lake dated 2023 – the last time she visited. Ned and Denise had a fling years ago but Ned ended it – or so he said.

Eileen put the sketches back into the folder. Time for a little chat with Denise.

NAR©2024
100 Words

2 August 2024

This is “Cry Me A River” by Diana Krall

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

69 thoughts on “The Lake”

    1. The worst kind of betrayal! I’d say you’re right, Angela. Many women think they can change their philandering husband’s ways which is why she forgave him the first time. Poor judgment. Once bitten, twice shy.

      Thanks for your comments!

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  8. Of course it all depends on how much who loves whom and why she forgave them in the first place. But I think it’d be better for a loud bang and good-bye treacherous sister instead of letting it go–and fester inside. Because she won’t be able to forget. What an interesting knot you’ve woven here.

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    1. Thanks, GH, for finding this an interesting knot; that’s a great expression!

      You comment is fantastic; it covers all the possibilities and raises a few questions as well. I totally agree with everything you said.

      Thanks!

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  9. That has to be the ultimate betrayal, having an affair with your sister’s husband. I can somehow see forgiving the husband but can’t imagine forgiving the sister.

    You’ve written a very though provoking story.

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  11. My first reaction – good for Ned that he’s already dead, but… there are many directions this story go – many ways the past can unfold. Can’t wait to read where you take these characters, creative Nancy!

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  12. I’m with Dorothy. Best not assume… even if it is hard because of their earlier fling. Frankly, that she stuck by him after his affair with her sister is more than he deserved…

    Meanwhile, she is now free to live her life the way she wants, with no encumbrances…

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      1. This is true. Do you know I read that widows are the happiest people (once they are over their grief, of course). Coz now they can do what they want, when they want, how they want…
        Eileen should know this!

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  18. Late in the evening, KMOX in St. Louis, Missouri broadcast a wonderful jazz show.  That’s where I first heard the song “Cry Me A River”.  It was sung by Julie London (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCGNYJOrebA).  Around that time, she divorced Jack Webb of Dragnet fame.  Whenever I heard her singing the song, I wondered if she was singing for him. I still wonder about that.

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    1. Allen, would you believe I originally chose Julie London’s version? That’s a great question about her and Jack; I never thought they were well suited for each other. As a kid I idolized her and learned to sing the Marlboro jingle a la Julie London. I eventually nailed it and still do a damn good rendition. 🚬

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      1. I didn’t know that Julie London did cigarette commercials, but then television was a very minor part of my life back then and remains so. I found several of her Marlboro ads on You Tube. It was odd to see her smoking. In fact, I don’t remember the last time I saw anyone smoking. That seems strange since I grew up in a world where people smoked everywhere except in church. There was a time when a “No Smoking” section in a restaurant meant you were seated at a table without an ashtray.

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