Our gracious host, Rochelle, at Friday Fictioneers
asks us to use the photo below as inspiration
to write creatively in 100 words or less while
making every word count. This is my flash.
We sat silently in my car, neither of us knowing what to say. The argument last night was particularly nasty. Tempers overflowed as fists viciously found their mark. And in the end, there was no winner – only two desolate and exhausted people. We cried the tears of the brokenhearted, silently and separately.
I watched James board the bus, his face still purple and swollen after last night’s assault. At that moment I was not sure if the windshield was wet with rain or if I was looking through my tears.
It wasn’t our first argument but it was our last.
NAR©2025
100 Words
This is “Crying” by Roy Orbison. I love this video; look closely and you’ll see T Bone Burnett, Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen playing guitars, and backing vocals by Tom Waits, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, k d Lang, Jennifer Warnes and others.
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy’s Notes 🖊️🎶, The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk, The Rhythm Section, et al., and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Dear Nancy,
Sounds like an explosive breakup. Well written. And what a voice Roy Orbison had!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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These relationships are tragic and rarely end well for anyone.
Oh, yes! I agree …. Roy had such a moving voice and a commanding presence.
Thanks very much, Rochelle.
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This prompt seems to inspire break ups.
Another good read, this one.
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Thanks, Dawn. Please to know you enjoyed it.
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There’s rarely a happy ending in those kind of relationships. I’m glad this one had one.
That whole concert rocks!
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Thanks, Lisa. The music is fabulous!
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You’re welcome, Nancy.
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It’s always so sad when the only way people know how to communicate is violence.
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It’s so tragic when it comes to that. Thanks so much.
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(In the second sentence you say “the argument last light” typo?)
A poignant story about abuse. It leaves the reader wondering.
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The mind sees what it wants to see. Thank you, Anon! After countless proofreads and many comments, you’re the only one to notice and/or mention the typo. It’s now fixed. Much appreciated.
Pleased to know you enjoyed my story. Thank you.
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Yeah, I caught that. Whoever’s fists do the damage it’s a tragedy which you portrayed well in few words.
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So true. Thanks very much, Claire.
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So sad but for the best 💜💜
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True. Too bad it reached this point. Thanks, Willow. ♡
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yes indeed 💜
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It sounds like a very destructive relationship. It might be best that it is over. A powerfully written story, Nancy!
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Absolutely right! Thank you for a great comment, Brenda. It’s good to know you enjoyed my tragic story.
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So sad. Nobody sings like Roy. Great story.
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Roy definitely had a commanding presence and terrific voice. Thanks for your comments, Will.
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Wow. Creative take on the prompt. I enjoyed your story very much. It’s one of those that will stick with me for quite a while.
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Susan, thank you for a very kind and complimentary comment! I’m pleased to know my story struck a chord with you.
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This story about anger’s violence is different than most. It imparts the feeling that they are sorry the way things went, care in some part of their hearts but are still admitting it’s over. Poignant.
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True. It is also from a woman’s perspective as the abuser and the one whose partner is finally leaving.
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Good take Nancy. Love the Big O.
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He’s so great! Thanks, Di.
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Why are relationships so fretful.
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Too many answers to that question, James.
Thanks for reading.
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A creative response to the prompt and way to describe a confused and emotional state. 💧 You’re so gifted with these challenges, writer Nancy. Great song, too.
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You are very gracious, Michele. 😌 I do love a good challenge and working under pressure never worried me. It keeps me alert and on my toes. 🩰 The song is stellar! 🌟 Thank you, DQ Michele! 🥰
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🙌🏻🙏🏻💃🏻
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everything has an expiration date, and this relationship is past that point.
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Well put, Plaridel. Thanks!
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Sad story. And some still mistake hope for love, not changing or stopping the dangerous situation…a kind of learned helplessness. 😢
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Oh, Liz! Great phrase …. learned helplessness. I have several friends in this situation; it’s tragic. Thank you.
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So sad, omg. 😔 What a painful thing domestic violence is for both parties. The song is beautiful, of course. I love Roy Orbison, it’s been a minute! ✨🎶
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It’s tragic. Too many shattered lives.
Roy is something else alright! Great song.
Thanks Laura! I appreciate all your comments. ♡☆
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Sad, sad story. But thanks for using one of my my favorites! Roy all the way!
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So much abuse. It’s a sin.
Roy …. what a presence!
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Tempers flare and fights break out and this shows that people have feelings, because we are not robots. Great story and a wonderful video Nancy. I saw the backup singers, but the only voice I heard was Roy’s.
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Great comment, Jim. Thanks so much!
Roy is definitely a commanding presence. What a voice!
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This is brilliantly written, amica mia. It is a sad situation to get to this point – no matter whose fists are connecting.
And this is a fantabulous version of the song. I love when a bunch of stars gather like this! What a collection!
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A tense story, and you built it up so well.
But I’m sorry about this, but for Brits of my generation that song only means one thing: https://youtu.be/wUBnsqGbgBQ?si=dltpq4b6USzcNJKt
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And here I thought we were from the same generation! I’ll stick with Roy 🕶️
Pleased to know you enjoyed the story. Thanks, Clive.
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I did enjoy it, you did it well.
Couldn’t resist the clip, which you may recall I included in a Friday Funnies post last year.
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I don’t recall but that’s definitely not a reflection on your Friday Funnies posts. The short term memory is fading fast, Clive! 🤣
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I can hardly expect you to remember one of my posts from eight months ago! I know that problem well 🤣
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It shows how we make assumptions that I had to read this twice to check she really had beaten him up. Though I may still be making assumptions and your narrator may be male
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You were correct in you first assumption, Neil.
Not all abusive relationships are perpetrated by men.
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Now I’m listening to A Roy Orbison album, what a way to start the day, first Buddy Guy and now Roy. My week-end is off to top shelf level, thanx
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The Buddy Guy videos posted by John were great! Glad I could add to your very good morning, Ernie. Enjoy!
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What a great way to start the day!!!
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Wow! I felt all that tension. A sad story very well told. The perfect song choice too.
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Thank you, Esther! Writing a flash such as this is both challenging and great fun. I’m delighted to know you enjoyed my story.
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This was very deep Nancy. It felt real and Roy’s song is a perfect melancholy song to go with this.
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Thanks, Ernie! I appreciate your comments very much.
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An honest account of what warring couples go through before they walk away. Nicely done.
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Too bad they don’t walk away before the bloodshed. Thanks very much, Sandra.
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A very poignant story Nancy
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Thank you, cara mia.
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You’re most welcome
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sad end…but i loved reading it…
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That’s what counts, Nandini. Thanks so much!
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Such a sad story, Nancy, but oh that Roy Orbison song backed by all those superstars. Simply magnifico!
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Thanks so much, Fan. It’s a real beauty!
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