Written for “It’s Story Time” where
Jolene has given us four prompts to
work with. They are shown below.
Here’s where the prompts took me.
Olivia had always considered herself a survivor …. resilient, street smart, adaptable. Married twelve years to Mario Salvati, she’d learned not to ask questions. The late nights, the whispered phone calls, the envelopes exchanged with men whose eyes were cold as ice …. she accepted these as the cost of a comfortable lifestyle.
One Tuesday morning, she found a stranger’s cell phone wedged between the sofa cushions. No password. No name. Just a thread of text messages, cold and businesslike, that unraveled everything.
Shipment confirmed. Salvati Warehouse. Thursday.
The old man wants it handled like always. Family tradition.
He’s the keeper of a family tradition, the next message read. Nobody touches what’s his. Nobody talks.
Olivia’s hands trembled. She scrolled further, and the words blurred …. names, dates, dollar amounts. A federal informant. A wiretap. Her husband’s full name typed in clinical black letters, followed by three devastating words: cooperating with prosecution.
She set the phone on the kitchen table as if it were made of glass.
By Thursday, the warehouse was surrounded. By Friday, Mario was in handcuffs on the evening news. By Saturday, Olivia was packing her suitcases.
Their separation was never announced, never argued over in a lawyer’s office. It happened the way most truths do …. quietly, and all at once.
She left the stranger’s cell phone on the table for the feds to find.
She walked out a survivor, same as always. Just this time finally free.
NAR©2026
The prompts: 1. Survivor; 2. Keeper of a family tradition; 3. Stranger’s cell phone; 4. Separation
This is “Cold As Ice” by Foreigner
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
I love where the prompts took you. This is another great story, Nancy!
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Sometimes I get lucky and the prompts really talk to me. Thanks so much, Lisa. I appreciate your very kind comments. ❤️
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She learned a thing or two. Great story, as you do, and this line is fantastic: “… the way most truths do …. quietly, and all at once.” 👏🏻
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Sometimes it takes a little longer and costs a little more but I know she learned a valuable lesson she’ll never forget. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Michele. Much appreciated 😌
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Right, she does seem strong and sharp! Thank you very much, writer Nancy. 🖊️✨
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fantastic story Nance! She is a true survivor! ❤ Xo
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In that world, she has to be! Thank you CA. So glad you liked the story. 💕
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Great story Sis 💜👏… Why is she holding her phone her back to front. 💜💜
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Hahahha! Must be the new Apple Backwards Flip Phone! 😂🤣
Thanks, Sis! 💜
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just goes to show AI. Aint perfect yet 💜💜💜💜
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Run, baby!
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As fast as her Manolos will allow!
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She got out just in time! You have a knack for flash fiction, Nancy. 👌
Your title reminded me of the Michelle Pfeiffer movie. 😃
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I do that on purpose, Debbie. It keeps people on their toes. 😂 I have to watch this movie again; thanks for the reminder! 🍿 Thank you for your fabulous comments. I really appreciate them. 😌
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Excellent story, Nancy written as if you know this lifestyle.
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Hahaha! Being Sicilian, I’ve heard my share of stories. And that’s all I’m gonna say about that. Capiche? 😎
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Thanks, Jim!
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Mum is the word.
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Great story and song. 🎶 Thank you for participating in the prompt. 🖊️💕
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Thank you, Jolene. I really enjoy the prompt you create for us. So glad you liked my story and Foreigner; such a great song! 🧊 🎶 🥰
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🎶
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Gripping Nance and perfect song 🎵 choice 🙌
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Thanks so much, Ange. I had great fun writing this one and choosing the music. So glad you liked it! 🥰 🎶
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🙌
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Definitely out of my league … the closest I’ve been to “Mob” is a group of Kangaroos (a Mob), Nancy … 🦘🦘😊🥰
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Hahaha! 🦘 🦘 You gave me such a good laugh, dear Ivor! Thank you for a great Peaky Blinders song; I featured one a few days ago by Nick Cave. 🥰 🎶
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Yes, it’s was strangely effective how Lisa O’Neill’s Blackbird song was used as a Peaky Blinders soundtrack 🎶🥰😀
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Excellent. 👏👏👏
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Thanks for your very encouraging comment, Jeff.
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