Written for Muse On Monday where David
has asked us to write a story where one
character knows another is lying to them.
Here’s where the prompt took me.
The ring was gone.
Sylvie stood at the bathroom sink, staring at the empty space in the ceramic dish where she’d placed it the night before. Her chest tightened. She already knew. She’d known for months, the way you know a storm is coming before a single cloud appears.
“Evan.” Her voice carried down the hallway with a steadiness that surprised her.
He appeared in the doorway, rumpled, beautiful, already constructing his face into something innocent. “Hey, babe.”
“Where’s my ring?”
“What?” He stepped closer, peering at the dish with theatrical concern. “It was right there last night. Did it fall?”
Right on cue. That practiced bewilderment. She’d watched him use it on his boss at the Verizon store before they fired him, before the inventory discrepancies became impossible to deny. His boss had been merciful. Sylvie had defended him fiercely.
God, she’d been such a fool.
“Evan.” Her voice cracked open like dry earth. “I need you to tell me the truth.”
“Syl, I swear to you….”
“Stop.” The word came out hard as bone. “The three hundred dollars from my nightstand. My grandmother’s earrings. The watch my father gave me.” She watched his jaw tighten almost imperceptibly. “And now this.”
He reached for her hand. “Baby, I have a problem. You know that. I need help …. not accusations.”
And there it was …. the weapon he always chose last. Her love for him, weaponized.
She pulled her hand back slowly.
She loved him. God help her, she loved him completely. But somewhere beneath the grief and the fury, something new was crystallizing …. the radical, terrifying understanding that she could not rescue someone who was actively drowning her.
He watched in disbelief as she picked up her phone and made the call.
NAR©2026
This is “Jar Of Hearts” by Christina Perri
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
She could only take so much. A great tale, Nancy.
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The absolute last straw. Good riddance! Thanks, dear Keith.
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Once, twice…. I ain’t giving him a third chance!
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Put a fork in him …. he’s DONE!
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Damn straight. I recently read It Ends With Us – I had seen the movie but hey… and man… it took her three “accidents” to wake up…
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Yeah, right! Not related, but have you seen “All Her Fault”? Fabulous mystery! You must watch!
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It`s on my list!
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Loved this. And absolutely love this song and the video (gotta be the boots).
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Thanks so much, Di. I love this video, too, and I’m with you on those boots!
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🙂
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She has no choice other than to get him out of her life.
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I agree, although for too many making that choice feels impossible.
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I’ve had to make that call, glad I did!😉
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It’s got to be really tough. Good for you, Tiffany! No one should have to live like that. ❤️
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Yep, she got his number.
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And good for her for taking the first step. Thanks, D!
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So powerfully written Nance – great story 🙌
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I believe women have come a long way, but still too many are afraid to leave. Thanks so much for your beautiful comments, Ange. ❤️
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🩷
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She did the right thing
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She did. It’s a terrible shame when people fall into these repetitive traps. It’s difficult. Thank you, dear sister.
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Oh yes, very true.
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