Ralph laughed. “They locked you away because they think you’re crazy.”
Abigail shuddered. Cynthia skipped across the dayroom and embraced her. An attendant in white stood watching. She whispered in Abigail’s ear.
“Don’t let him hurt you. You don’t deserve it.”
Abigail glanced to the side but Ralph was gone.
Had Cynthia seen him?!
No one believed Abigail. They thought her bruises self-caused.
Several nights later, she lay inside her locked room. Ralph appeared over her with his hand raised.
She cried, “Cynthia’s right. I don’t deserve it. I know that now!”
With one final snarl, Ralph dissolved into oblivion.
~~
“Friday Fictioneers” is a weekly challenge hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields. The challenge is to write a story, using only 100 words, in response to a photo prompt. This week’s photo was provided by J. Hardy Carroll. It’s a lot of fun to join this fantastic and encouraging group of writers! If you would like to read other stories, visit HERE.
Thoughts of a Wanderer 
Sometimes, all it takes are the right words
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That’s very true, Neil. Thanks for commenting! =)
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Powerful story! I had to read it twice to understand what was happening to her and that Ralph was indeed a symptom she was able to banish herself.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thank you so much, Susan. I hope it wasn’t confusing but am so glad you enjoyed it.
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That’s an excellent story, Brenda. Medication and behavioural therapy can help a wounded mind, but ultimately the mind must heal itself. Cynthia’s imaginative and empathetic intervention gave Abigail validation to banish her ‘demon’. You described the process so very well, and in fewer than 100 words – that’s a fabulous achievement!
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Thank you so much, Penny. I really appreciate your comments. They are high praise indeed.
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One demon banished, but I wonder what other one’s remain. Well told.
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Very intuitive. There are indeed others. Thank you for commenting, Iain. =)
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Oh wow, Brenda! Hopefully, this is the first step towards her release…
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Thank you, Dale, for reading and commenting! =)
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When Rabbit Howls sprang to mind here………… good story.
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I almost called the piece “Split” but that title was taken by a movie (haha). I looked up When Rabbit Howls and it certainly is amazing what the mind will do in order to protect itself. Thank you so much for commenting! =)
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You’re welcome Brenda.
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A potent story, full of images and feeling, l thought that it was great
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Thank you so much, Michael. I appreciate your kind cocmments.
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The power of the spoken word!
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Very true! Thank you so much for commenting.
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You’re very good at what you do Brenda.
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Thank you so much, Carolyn. That means a lot! =)
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Nicely told difficulties faced by a person suffering from psychological problem.
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Thanks so much! =)
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A whispered word from another patient and she banishes her demons, or at least one of them. Good depiction of mental illness!
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Thank you so much for commenting. I wish I had more space to write about Cynthia, she’s quite a fascinating character. Another time I suppose. =)
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She seems to be doing more good than the therapists…
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Sensitive treatment of a difficult topic, Brenda
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Thanks so much, CE! =)
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So nicely told, and proof, if it were needed, that the first step in mental health healing is to believe in yourself. Well done.
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We all need a plan for our own mental well-being and it does involve belief in ourselves. Thank you so much for commenting, Sandra!
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Oh the abuse we endure, in our own heads. Really powerful story, Brenda.
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Thank you so much, Dawn! =)
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Self abuse.. the worst kind there is. Glad to see she got rid of the culprit… now, she can heal! Great story,
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Thank you so much, Jelli! =)
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Dear Brenda,
Whether or not Cynthia saw Ralph with physical eyes, she had the right words about letting go and learning to love herself. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you so much, Rochelle! Cynthia is a wise one. =)
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I’m glad she finally said the right words! That would be terrifying whether real or not.
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It certainly would be. Thank you so much for commenting! =)
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Love the twist that Raph was a symptom and not an abuser. Crafty and powerful story!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the twist and thank you so much for commenting! =)
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good for her. she had taken the first step towards healing.
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Thank you for commenting! =)
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I am glad that she has the support of Cynthia and also with her own determination she was able to banish Ralph! Hope she recovers soon.
https://evergreenleaf.blogspot.com/2019/02/home.html
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Cynthia is quite a character and good for Abigail. Her strength will see her through in the end, or at least I think so. =) Thank you for commenting!
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An insightful story about a victim of violence and how she can mend. Told with sensitivity. Well done.
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Thank you so much for your comment! =)
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This is deep and powerful. I hope Ralph’s out of her life as well as her mind. If only we could get over all our trauma in 100 words.
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That certainly would be wonderful. Thank you for commenting! =)
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Sometimes, saying that is all it takes!
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Very true! Thank you for reading and commenting, Ann.
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The mind is a powerful thing.
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It is amazingly so, Alice. Thank you for reading and commenting! =)
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This is incredibly powerful writing.
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What a nice comment, thank you so much, Lisa! =)
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Hopefully now she can heal. Extremely well-written!
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Thank you so much, Sascha. I hope so too! =)
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🙂
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The trauma of mental illness and the effects on all. I felt for little Cynthia; innocent yet vulnerable. Sensitively written, Brenda. So much said in so few words…
Isadora 😎
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Thank you so much for reading and commenting! =)
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At first I thought Cynthia was Abigail’s sister, now I wonder if she is her alter ego. I do hope Ralph and all the other demons stay away forever. Powerful story.
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Thank you so much! I’ll let you know which way the characters develop as I lengthen the story. =)
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Sometimes, you really do have to stand up to the bully.
This is a wonderful story, well-written and full of impact. Great job.
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Even if that bully is in your mind. I really appreciate your kind and encouraging comments! =)
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I love how you went inside and tried to find he madness… and the right cure for her. No more bruises now
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Thank you much, Bjorn. She has more work to do but no more bruises. =)
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The power of words and belief. She finally won out, nicely told
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Thank you so much, Michael! =)
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Fabulous. Indeed she does not deserve it
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Thank you so much, Laurie. =)
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Captivating Brenda, you continue to say so much with so little!
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