When little Tess had nightmares, her mother always soothed her. Mother would say, “Monsters feed on fear. Starve the beast and it will be powerless.”
As Tess grew up, she realized that monsters don’t always have sharp teeth or claws or live under the bed. Some were far more dangerous. Tess’ monster had a handsome face and a charming smile. And a wicked right hook.
Tess patted her pocket, feeling the steel courage hidden there. She was taking back the power. No more covering bruises with makeup. No more lies. No more fear. It was time to starve that beast.
This 100-word story is my offering for Friday Fictioneers – hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Friday Fictioneers is a group of writers that gathers every week to share flash fiction stories of approximately 100 words. Click here and hit the blue froggy button under the photo to read the other stories. There are some very talented folks in FF (and I’m just happy they let me tag along) so please check them out!
photo credit: Douglas MacIlroy
I’m rooting for her! Great job.
Thanks! I’m rooting for her too 🙂
I can see this ended badly for someone. Good build up, though I’m not sure that “wicked right hook” works quiet right. Wicked right hook almost sounds like she admires it. Of course, if this is what you intended, then hats off to you!!
Ah I see what you mean about wicked. I guess given my dialect, I didn’t immediately think of that. So no, that’s not what I intended.
Me too! Assholes give nice guys a bad name. Carpe….uh, safety, control, her life. Well done. 🙂
Thanks 🙂
Nice contrast between her earlier self and her present self – symbolised by the steel in her pocket. I like the memory of mother’s advice.
Thanks Margaret 🙂 I’m glad you liked it.
There is a lot to think about in this story, great description, very vivid. I don’t have many hopes for her future happiness, as long as she doesn’t understand the difference between power and violence.
Yes very good point.
Great story. She should starve the beast by leaving the so and so! Her plan will only allow him to completely ruin her life!
I agree!
This was a great story – I agree that leaving the beast might be more practical, however what I liked the most was mom’s explaining that the beast feeds on fear. So if she finds a way to no longer fear him, the beast will be starved!
Yes exactly. If she no longer fears him she starves the beast and he loses his power over her.
Really good writing! Powerfully done!
Thank you!
We both wrote about female angst this week. It’s hard to like the theme of this but the writing was very good. And as for the comments, I would never read “wicked” as admiration in this setting.
Tracey
Thanks so much, Tracey 🙂