mirceaianc at Pixabay.com
They called him The Chameleon. Marshall was one of those unique individuals who could morph into whatever, whomever, he needed to be, depending on the circumstances. He was the kind of person who could be the best used car salesman on the lot, or the founder of a new religion. Marshall’s mind worked at a much quicker pace than most people. If he’d had the proper guidance when young, Marshall could have ruled the world.
But Marshall did not have the proper guidance when young. He was objectified and exploited at every turn, as Marshall’s parents, also brilliant, yet uncultivated and exploited as youngsters, were too wrapped up in themselves and their own exploits to pay much attention to their extraordinary child.
Marshall was left to fend for himself, and his quick mind absorbed the machinations of those who objectified and exploited him. By the time Marshall reached adulthood he was a practiced con artist without a conscience.
Marshall conned his way through every circumstance he encountered, never once considering being real – until he forgot what real was. Then he met Marina.
Marina was also bright but forgotten by self-absorbed parents. Where Marshall had no protection or guidance, Marina’s saving grace was Old Mrs. Morrie, the next door neighbor. Children need but one shining light in their world to be saved and Mrs. Morrie was Marina’s.
Marina saw herself in Marshall and he saw her as a flame that warmed his cold soul. Their souls twirled and danced. She felt the chill but was determined to share her warmth with him. Marshall felt and loved the warmth and for a time there was hope. The splinter of humanity that was left in him screamed in anguish as he determined to destroy her.
The End.
[293 words]
Fandango is the host of Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge. Fandango says:
Each week I will be posting a photo I grab off the internet and challenge bloggers to write a relatively short flash fiction piece inspired by the photo. While there are no definitive style or word limits, I suggest trying to keep your posts to under 300 words.
I had such big hopes that she could change him with her warmth, but true enough, some people seem beyond help. wonderful story.
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Thank you for reading and your comment. So true.
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A profound story, very succinctly told!
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Sadje, thank you.
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What sounded like a love story of hope and redemption turned out to be anything but hopeful and lacked redemption. Good tale, Li.
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Sometimes there is no happily ever after. Thank you, Fandango.
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You’re welcome 😉
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Great story 😊👏
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Thanks, Jen!
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You’re welcome Hon! 👍❤
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And this is why I keep choosing you whenever I do my challenges… I have two I was tagged in and I’ve tagged you in both, but you obviously can choose to participate or not. Love this story!
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That’s a sad ending. Some poor souls are beyond saving. I was thinking that about the homeless man that recently bludgeoned 4 other homeless men to death in a rampage here in the city. (K)
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No happily ever after. Growing up we all need good influencers and role models. Poor chameleon.
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Kevin, I never got them?
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Oh no, didn’t hear about that.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Len.
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Hmmm… the others got theirs… I’ll do it again… No worries! ;-)))
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Poor Marina picked the wrong one.
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Yes 😦
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That’s beautiful. I love this line: “Children need but one shining light in their world to be saved…” We are so fragile and pliable as children. For most, wrong paths can be corrected if caught in time. Bad things can happen when they’re not.
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Thank you for your reading and thoughtful comment, Nobbin.
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