PHOTO PROMPT © Sarah Potter
Warning: disturbing subject matter that may be triggering for some.
Similar to a rotting tooth’s deep, throbbing pain and no dentist available for a month, George used whiskey to numb his deep, throbbing depression.
Upon leaving, Patti’s eviscerating, “I want a real man.” echoed through his skull no matter how loud he turned up the music.
His therapist made him repeat the mantra at the end of every session:
–Hurt people hurt people.
–Do one kind act each day.
–Remember those who have loved you.
At the roof’s ledge, mantra absorbed, his hurt commanded. Death was a kindness. He would soon be hugging his grandmother.
He jumped.
[100 words]
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 1-800-273-8255. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
A world wide listing of Global Suicide Hotline Resources is found here.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the motivating host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
Oy, that photo seemed to have taken many down the Sorrow Road …
Well written! whoa.
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Thank you, Na’ama. I left right after posting it so haven’t started down the story trail yet. I couldn’t see the photo any other way…
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I hear ya. I so hear ya …
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Good story. Thanks for the el-warno!
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Thank you on both counts, Bear.
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Sad story, powerfully written.
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Thank you, Iain.
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I wonder how much the mantra drove him to it. It would me
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I like your comment, Neil and it gets right at what I wanted to say. Not so much that the mantra drove him to it as much as when someone has their mind made up to do it, it is only the person who has the power to make the choice. Formulas, saying the right thing, etc. are all well and good, but they cannot prevent someone from doing it — or drive them to do it.
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Sorrow and grief can cause so much more pain. After losing my son I was so happy that I had my daughter and David. I needed them more than they ever knew.
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I’m glad they were there for you.
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You’ve portrayed his feeling so well
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I’ve never known anyone personally to do that but it’s beyond terrible.
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I feel bad for the poor guy.
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I do also and that story has happened a lot.
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A powerful piece, Li.
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Thank you, Chris.
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Hurt people hurt people. That’s a cracking line. Well done.
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Thank you, Sandra. Not original to me. My mentor gave it to me and she learned it from her mentor. Maybe it’s one of those lines that eventually are attributed to “Anonymous.”
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At least he was thinking of his grandmother. There is no formula to combat despair. People who are substance abusers are also suicidal in my opinion. What they need, what everyone needs, is a reason to keep going. Our individualist society considers this a weakness, especially for men, to form those reciprocal connections. To work together, rather than against each other. (K)
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Well said, Kerfe ❤
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methinks, he should have stopped wearing her dresses first. 🙂
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Interesting comment, Plaridel. He may be wearing pink chiffon right now!
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I thought you handled this sensitive subject brilliantly.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Susan, many thanks.
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Dear Lisa,
Heart breaking and harrowing story. Well written. Thank you for adding the links, I hope they help someone.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thank you and I hope so also.
Shalom,
Lisa
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it is sad how the mind gets trapped in one direction and it is very difficult to turn the tide.
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Yes it is 😦
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I can’t imagine what that must be like. So sad.
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It must be tough when nothing can shake it off.
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When one’s thinking is so lost, so hopeless, death seems the kindest way out for everyone. Well written.
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Thank you, Linda.
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Poor chap.
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Oh no, how sad, what is it about a slightly out of focus black and white shot which has so depressed folk? Good stuff as ever.
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Thank you, Shrawl.
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Despite our pretenses, we are fragile creatures, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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He should have thought happier thoughts.
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Wow what a story! It is a sorrowful tale, but a terrible reality for some people. I like the mantra, something he should have focused on more succinctly. Very well written Ms. Jadeli.
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Thank you, may be!
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The hopeless and helpless feelings of depression are often extremely difficult to overcome. That’s why we should watch each other and especially during this difficult time. A very sad story. Great idea to include the links at the end. Well written, Lisa!
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Brenda, thank you. Yes we should.
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This is so sad. Very well written.
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Thank you, Magarisa.
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Brenda puts it better than I ever could. I was pleased that you tackled this subject. Well done
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Thank you very much, Michael.
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A poignant story told in such a sensitive way. Well done, Li.
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Thank you, Magarisa.
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You’re welcome, Li.
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Well written but leaves a horrible feeling. You did well in just a hundred words with the insight into how suicidal people must feel
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Thank you for the feedback, Michael.
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Powerful story.
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Thanks, J.A.
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Excellent piece. You packed so much in and it all hits the proverbial nail on the head.
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Sascha, thank you very much.
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I appreciate the trigger warning and the helpline info at the end. Wow, so much in this story. WE get hints of what’s beneath his depression – low self-worth, wrong environment and relationships. The thought of his grandmother at the end, makes me think he has no other family or people left to understand him.
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Thank you for reading and your very insightful comment, Fatima.
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How very very tragic.
You’ve written this really well.
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Thank you, Laurie.
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