PHOTO PROMPT© Roger Bultot
Morgan appraised himself in the mirror and smiled. He was well-regarded in his job as administrator at the town’s library, partly due to staff receiving generous gift cards at the holidays. His Wednesday night poker group loved him as he often had bad luck. The pastor at church praised him with special mention each Sunday for his tithing, landscaping, and handyman skills.
“Where’s my breakfast!?,” he roared.
Morgan’s wife, Carla, felt a shudder roll through her slight form. She rubbed the tender, bruised area on the inside of her arm that his fingers loved to squeeze.
Carla knew different.
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the steadfast host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
Great character portrait
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Neil, thank you 🙂
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A portrait of a narcissist!
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So true, Sadje! There are a lot of them in this world!
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Too many, I think.
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You just can’t trust those who are “too good to be true” in public…
Carla needs to get out from his grip!
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Oh so true on both counts, Dale. Thank you!
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😊
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Stunning and frightening story. Brilliantly done.
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Thank you, Ain! FYI, I am enjoying your FF stories but can’t “like” or comment because of your writing from Medium.
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Dear Lisa,
No one knows what goes on behind closed doors. I’ve encountered some of those “wonderful” people myself. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thank you very much. I agree and have also met a few along the way.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Your portrait of an abuser is all too true! You have crafted a bio in just a few words.
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Thanks much, Lorraine. I wish it wasn’t so.
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I think if you are a success of not depends more on what happens behind closed doors than in public… Good portrait of a bad man.
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Thank you, Trent. I agree. Those closest to us should be treated best. The rest is gravy.
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What goes on behind closed doors is a mystery indeed. Appearances can be deceiving. Great take, Lisa!
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Shweta, many thanks, and too true.
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You are welcome ❤🤗😊
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That was a sneaky twist! Poor Carla, the not-unusual wife who knows the dark side of the man everyone else adores.
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Thank you. Linda, I wish it wasn’t so common. There are plenty of husbands who know their wife’s dark side as well….
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That’s why those “clumsy” excuses are accepted. People only see what they want to see.
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Sharp comment. Acknowledging the truth is messy.
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Ouch
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A good take on the prompt, via the distorted image of the mirror. I hope Carla can escape to a place of safety.
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Penny, thank you. I hope so too.
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This was a very well told and somber tale, Lisa. Unfortunately for Carla because her husband is so likable and lauded with praise, who would believe her if she were to disclose that he abused her?
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I know you know the dynamic from reading some of your stories. Exactly! Abusers so often build that protective buffer and act without fear of accountability. They also are never prepared for when the victim/target decides to leave. I think that’s why victims/targets are most at risk when the abuser’s illusion of omnipotence is shattered.
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Nice though certainly sad twist – a perfect tale of how looks can be deceiving. One wonders how many jerks like Morgan are out there, receiving all this praise from people who have no idea what’s going on behind closed doors – or don’t want to know!
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You might be shocked at how many, Christian. And Morgan can be any gender, race, religion, etc.
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Good point, I suppose there are also abusive wives. And, yes, abuse isn’t limited to any race or religion either.
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Behind closed doors… 😦
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The ‘good’, the bad and the ugly… And all in one person. Great twist, Lisa.
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Jenne, thank you for reading and your wonderful comment.
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As someone noted, behind closed doors…the death of one partner often sheds an entirely new light on the relationship and the person you thought you knew. (K)
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Little do they know. I’d doubt they’d believe it anyway. Well done Lisa.
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Thank you very much and I agree.
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sadly, it happens. such is life.
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such is life for a deceitful abuser and their targets, yes
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Very well done and very realistic, alas. So many times the ones who terrorize at home are admired by others outside of the home.
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Thank you, Na’ama.
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Sounds like something “extra” may go into the breakfast that morning… and Morgan will cease to be.
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LOL I like the way your mind works, Max.
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I have a dark one…or so I’m told.
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Speaking of dark, I kept trying on the TZS2 at the library and it is now waiting for me there. I will pick it up today or Monday. Life is good 🙂
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You are having to work for them…I hope you like them!
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, and only hurts the ones who really matter. Brute.
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Exactly, James. Thank you for reading and your comment.
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This is so sad, true hypocrisy. The dual personality of an abuser. Very will written!
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Brenda, thank you.
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That is so well told, gives me the chills. ‘He was such a great guy, didn’t think he had it in him’ is a phrase we hear all too often.
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Thanks much, Gah.
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It is a shame that his phone does not shatter, like the mirror on the wall
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YES, I wish they would.
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Ooooooooo so evil. This was delicately written. The man of the people hides a dark secret. Creepy.
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Thank you, Laurie!
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Brilliantly written, this is eactly how it can be. It makes you shudder to think this is going on in so many homes.
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Michael, much appreciated thanks, for your compliment and for understand how prevalent it is.
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I like the build up of his admirable attributes smashed by the cruel truth. Sadly recognizable I think.
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Thank you for reading and your feedback, WWM.
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This is a great story Lisa. I know its an older one, but I had some posts saved, and so I am responding only now to this. ❤
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Thanks much. Just re-read it and yes it’s a good one 🙂
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