PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson
Matchmaker
Tindr ways grow dull. Merry hires a matchmaker. Lucretia and she spend an afternoon walking and talking. It feels more like new friendship than an assessment. Merry walks away with the bounce of hope in her step.
Barry checks every box. Looks, brains, listens, humorous, steady income, social standing; all qualities she values — and possesses herself. Friends of each say they’re glowing.
A little argument between them on holiday vacation ends their relationship.
Lucretia stamps Merry’s file, “Case Closed” after completing a brief summary:
Clients’ innermost desires met. Matches to kill. Merry’s to die.
Barry’s account remains open.
[99 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
Might the police be interested in that file?
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Neil, there is no doubt about it. Thanks for reading and your comment.
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what a twist! How sinister. I had to read it again, because yikes!
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Thank you :)
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Not a good dating service, I think.
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It caters to a particular clientele. I pray upon pray something like this doesn’t exist, but I know it must.
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Hmmm.. what was in that file ??
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It is rather mysterious isn’t it. And where the file is kept? I’m thinking of someplace with fire and brimstone…
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:-D Hahaha — hooo boy , it must be HOT :-D
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LOL!
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I have to wonder about that file! It sounds like a dating site from hell…no, I do mean real hell.
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Max, it very well may be! I just watched a 3-hour documentary on a dating site called “Ashley Madison” and it’s about as close to hell as you can get without singing your clothes.
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Oh geez…yea I’m glad I don’t have to do that…but I don’t think I would if I was single.
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We are living in weird times. With one app (Tindr) you are scrolling a list of faces and either “keeping” them or “skipping” them by which way you swipe. Trying to imagine how young people can have any depth at all when that’s what is expected of them.
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They don’t….I was going to say that I’ve talked to some younger people and if a relationship has one argument they are ready to end it….no patience at all.
Everything has to be instant….
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Wonderfully written! Loved your story. Quite mysterious!
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R.M. thanks much :)
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Should have researched that matchmaker a bit more deeply…(K)
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Oh that was a bit drastic 🥲
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Indeed!
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😟
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That was a different take. And an unexpected ending. For more than just the reader. Well done!
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Sandra, thanks very much. You just never know what the muse will bring.
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Oh dear! What is the name of Lucretia’s company? I wanna make sure I DO NOT sign up there!!!
Excellent, Lisa!
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LOL Dale. We always think of Lucifer “The Devil” as being a man, but…
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Exactly. Methinks Lucretia is definitely of that other dark world…
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Please tell this is fiction!
Delightfully different, Lisa!
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I sure hope it is!
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I will certainly avoid matchmakers. She seemed so certain and final about her decisions.
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Oh that sinister ending! Fascinating story. And I note your comment about the shallowness encouraged by all that ‘swiping’. Agree.
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Margaret, thank you for your appreciation :)
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Oh my, what a shock at the end. Well done, Lisa! I’ve heard success and nightmare stories from these dating sites. Hopefully, there are no Lucretia’s involved.
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Thanks, Brenda!
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Just one argument & her case is permanently closed… Dangerous.
Poor girl. She didn’t deserve to die.
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Anita, I appreciate your comment because it makes me think of the imbalance of patriarchy. No, she did not deserve to die. Thank you.
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Dear Lisa,
Not a matchmaker I’d recommend. Gives new meaning to all sales final, doesn’t it?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, love the comment. Thanks much.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Oh my!
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Ooooooo
There’s a twist I didn’t see coming.
Well told and terrific misdirect. That’s no dating service.
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Thanks, Laurie!
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