PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Trapped
Any tea drinker knows that in order to make room for hot tea in the cup, she needs to sip or pour some of the cool out. Mary’s countertop is stained from spills. She’s never quite gotten the knack of giving a little.
Mary, imprisoned by sentimental memories from the past, has no space for the present. Shells and carvings from beach vacations with Humphrey gather dust on table tops. She visits her beloved’s grave once a week with fresh flowers and a small jar of bourbon.
A text from her old friend, John, chimes. Will he ever give up?
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
I think she needs to take a few sips from the bourbon and have a good time.
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I have watched this sort of situation unwind. Very relatable.
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Thanks for reading and glad the story resonates with you.
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🩵
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A very moving story.
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Thank you, Sadje.
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You’re most welcome 🙏🏼
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A good lesson to be learned there. Loved the way you told it.
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Sandra, thanks much :)
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Quite a confrontation of motives and foibles there. Nicely done
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Thanks, Neil. Glad you liked it.
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Love that tea/memories analogy Lisa.
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Randy, so happy you enjoyed it.
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I hope he never gives up.
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They both need some counseling…(K)
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Yes, I agree, K. She’s got to shake herself out of it somehow.
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You’ve painted a clear picture of Mary’s issue. Maybe John will wise up and show up at her house, sweep the shells away and buy her a bigger cup for her tea.
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<3 Clare, I love that idea!
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she needs to clear out her life and move on.
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Agreed, Plaridel. Thanks for reading and your comment.
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I can relate to Mary’s tea-drinking habits. I am constantly getting shit from my roommate for filling my mugs too full. I do the vast majority of the cleaning, though, so I make up for it. I’ve never seen it as a metaphor for my stubbornness until now.
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Nobbin, I’m not sure if it is stubbornness, more of not being receptive to change (at least the way I intended it.)
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Well, I am stubbornly going to cling to a resistance to change being synonymous with stubbornness.
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Great piece, Lisa. You did a great job layering the story, from the first image to the implications of the last one.
-David
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David, much appreciated feedback, thanks!
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‘She’s never quite gotten the knack of giving a little.’
The once sentence which, I believe, wraps up your story in a neat neurotic blanket.
Good read, Lisa.
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Nancy, I appreciate your comment and I appreciate you <3
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This is beautifully described. The stained table tells us so much. I hope she finds a way to let go and move on but I totally understand the sentiment.
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Thank you, Laurie. I do also. I’m a creature of habit that doesn’t like change.
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I especially loved your first paragraph: poetic and thought-provoking. Lovely piece.
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Thanks much, Angela :)
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Not if she is lucky he won’t!
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<3
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Dear Lisa,
He sounds like someone she should pay attention to. But then people move in their own times. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, very well said. Thank you, dear.
Shalom,
Lisa
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awesome story Li :D well done, you did a terrific job!
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:)
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