Meticulous
Henry keeps things exactly where they were when Marijo was still at home. Henry is not a neat person by nature, but he honors her this way. Marijo nursed their five children through fevers, stomach problems, rashes, and much more. It was her meticulous care that ensured they survived each calamity and reached adulthood.
When, one by one, all five moved far away, Marijo took a turn. Without her manufactured crises with the children and the doctor’s office on speed dial, Henry’s health plummeted. Blood tests revealed arsenic.
Commitment was easy. Henry visits her every Saturday. The children never write.
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of
Friday Fictioneers.
Hi Lisa – it is you! I would like to try out some FF – is it possible to start posting- thank you – Jae
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Jae, absolutely it is possible. Go here:
https://rochellewisoff.com/2026/10/14/16-october-2026/ Look at the pic, include the pic with photographer credit under it at your post. Write your story on your block, and link it to Rochelle’s Mr. Linky page with the URL of your story. If you need any help along the way, let me know. Glad you want to give it a try. It’s a lot of fun.
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Thanks Lisa – I would love to give it a try – thank you Jae
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:)
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A truly encompassing story with a delicious twist in the ending – Jae
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Jae, thanks very much.
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I detest it every time I hear of a case of Munchausen’s syndrome by proxy. An insane need for attention by making yourself sick is one thing but hurting little kids is unforgiveable. There’s been too much of that going around lately.
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James, I know exactly what you mean. I’ve personally known a few of these individuals.
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A very sad story for everyone. Great take, Lisa.
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Thanks very much, Nancy. It truly is.
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Most welcome, Li.
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What a masterful twist Lisa – the transition from a story about a grieving, nostalgic husband preserving his missing wife’s memory to the revelation of Münchausen syndrome is sharp, and so effective – great write 🙌
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Ange, happy you enjoyed my twisted tale, thanks :)
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🙌
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That’s a great twist, Lisa! 👍☺️
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Thanks so much, Yasan.
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You’re most welcome, Lisa. Have a great weekend ahead. ☺️
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In just 100 words, you managed to completely flip the emotional narrative from a tender memorial to something genuinely dark. It’s always so amazing how much tension and dread you can pack into a single paragraph.
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OM, I am always encouraged by your comments. Thank you <3
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Thank you Lisa 😊 Afterall, distance apart, we always find our cheerleaders 😂
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You are welcome, and yes.
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Well done, Lisa. I had to read it thrice! A sad situation for all concerned.
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Dale, it is tragic all the way around isn’t it. The poor guy is still faithful to her, even after she poisoned him. I think behind bars is the best/safest place for her.
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I think it is a very sad thing but I guess we cannot understand that kind of love…and yes, she best be under care in a locked up facility!
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<3
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how sad. i didn’t expect it to end that way.
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Plaridel, I’m sure each of the characters are likewise mystified by the state of the situation. Thanks for vocalizing their surprise.
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There seems to be some unresolved issues going on here. Not sure.
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James, I’d have to agree with you there. They probably all need intensive therapy.
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No good endings for anyone here. (K)
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Why do humans have to be so messy?
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I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately.
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It is the sad reality of many parents… Nice take on the prompt Lisa.
Have a good day. :)
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Surabhi, thank you, yes it is. Good day to you also!
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An unexpected twist Li. Very well written my dear friend
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Sadje, thank you for reading and your comment.
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My pleasure dear friend
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Dear Lisa,
Marijo needed to be needed even if she had to manufacture the need. Didn’t see that coming. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thank you so much. Yes, she did.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Great, Lisa, certainly not the ending I expected!
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Keith happy to surprise you.
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Wow. Very good. A whole lifetime in 100 words.
Great job Lisa!
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Dawn thanks so much :)
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I did not anticipate that ending, so good!
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Thanks, Michele, and glad I gotcha.
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I wasn’t expecting that ending. Good, but sad story. Excellently done, Li.
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Chris, thanks so much!
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Great twist! Munchausen syndrome by proxy always makes me think of The Sixth Sense. Other than the twist, that’s the one thing that stuck with me years later. It’s so disturbing. Your story is very well done and creepy.
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Nobbin, that movie creeped me out! Thank you on my story.
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Oooooo
There is something a little creepy in this one. Beautifully written.
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Thanks, Laurie!
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I know of a few relatives who left home and didn’t bother to reconnect with their parents… A sad story. But one that happens all too often.
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Yes, it is, and yes, it does :(
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