His office is nestled in the middle of a tree-lined street just on the outskirts of downtown. Pushing my way through the huge glass doors, I make my way slowly to his darkly ornate office. Leather chairs and dark bookcases filled with dark books assault my senses just as much as the smell of stale coffee, and I repress the urge to gag.
His voice is soothing, and his peppered beard welcomes me with thoughts of Santa Clause and silver-wrapped presents. He directs me to lie back in the recliner and close my eyes, and I find myself descending that lonely elevator, his voice my only guide.
I expect to disappear.
“Who do you see?” He asks.
It’s my best friend Laurel, but I can’t say that because I’m sure that’s not what he wants. Is it?
“Just relax and tell me the first name that comes into your head.”
It’s still Laurel. Why can’t I think of anyone else? Do I have to say something? Will I get into trouble if I don’t? Maybe if I say her name, this will be over.
When I open my eyes, he smiles and gently pats my shoulder. “Great work. I’ll see you next week.”
His silky voice whispers its way across the guilt and shame clinging to me as I walk out of the office and shut the door.
The rules for Sunday Photo Fiction are to create a story/poem or something using around 200 words with the photo as a guide, although it doesn’t have to be center stage.
Sometimes writing about things that have happened in my life helps me come to terms with them. While I was reading today, I remembered a dark time in my life and was inspired (or forced depending on how you look at your own muse) to put it in story form when I saw the picture for today’s prompt. It’s 228 words.
Click the blue froggy link to read other amazing stories!
Happy Sunday!
Interesting take, loved the internal thoughts and how she wondered if he could tell what she was really thinking. Good work.
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Thank you very much!
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You’re a very good writer!
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Thank you very much!
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Oh I am so glad you are back. I loved your writing. From what you said you personally dealt with what you wrote.
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Well, we shall see if I can keep it up. Lol. But I’m going to try. Thank you!
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This was quite poignant! Great write!
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Thank you very much!
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This is edgy writing at its best! Lots of unsettling undercurrents here.
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Wow, thank you very much!
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Wha… huh? What happened?? Boy he is one slick hypnotist! Wonder what you REALLY told him? Great story! You did well! 🙂
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Not so good that there was actual hypnotism. 😉
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting! 😊
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great post, and hooray you are back o my radar!
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Thanks! I’m so happy! (Because I didn’t do anything, just crossed my fingers and sent up a prayer to the Internet gods)! 😉
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And it worked!! 😘 Night night off to bed happy now!!xx
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Sleep well! ❤️
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You too
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I wonder what information was given, what you gave him. As you say, sometimes writing about your own experiences can help. I have done it a few times either with myself or what other family members have experienced.
A good take on the story Helen.
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Thank you very much. It did help, but sometimes it’s hard to admit that the story is based on truth. 😉
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I haven’t always said when mine have been based on truth.
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Same here. I almost didn’t this time either. 😉
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Very neat. Did he know her thoughts are not? Is she thinking stiff or hearing voices? Or just his voice, he sounds creepy and dangerous for a psychologist. But maybe that’s her thinking? Great job.
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I don’t think he was safe at all. Thank you very much!
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Deeply disturbing story, but excellent writing.
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Thank you!
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Great response! And what mystery is set for the next week.
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Thank you very much. 😉
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