By Charlie Swailes
A man’s tie is an innocuous object. It signifies business, prowess, success. It threatens no one and demands nothing.
But context is key.
When John found one balled behind the headboard of their bed he was surprised. He did not recognise the pattern, the colour, the style.
It grew in significance as he carried it in his pocket day after day. He twisted it around his fist as Clare checked her phone during dinner or popped to the shop before bed.
By the time he wrapped it around her neck as she slept, its power had grown beyond all possible reason.
A great story, very well written! I love how realisation slowly began to dawn, both for the reader and for John, as the tie’s power grew.
A fabulous story of how objects can control a life, beautifully written.
I also loved the way this progressed to greater sinister heights so subtly.
All that in so few, taut words…
Fantastic!
Gee, John certainly jumped to occlusions! Jerry
Asking “how did this tie get here?” might be a more measured response. I like the way the tie changed its character in the denoument
Very nice build and finish.
Great mastery of the form! Really enjoyed.
I agree with Stella. Your 101 words really works well here. Congrats.
Powerful story. Funny how the guy made assumptions about that tie.
Love this dark tale. Brilliantly written.