By Pat Rossiter
She sits motionless watching as the black bag zips closed, encasing her husband’s lifeless body. Photographs are snapped, capturing images of spatter. She stares ahead as knobs are dusted and surfaces are swabbed. A gloved hand drops a serrated knife into an evidence bag.
Her hollow eyes convey nothingness. Her face is crimson-speckled, and her blood-sheathed limbs disguise the scars and aged bruises beneath. She is stood and turned around, only feeling the cold, hard sting of cuffs slapping around her wrists.
A detective is speaking but she hears nothing as she is consumed by a single thought:
Freedom at last.
Nailed it. Well done.
Thanks so much David, appreciate it!
Hello Pat,
Well written. In very few words the protagonist gained my sympathy. Hope she gets a good defense lawyer.
Thank you Cathryn, let’s hope so.
Well done! I can see the whole scene through your words! I’m
Thank so much for your feedback Christine!
So well written I felt like I was watching a scene from a movie. Great job!
Thanks so much Jamie! I appreciate your comments and support! ?
So vivid and gripping from start to finish, loved it!
Thank you Elizabeth! Glad you enjoyed it!
Impressive! A gripping story, very well written!!
Thank you so much Dhananjay, appreciate your kind words!
Vivid and disturbing with a poignant twist at the end. The consequences of desperation.
Thank you Bonnie!
Excellent job, Pat! You sucked me in from the first sentence.
Thanks Michele, appreciate your support and feedback!?
“The Story of an Hour” retold.
Thank you Keith!
Chilling, well done.
Thank you Marie!
Beautifully written. I felt as if I was there. So much said in 101 words. Bravo!
Thanks Liz, appreciate it!
Reminds me of the Columbo episode, Any Port in a Storm, in which the murderer says, “There are things worse than prison.”
Interesting Dan! I’ll have to look that one up. Thanks!
When I saw “23 comments,” I knew this would be a good story and it did not disappoint. You showed us the entire backstory, present and future of this poor victim of domestic abuse. Well done!
Thanks so much Lisa, appreciate it!
Powerful, cheering her on
Me too lol. Thanks so much Chadd!
Wow Patti! What a beautiful piece in terms of capturing a piercing image. Just read this now- 2/4/25. Continue writing. You have a wonderful gift!!!