From her window, she could see the lights outside twinkling brightly.
The winds were blowing and hissing. A blizzard was on the way.
The fireplace wood crackled as it warmed the room. She watched the flames dance.
Strange seeing Christmas decorations up this year. Her friends had encouraged her. ‘Just do it,’ they said.
But, she felt lonely. Isolation from family, friends, and Ron off on a business trip. Pointless!
It looks like *Jack is going to keep me company tonight again.
Ron arrived home early, his Christmas surprise. He found her.
Bottle in hand, killed her and her pain.
2020©Isadora De La Vega
Word Count: 100
Genre: Flash Fiction
Photo Prompt:©Dale Rogerson
To join Rochelle and her Friday Fictioneers challenge
click here
***** ‘Jack’ a form of referring to the Jack Daniels – Tennessee Whiskey.
Inside the Mind of Isadora 
May 18, 2021 at 4:09 am
You drew us in with the decorations, and killed with that last line!
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May 18, 2021 at 4:19 pm
Thank you … it’s always a pleasure to see a compliment that is positive. Have a great week … Isadora 😎
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March 1, 2021 at 7:47 am
Hello
Amen to that, Dale. People look forward to these types of celebrations since it could be a yearly thing. But, depression hits people most during family times; especially ones who don’t have many family members anymore or spouses. We are going to go down, down, down in spirit if we can’t see people soon. Thanks for reading my story,
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February 28, 2021 at 12:17 pm
Hello
I couldn’t get in the mood for Christmas even if I received a cash reward. After all, COVID Isolation is the perfect excuse for not going through the work. Thank you for stopping by and reading my story. I think many will have severe bouts of depression once it gets closer to Christmas. After all, family is Christmas not gifts. Be Safe … Isadora 😎
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January 2, 2021 at 6:58 am
I started out to write a comfy Christmas tale. But, my fingers listened to my brain and not my heart. Tragedy popped in to sit at the table. Yes, Ron and anyone else in her life will be affected forever. COVID depression is visiting many homes. Christmas is a special time to enjoy with, All your loved ones, To spread the divinity and cheer around, Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
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December 12, 2020 at 12:09 pm
Wonderful article. Fascinating to read. I love to read such an excellent article. Thanks! It has made my task more and extra easy. Keep rocking.
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November 25, 2020 at 11:27 am
Christmas is coming soon! Let’s get gifts for your lovers!
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November 17, 2020 at 7:25 pm
I was just getting in the Christmas mood and then bam! Well done:-)
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November 17, 2020 at 7:55 pm
I couldn’t get in the mood for Christmas even if I received a cash reward. After all, COVID Isolation is the perfect excuse for not going through the work. Thank you for stopping by and reading my story. I think many will have severe bouts of depression once it gets closer to Christmas. After all, family is Christmas not gifts. Be Safe … Isadora 😎
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November 17, 2020 at 4:33 am
Wonderfully written tragedy, Isadora. I fear for many during this awful year. So many lonely people, trying to cope.
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November 17, 2020 at 7:59 pm
Amen to that, Dale. People look forward to these types of celebrations since it could be a yearly thing. But, depression hits people most during family times; especially ones who don’t have many family members anymore or spouses. We are going to go down, down, down in spirit if we can’t see people soon. Thanks for reading my story, Dale. Greatly appreciate all of your visits. Be Safe … Isadora 😎
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November 17, 2020 at 8:40 pm
😊
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November 17, 2020 at 12:33 am
Ah, sad but very well done. My entry is also this weeks Friday Fictioneers.
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November 17, 2020 at 8:03 pm
Thank you, Oneta, for visiting and your comment. Be Safe … Isadora 😎
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November 15, 2020 at 6:04 pm
A very poignant and sad ending, Brilliantly written Isadora
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November 15, 2020 at 8:24 pm
Sadly, this may become a frequent issue if people have to continue to be isolated from friends and family. Thank you for your very complimentary and kind comment, Micheal. Have a good weekend – Be Safe … Isadora 😎
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November 15, 2020 at 3:40 pm
A chilling finish, two life’s ruined
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November 15, 2020 at 5:33 pm
Yes, it’s never the victim alone that is affected. Covid will be the next cause for major suidcides. Thank you for commenting, Micheal. Be Safe … Isadora 😎
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November 15, 2020 at 1:42 pm
An unexpected ending, it took my breath. I’m afraid for those who are suffering with isolation and depression during this COVID Christmas. Your story was excellently written, Isadora. Stay safe, stay well!!
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November 15, 2020 at 5:32 pm
Thank you for your extremely kind words and for coming by for a visit. I always appreciate all who take the time.
Yes, we’re living in a time that is creating serious mental illnesses. I don’t think Christmas is the only culprit behind it. Let’s pray we get passed this pandemic without major collateral damage. Have a peaceful relaxing Sunday. Be Safe … Isadora 😎
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November 15, 2020 at 11:28 am
Ah, so that’s who Jack was. Very sad and poignant, but sympathetically written, Isadora.
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November 15, 2020 at 5:02 pm
OH … I just assummed people knew that ‘Jack’ is a slang way of asking for Jack Daniels – a Tennessee Whiskey. I’ll have to add that at the bottom of my story. Thank you for coming by and reading my story. I appreciate and thank you for your wonderful comment. Be Safe …
Isadora 😎
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November 15, 2020 at 1:05 am
Querida Isadora,
Such a tragic story. I’m sure that wasn’t the homecoming Ron was expecting. Such a warm cozy setting to receive such a sucker punch at the end. Bien escrito 😉
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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November 15, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Querida Rochelle,
The photo was very cozy. I started out to write a comfy Christmas tale. But, my fingers listened to my brain and not my heart. Tragedy popped in to sit at the table. Yes, Ron and anyone else in her life will be affected forever. COVID depression is visiting many homes. Gracias por sus buenas palabras. Que pases un Domingo con allegria. XOXO
Be Safe … Isadora 😎
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November 14, 2020 at 11:32 pm
What a tragic ending. Poor Ron who wanted to surprise her.
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November 15, 2020 at 5:16 pm
Yes, tragic for all in her life. Perhaps, if she had waited just a bit longer things would have been different; her desperate cries that no one heard. Thanks you for visiting and commenting. Be Safe … Isadora 😎
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November 14, 2020 at 6:25 pm
what a miserable backdrop you painted. still, it wasn’t ending i expected.
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November 15, 2020 at 5:10 pm
Thank you, Plaridel. It’s a sign of the times. There have been many suicides due to COVID.
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November 14, 2020 at 6:59 am
So much for a merry Christmas. When emotions drift so far apart there are consequences as in this unexpected ending.
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November 16, 2020 at 9:18 pm
Unfortunately, people can’t always face the reality that is right before them. Denial is the master of disguise. Thanks, James. Hope you have a fantastic week. Be Safe … Isadora 😎
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November 13, 2020 at 11:40 pm
A great contrast between the cosy opening and the cjhilling ending
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November 14, 2020 at 4:53 pm
A huge smile as I read your comment about my story this week, Neil. Thank you so very much. Your comments always spur me on. Very grateful … Be Safe … Isadora 😎
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November 13, 2020 at 8:43 pm
Wow. Tragic. You drew us in with the decorations, and killed with that last line!
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November 13, 2020 at 10:03 pm
There are many who I’ve turned to alcohol during these COVid times, Linda. Human casualties from all the uncertainty we’re experiencing. Thank you … Be Safe
Isadora 😎
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November 14, 2020 at 3:34 pm
Alcohol, depression, domestic violence, child abuse—the cure is worse than the disease.
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November 14, 2020 at 4:58 pm
I suppose many feel that if they numb their bodies the negative thoughts and frustrations will disappear. We are in a fight for survival. We need everyone to be involved in the changes that we’re all going to have to face. Be Safe … Isadora 😎
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November 13, 2020 at 6:02 pm
And the image is a nice compliment to the words.
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November 13, 2020 at 6:01 pm
Heart warming piece. ♥️😊I like it.
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November 14, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Thank you … Isadora 😎
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November 14, 2020 at 7:05 pm
You are welcome 😊
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November 13, 2020 at 5:37 pm
That’s terribly sad. Tragic ending, very well written.
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November 13, 2020 at 5:57 pm
Thank you, Iain. I know people in AA that say many, many have fallen off due to COVID. Tragic days we are experiencing. Be Safe …
Isadora 😎
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