FIREWORKS (noun)
3: plural
a: display of temper or intense conflict
b: a spectacular display
The fireworks weren’t anything new. She experienced them in
every relationship. She was, after all, passionate. About many things. About
most things. And when her energy rises and the air becomes electric, sparks just
naturally ignite.
What's different this time, with him, is that when the
fireworks display is done, it’s over. She isn’t oppressed by dread. She’s not
worrying about the aftershocks. Because there won’t be any. They disagree, they
argue, they reach resolution, they move on. Amazing!
When emotion overtakes her and her thinking is ruled more by
passion than logic, he challenges her. And she gets her back up. But his
umbrage never rises to meet hers. Instead he reminds her, “I’m not saying
you’re wrong, I’m saying you’re not clear.” Amazing!
She had grown up in a household where her father could
not be questioned. He was inviolate, resolute and right. Anyone who disagreed
with him could depend on being ridiculed. Demeaned. It happened to her, it
happened to her mother. She fought unsuccessfully to protect her baby sister. She always felt bad about leaving home and abandoning the kid to that.
Then she wasted a decade with Stephen. With him, an
explosion was always preceded by the tinkling of ice cubes. Then the tension
escalated, inexorably leading to an eruption of verbal and physical violence.
Followed by much sorrow, many regrets, romantic kindnesses and even gifts. She
couldn’t relax and enjoy these good
times because it was difficult to predict when those dangerous aftershocks
would hit. Along with the blame. This was all always her fault. She made him do it. If
only she were more feminine, more acquiescent, none of this would happen.
There was none of that with this amazing man. He says with a
smile that he wishes he was as passionate about anything as she is about
everything.
They disagree, they argue, they reach resolution, and they
move on … Amazing!
She loves this man.
This was a lovely piece of writing. I particularly liked the line: "With him, an explosion was always preceded by the tinkling of ice cubes." The dark mood of it was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteReally well done. :)
I love the line about the explosion preceded by tinkling of ice cubes. Nice way to say he drank without actually saying that!
ReplyDeleteWe're on the same wavelength here! I like your version much better than mine.
ReplyDeleteI know that dread of the aftershocks so well! Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteWonderful piece! Loved it!
ReplyDeleteWhat Janna said.
ReplyDeleteVery nice imagery and choice of words.
What a wonderful place to get to after such a long time spent repeating the patterns of youth.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the use of the word inviolate. I've always loved that word.
Thanks for linking up. Be sure to check back Friday for the new prompt.
Wonderful write. I understand the feeling of emotion overtaking logic...I love when you say, "But his umbrage never rises to meet hers...." Excellent. That's my favorite paragraph.
ReplyDeleteI love the way she has broken free of the cycle of violence here. I particularly like the way you show the role alcohol played in her previous relationship "With him, an explosion was always preceded by the tinkling of ice cubes." I did notice a couple of tense shifts. They may have been deliberate, but I couldn't be sure? Anyway, I liked the way you outlined the arc of her life in such a short space!
ReplyDeletei love the metaphor you used throughout this. it really defined the tension that can exist in a volatile relationship. i'm glad she found someone who can accept and contend with her passionate (and perhaps somewhat fiery) nature.
ReplyDeletegreat use of the prompt.
I love this line: "He was inviolate, resolute and right." It has a great rhythm to it. The bit about the tinkling of ice cubes was fantastic as well.
ReplyDeleteExcellent piece of short fiction!
ReplyDelete