PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot
As I pass balloons decorating lampposts and gaudy neon lights, my heart feels that little bit heavier. I see the rowdy party-goers dancing with arms flailing and drunken grins spread across their faces.
Are they as happy as they seem? Perhaps they’re trying just that little bit too hard.
Am I the only one who dreads this time of year?
I’ve no money to buy the children a decent gift or provide a traditional Christmas meal.
I can pay the bills… just, but we will have to keep the heating low.
I’ve no energy to appear jolly.
Damn you, Peter.
Word Count: 100
Written for Friday Fictioneers – a 100 words story based on a photo prompt. Hosted by Rochelle. Read the other entries here.
Clare Hempstead 
Dear Clare,
I’m assuming Peter is/was her husband. Perhaps her late husband since she’s left destitute. So many sad situations intensified by the festivities. The feeling in his piece is tangible. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle. Sorry for the tardy reply. Peter was a nasty piece of work and she is well shot of him, but misses his income!
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Someone having a not so merry Christmas. There will always be plenty of them about. Good one.
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Thanks Sandra. Sadly, Christmas can highlight a lonely person’s situation.
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Important to remember those less fortunate at this time of year. I would like to hear Peter’s side of the story before condemning him… Nice writing.
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Go ahead and condemn him – he’s a low-life! Ha ha!
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It has to be the worst time of the year to be poor… but I think that behind the glitz facade there are worse things happening… and maybe being rid of Peter is a good thing in the end.
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Eventually, she will realise she is better off without him, but life is grim for her at the moment.
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It’s certainly not “the most wonderful time of the year” for many.
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No, sadly it isn’t. But every life has its ups and downs so the ‘up’ is on its way for this lady.
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Great seasonal take and perceptive observations tinged we find out by the bitterness she feels to Peter and whatever he’s done to leave her destitute. I like her cynicism about the other revellers, trying too hard perhaps.
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Thanks Mick. Cynical yes and probably accurate – there are some who try to give the appearance of jollity to hide the misery within.
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I have a friend who despises Christmas married to a woman who decorates her house like a Christmas wonderland. It’s always awkward. Boy did you capture that feeling!
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That sounds like a match made somewhere other than heaven!
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Hang on there! You are not alone!
✺◟( • ω • )◞✺
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Poor lady. Makes me feel very sad.
Nice take on the prompt, Clare. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year — and thanks for the reminder to help those less fortunate so they, too, can have a wonderful holiday season.
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Thank you and sorry for the late reply! I hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a happy and healthy New Year.
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No problem, Clare. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
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