Like the Goats
It was love. She knew it was.
It was love crouching under the influence of revulsion. Oh how she loathed him for his pompous ways. The smooth tilt of his head, the smug way he watched her as she approached him, eyes with the spark of stars capsizing against eyelids each time they shut. What was the vow she made? Never fall for someone at work. Never go to bed with anyone you work with. Well, he was certainly the tester.
Too late, she decided to make a test of her own.
She went to his office and sat at his massive oak desk. She lit one of his Cuban cigars and began smoking. Her imagination took over and she devised a scheme to un-fall in love. She would become unduly belligerent and he would grow increasingly annoyed. The flow between them would bog down and she would comply with his new, more sterile, commands. A genial plan, even if it was hers.
He returned to his office and stared at her. He sat in the chair opposite her and simply stared.
She lounged with her feet propped up on his desk, warm plumes of smoke lingered around her like feathers on a peacock. A bit of nausea nipped at her stomach and her feet began to feel numb from being elevated.
He smiled, lit a cigar, and continued to stare. His smoke formed arrows which aimed toward her now dissolving wings. Though he did not speak, he understood.
She felt mesmerized like one of those goats that drop dead from fear. Yes, it was love. She knew it was. Oh, he would suffer for this. So would she, if she didn't drop dead first.
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Author's Note
Written from a list of prompt words.
circa 2011
Other stories by Brenda Bishop Blakey
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Smartly done, with a riveting command of language. Love the deft ending.
Thank you, David.
Excellent, Brenda. The final paragraph is the fuse that fully ignites the rest of this very intriguing story.
Thanks, Allen. Pleased that it had at least a little heat going even if it was in the final bit.
Sorry you misunderstood, Brenda. Perhaps I might have worded it better but the entire story is excellent. The final paragraph just adds to its excellence.
Intriguingly done. These people interest me. *
Great economy here - you pack so much - humor and reflection, in a small space. Very good.
Wonderfully cruel.*
Wild and crazy. *
Thank you, Beate. If you think the story is interesting then it must be so.
DJ, so appreciate your thoughts.
Amanda, love is always three parts pain and two parts joy and, therefore, ultimately cruel. But wonderful.
Jake, happy you found something to identify with in the story. My work here is fini.
I like the way this one unfolds... *
That's an insightful description: unfolds. Thanks so much, Deborah.
very clear and clever scene of delightful psychological complexity.
Thanks, Tantra.
Good one Brenda! A cautionary reminder that "thou shalt not fish from the company pier!" *
Thanks, Michael. ;]
Wow, gotta say I loved this! So tight & so much drama/fantasy in the “genial plan.” Yikes, serious fail!!
Ed, so pleased you loved this! Thanks.
Excellent. The language crackles and there is a wry laughter in the background.*
Oh God, Gary, that's a great comment. I appreciate it.
I just read a bunch of your stories. So much in so few words. I especially liked this one.*
Thanks for your comment on "In Your Absence." I'm working on trying to do these flashes after years of working on novels. What a pleasure.
Oh, Ginnah. Just discovered this comment. Thank you, dear, for reading. Hope all is well with you and your writing! :]