11 Comments
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Lisa Fransson's avatar

I did not expect that ending. The time for talking never was. I got the sense that Rhoda had had her own experience of a Mr Bridges would do anything to protect her daughter from what happened to her.

RICHARD MILLS's avatar

Yes. Thank you for your reflection. I tried to suggest Rhoda’s backstory rather than identify it. I hope also most readers will have some doubt. Is there really something more going on, or is this the mother’s perception because of her history. I may have not conveyed the second part as well.

And on the subject of doubt, I would recommend the movie Doubt (which I’m certain was based on a play). Most entertainment likes the black and white of certainty, but that embraced the grayness.

Lisa Fransson's avatar

Thanks for the recommendation 🤓

Moorea Maguire's avatar

my thoughts exactly!

Moorea Maguire's avatar

I have mixed feelings about the violence. I did like the mom protecting her daughter (albeit maybe overdoing it a bit).

Love short stories!

RICHARD MILLS's avatar

Well, it is not something I advocate. In fact, I'm a pacifist. But my characters speak their own languages.

Thanks for reading and responding.

Moorea Maguire's avatar

It was a really good short story!

Janet's avatar

Love it! Finally figured out how to make comments!

RICHARD MILLS's avatar

Thank you for reading and welcome to the conversation.

Deborah Magnin's avatar

Short, sweet and too the point. Your best yet!

RICHARD MILLS's avatar

Thank you for the encouragement.