Three Word Wednesday CXC: dread grasp pacify
Dustin paced around the apartment, movements growing jerky as minutes ticked by. He walked in erratic circles, closer to where she sat, knees pulled up, arms clasped tightly around her legs.
She learned months ago that there was no point in trying to pacify him. The rage would run it’s course.
“What do you want me to do?” He grasped the tufts of hair on either side of his head and pulled it. “What do you want me to do?”
She dreaded this part. She knew it did no good to answer and knowing what was coming she should have been running instead of sitting here ticking off the steps like a shopping list. The laughter sat in her belly, shaking her, as she tried to tamp it down, bury it.
“What do you want me to do?” He walked faster and knocked the clock off the table as he cruised by, pulling his hair, elbows out like some kind of manic chicken. “See what you made me do?”
He walked toward her and the laughter sitting inside, burst out and she doubled over, tears streaming down her face, holding her sides. She laughed so hard she barely felt the first blow. After that she didn’t care.
good rendition of long term abuse
It feels a little weird to say thank you. It’s a sad scary thing.
Amazingly dark for you, Dee. But it’s good, really good.
I wrote it right after I read yours…something about painting in blood that brings out the dark in me I guess. (and thank you)
A serious problem well highlighted. Nicely done.
Wow Dee, I agree this is a dark one! Though I am glad she can use laughter as an escape, it’s definitely not a laughable topic. Well told… bravo.
Steig Larsson would be proud of this 🙂
Reality that really exists Dee! The abused and the abuser, they seem to both enjoy the act, psychologically fulfilling!
Powerful writing Dee!
Oh, dear. But yeah, I’ve known those types who indulge in finely-scripted rage, as predictable as an often-watched movie. There is a sort of mad humor to it, until the violence starts. Best to steer clear of those folks.
I don’t even know where this one came from and I feel uneasy when I go back and read it. This one gets filed in the “world insanity” box.
I could actually feel his rage and her despair.
Thanks for your comments on my 3ww “Nobody Cares.”
You nailed it.
Very evocative. I can see this as the mother of a violently autistic child. Clearly not your intent, but I think if fits just the same. In any case, psychotically riveting.
ps: thanks for your message earlier. I meant to reply, but it meant a lot to me. Things are getting brighter! Much love.
thank you Michael and I am so very glad. Good to have you around again – you have been missed. 🙂
you captured the abused woman persona. How she can almost be passive aggressive, and finds a way to cope/ride it out.
Again, it is so sad to see someone just take it as if they deserve such atrocity.
Your story portrayed that uneasy acceptance. Well-written, Dee.
BTW: my email is installed wrong so I couldn’t contact you. You once said you’re on twitter, but I don’t know your twitter name. Could you tweet me so I can follow you? I’m @peggywriter
Thank you Peggy. It’s a terrible subject.
Wow! well done!
Hey Dee,
That was a nice and a sad read…just makes me wonder how mentally challenging these situations can be 🙁
Wow. Her laughter really highlighted the hopelessness of the situation for her. This is very compelling. Nice job.
I, too, have a hard time saying that I like this, but life can get ugly some times. I can not imagine laughing at the abuse I was about to receive.
Thank you everyone for your comments. This was different for me and I appreciate your kindness.
Phew, this is quite a responce to the three little words, I think you’ve given a voice to a hidden problem, a sympathetic treatment of a difficult subject. Well told!!