
Monica’s heart sank when she saw the coffee table. It was strewn with cigarette butts, crumpled up tissues and there was a half-empty bottle of whiskey. Sarah was drinking and smoking again–two things she’d given up three years ago when she met and fell in love with Ryan. Their breakup last month was really taking a toll on her especially as he and his estranged wife were back together.
Sarah was passed out on the sofa. Sighing heavily, Monica got busy clearing and cleaning the coffee table. How long was she going to clean up after her older sister?
99 Words
This was written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. For more details Here. To other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit Here.
Poignant tale. Great take on the prompt!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Meha 🙂
LikeLike
A life in despair – very vividly depicted.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Susan 🙂
LikeLike
But you do it for family, every time they need you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If only Ryan had proven more in love with big sis.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, we do it for family… but at some point, she has to do it for herself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Notes,
Sounds like it’s time for little sister to bow out and let big sister take responsibility for her own actions. Easy to say, tough to do. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rochelle,
Yes, you’re right. It’s nice to help our loved ones but there comes a time when they need to take responsibility as well but that’s easier said than done. Thanks 🙂
Shalom,
Adele
LikeLike
Younger sister needs to sit down with Older sister and speak plain truth, then tell her there will be no more cleaning up of her messes. Then, the hard part–following up on the established boundary/consequence. Not as easy as it sounds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re absolutely right. Tough love is needed here. Easier said that done, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Time to let sis clean up her own act, though heart-breaking it may be,
Randy
LikeLike
You’re right, Randy. Sometimes, it’s hard for us to let go and let our loved ones take care of themselves but there are times when we need to for their own good.
LikeLike
Sarah is lucky to have a sister who cares so much. I hope she knows that and this goes both ways.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, she is and hopefully it will be her incentive to do what she needs to do, with her sister’s support, of course.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great take & there’s great insight into their relationship in the piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lisa. I wanted to capture sisterly love but the frustration as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You captured it spot-on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lisa 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person