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.
Notes to Women 
Poignant tale. Great take on the prompt!!
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Thanks, Meha 🙂
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A life in despair – very vividly depicted.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thanks, Susan 🙂
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But you do it for family, every time they need you.
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That’s right.
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If only Ryan had proven more in love with big sis.
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Yes, we do it for family… but at some point, she has to do it for herself.
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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
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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
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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.
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You’re absolutely right. Tough love is needed here. Easier said that done, though.
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Time to let sis clean up her own act, though heart-breaking it may be,
Randy
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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.
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Sarah is lucky to have a sister who cares so much. I hope she knows that and this goes both ways.
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Yes, she is and hopefully it will be her incentive to do what she needs to do, with her sister’s support, of course.
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Great take & there’s great insight into their relationship in the piece.
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Thanks, Lisa. I wanted to capture sisterly love but the frustration as well.
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You captured it spot-on.
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Thanks, Lisa 🙂
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