Photo prompt courtesy of Shaktiki Sharma
Beverley was in her retro phase when they married. She wanted to recreate the traditional values of a simpler time. Harold was enchanted. Then one day their laminex and steel dining suite was replaced by an ornate Queen Anne – Beverley had discovered antiques. It was all about timelessness and elegance. Harold adapted.
Next came her organic phase and handmade bowls on a splintery recycled table. Beverley sought sustainability, a natural lifestyle. Harold endured, itching in homespun trousers.
But now he was bewildered. Things were disappearing.
‘Minimalism,’ Beverley explained, studying Harold thoughtfully. ‘If it has no purpose, it goes.’
*****
This story is for Friday Fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. You can find all the other 100 word stories written in response to this week’s prompt here.
Onto the page 
Uh-oh. She’s not thinking what I think she’s thinking, is she..? Poor Harold. Fantastic story though, loved it. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, I’m afraid that’s what she’s thinking. Poor Harold indeed. Thank you for your feedback – Im glad you enjoyed the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought this was just a story about a woman of fashions and whims until I saw that ominous phrase “studying Harold thoughtfully”. Well done!
LikeLike
That’s the key phrase. Glad it came across – I had a real struggle at the end figuring out how to show that she was contemplating Harold’s fate, without being too obvious or going over length. I’m noticing that not everybody picked up on it. Thank you for your encouraging feedback, Neil.
LikeLike
It’s difficult to walk the line between saying enough and saying too much. I think you succeeded
LikeLike
Thank you, Neil.
LikeLike
I love the way Harold moved in stages from “enchanted” to “bewildered”. And now, perhaps, “unnecessary”? 🙂
LikeLike
I’m glad you noticed the progression (regression?). And yes, he has perhaps now become unnecessary. But Beverley’s still considering her options in this regard, I believe.Thank you for your comment, Ali.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true in a few ways. My friend’s wife has been an antique collector and their house is just full of them. However, she has amazing interior decorating skills and those antiques make the place look absolutely stunning. Their oldest daughter (now working on her second child) is also very skilled at interior decor. Oh, and just for the record, both kept their respective husbands (who were very supportive, I might add). Nice, NICE story, Margaret!
LikeLike
Some people have a gift of designing interiors. It’s just lovely when you walk into a room that works. And it’s a bonus when there’s still a spot for the spouse in the arrangement – unlike my poor character. Thanks once again, Kent, for your encouraging comment.
LikeLike
You write well, Margaret. Just keep on doing it. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Kent.
LikeLike
Dear Margaret,
Harold must love Beverley very much. I wonder what phase will come next. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Harold’s besotted, but whatever phase Beverley moves into next, I suspect Harold won’t be around to participate. She’s chucking out superfluous items and Harold’s in her sights. Thank you, Rochelle. Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Harold needs to find a purpose, and quickly.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My thoughts exactly.
LikeLike
Yes, he does. Good advice. Thanks, Sandra.
LikeLike
I love the tone and slightly off balanced nature of your main character especially at the end.
🙂
🙂
🙂
LikeLike
It’s great to get specific feedback like this. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My wife is always bringing home old junk. Maybe that’s why she keeps me.
LikeLike
As long as she keeps you, Russell. I’m afraid my character’s going to get the push-off.
LikeLike
Bless Harold and his patience! Let’s hope Beverley doesn’t come full circle and go back to antiques again! Nice story
LikeLike
Harold’s a dear. I’m not sure where Beverley’s headed, but I think it will be sans Harold. Glad you enjoyed the story, Lynn – thank you for the input.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. Poor old Harold, after years of selflessness. Ah, well, maybe he’ll be better off – he’ll be able to choose his own decor 🙂
LikeLike
Ha! I never thought of that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! 🙂
LikeLike
Is this now a case for Sherlock Holmes
LikeLike
It could well be. The case of the superfluous spouse, perhaps??
LikeLike
Poor Harold. He must love her deeply. Let’s hope she feels the same.
LikeLike
I don’t think she does. Harold’s about to get the boot, I’m afraid.
LikeLike
😦
LikeLike
Harold will have to dress in only white (if at all) … I’m sure he will adopt to that too, actually better than the itchy clothes I think
LikeLike
Harold would probably enjoy this minimalist phase, as you say – anything to be rid of the itch. However, Beverley’s contemplating something much more radical for Harold.
LikeLike
Change is good … but … poor Harold has to always adjust. Hopefully, she’ll leave his comfy chair. LOL
Nicely done …
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
No – the comfy chair is already on its way to the second hand store. Harold’s still in it. Thanks, Isadora – glad you enjoyed the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL
LikeLike
This is hilarious. I can ‘see’ her sinister look. Poor Harold, so much patience for all these style changes and then that. What a great story.
LikeLike
She’s a schemer. Pool Harold has been too patient, I fear. I’m so happy you found the story entertaining, Gabriele. Thank you for the great feedback.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor Harold. Neither of them must be young now. She had better consider her options a little harder than usual. She’s going to end up alone in her old age, then poor her. Good writing, Margaret. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLike
There have been a few decor changes, so I’d say they’re getting on, as you say. Thanks for the nice comment, Suzanne.
LikeLike
Haha – loved this 😀
LikeLike
Thank you, Dahlia. Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Downsizing | Onto the page