Free
She looked down at the coffin, and then at the mourners around; the friends, family, neighbours who had all come to console her in her grief.
She looked at them as if through a veil, from somewhere far, far away. She could barely take it in.
He lay in the coffin, still and dead, helpless, unable to raise a hand to her or whip her with his belt.
As she looked down at him, she broke into hysterical tears. And no one around realised they were tears of joy and freedom.
This piece is written in response to the https://thevoidthoughts.com/2025/03/24/fiction-monday-244/ inspired by the word prompt – Free hosted by Vinitha Dileep
Corinne Rodrigues
Succinct but powerful!
Sunita
Thanks Corinne!
Modern Gyspy
Wow – that’s a powerful story in a few seemingly simple lines!
Sunita
Thank you Shinjini!
Madhavi
A young girl once shared with me and my husband how relieved and free she felt when she heard her alcoholic abusive husband passed away. The story is short, touching and so real, Sunitha!
Sunita
It’s difficult to grieve someone who brings you nothing but pain.
Vinitha
Such a powerful and haunting piece! Her hidden relief, veiled as grief for the mourners, makes this story deeply thought-provoking. Beautifully written, Sunita!
Sunita
Thank you Vinitha.
Holly Jahangiri
I imagine this isn’t as unusual as we might think.
Sunita
I’m pretrty sure it isn’t.