Tangled in a Web
Most mornings Elsie climbed to the hilltop, watched the sun rise, and studied spiderwebs. The works of art were also hunting tools: dainty yet deadly.
She wondered whether the insects that fell prey were hypnotized by those silky strands, beaded in glorious dew, and were lured by their beauty before being snared and dissolved. She exhaled deeply.
When Elsie pushed open the front door, she took note of his broad shoulders, square chin, and alluring cologne. He scowled. “Don’t give me that look, and don’t even ask. I’ll be back when I get back. Probably late.”
As always, many thanks for Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! Stop over and read a wonderful array of 100-word-fiction pieces based on this photo prompt!
Angela Writes... 
A lovely juxtaposition
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Thank you, Neil!
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I’ve been seeing lots of posts and reels on narcissists, lately. I can’t help but think she had been previously ensnared and now treated like crap. Poor Elsie.
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I guess it won’t come as a surprise that, when I wrote this, I was thinking about a relationship that I’ve heard described as narcissistic. I wonder if they’re more common these days or just more talked about. Either way, a very difficult place to be.
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I had one. I didn’t know it was a thing – it was eons ago – I was only 21-26. When I think of those five years – I won’t say wasted because everything is a lesson… He was so good at turning on the charm when I was ready to leave. Me, dummy, stuck around.
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I like that you say years are never wasted! Yes, we’re all stronger because of the trials, but I’m sorry you had to walk that road. The charm is the real kicker, especially when it’s all other people see.
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That’s the way I feel about most things. Turn them into lessons, and all that hogwash 😉
Yes, that damn charm.
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It sounds like Elsie has been hypnotized and trapped into a difficult relationship like the prey in the web. Sadly common. Well written, Angela!
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That’s exactly it. Thank you, Brenda, for reading and commenting!
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What a butt!
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Dawn, I agree!
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I like how you led us on, from spider webs to the web she’s probably in. At least humans can escape their snares, if they make up their mind to. Loved it.
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That’s the good part; there’s always a chance for change. Thank you for reading, and for your thoughtful comment!
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There is definitely a sense of selfish guilt in his manner.
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I’m glad that came across. Thank you for reading and commenting, James!
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Oh what a disturbing parallel here. Poor Elsie. I hope she takes heed of the lesson of the spider’s web.
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She seems pretty intent on noticing them. Hopefully, she’ll figure out what needs to be done and have the wisdom to handle it well. Thank you, Margaret, for reading and commenting!
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Hopefully it’s not too late for this little moth to avoid the web! Elsie needs to get out now while she still can.
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Here’s hoping she figures out what needs to be done and has the courage to make a change. Thank you for reading and commenting!
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Things, nor people, are not always as they seem. A worrisome situation indeed.
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So true. Hopefully she figures out how to navigate it. Thank you Keith for reading and commenting.
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Nice switch at the end there. Yes, the victims of the narcissist never really understand what they are slowly losing, one step at a time. Until it’s all gone that is. Hopefully she, and they are able to move on when the time is right.
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Yes, it’s so gradual, and the victims always seem to think things will get better. Sometimes they do, for a short time. Thank you, Sandra, for your insightful comment!
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This is great. LIke the spider’s victims Elsie is hypnotized by the charm and beauty of her captor. She knows it but can she escape it?
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I can see why her mind wanders away when this is what is waiting for her at home.
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Yeah, I imagine something like this is confusing and hard to get off her mind. Thank you for reading and commenting!
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You’re very welcome.
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Oh… this is sad. Musing on the Web deceiving prey then being treated like that by him. Trapped by a different web of lies. Nicely done
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It’s a heartbreaking situations. Laurie, thank you for you comment!
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