Every web begins with a single thread.
Cora spun a fine line of flattery, compliments and praise that quickly got Ben’s attention
She set to work to help him with designs, never once criticising his obvious lack of ability
She drew him in with words of support when he lost a huge contract
Her admiration and intense feelings held him spellbound
Drinks after work led to dinner, presents and weekends away
Ben’s wife noticed the changes
His aftershave, his taste in music; lack of interest, lack of sex
Cora watched his life unravel, his wife leave, and closed the web
(Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for the photo prompt this week and Madison Woods for “Friday Fictioneers”)
Hi Dee,
Great use of the web as an extended metaphor for a life changing episode. Nicely developed. It will be quite a moment when he realizes he’s encased in silk. Ron
LikeLike
Hi Ron
Thanks for your comments they are very welcome
Glad you liked the story
Dee
LikeLike
A great take on the prompt.
I get the feeling poor old Ben never stood a chance.
LikeLike
Thanks Mike.
LikeLike
I liked this. It started slow – great opening line, and then built up thread by thread until he was trapped. Really cleverly done.
LikeLike
Thanks Trudy, I’m glad you liked the story
LikeLike
I agree with Ron. You used the metaphor so well to describe a terrible situation. Too bad his wife didn’t step on that spider and rip the web to pieces!
LikeLike
Thank you so much.
Cora isn’t a very nice person, I felt sorry for Ben’s wife
LikeLike
I know a Cora or two. Great writing with the visuals.
LikeLike
Thanks Sam, there are a few Coras out there
LikeLike
very, very well done. the human version of the black widow feeds
LikeLike
You’re too kind! Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂
LikeLike
nicely done. how did you choose the name “cora”?
LikeLike
Thank you Rich. Cora was the name of a woman who lived in my neighbourhood when I was growing up. I didn’t know it at the time, but it seems most women kept their husbands aways from her if they could!
She came to mind straight away when I decided on the direction of my story.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave a comment
LikeLike
I like this, well done. The structure of it mirrors the content. Well done.
LikeLike
Thank you Antonia, so pleased you liked the story
LikeLike
I could have sworn I commented on this one. Must’ve been a late night read and i thought I’d get back to it in the morning. Sorry, Dee. The ending had impact. Good job. .
LikeLike
Good to hear from you Rochelle, thanks for taking the time to read & comment 🙂
Dee
LikeLike
You showed us a timelapse film of the spider working, working, strand by patiently woven strand until at last we see the man, first beguiled, then poisoned and, finally, consumed. Dreadful to watch from afar, wonderful to experience for a while.
Aloha,
Doug
LikeLike
Thank you for your wonderfully worded comment Doug, I really appreciate it
LikeLike