I was thinking the line "her daughter is merciless, like her father." meant the daughter dictates what the mother should do, just like the father used to do. the difference, of course, is that she wants what's best for the mother (and herself). But after the ending, I think it was a clue that the daughter knew how the father would act and used the mother as bait, almost. If the father hit her, then she (the daughter) would be able to shoot him and claim self-defence. Not only get rid of him permanently, but not go to jail either.
I think you’re right about her being so tough she was prepared to use her mother as bait. She might not have thought of it in those terms, but the result was the same. She didn’t doubt her resolve to do it, and the fact that she had pocketed his gun meant she was intending (hoping?) to use it.
I definitely read it as her hoping to get a chance to use it. And even if her mother was bait, I feel her logic was that it was alright, because it was the last time her mother would get hit.
I’m pleased you liked the story, Liz. My gut reaction is the same as yours, but I feel that I’m letting down the tolerant, anti-capital punishment, anti-guns me!
I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
Ha ha! Sometimes you just can’t help providing that extra bit of agency :)
neat build up to a dramatic, cinematic conclusion xxx
A bit Hollywood, I know :) It’s cathartic to blow a villain’s head off now and again xx
A modern fairy tale ❤️
Clint Eastwood-style :)
I was thinking the line "her daughter is merciless, like her father." meant the daughter dictates what the mother should do, just like the father used to do. the difference, of course, is that she wants what's best for the mother (and herself). But after the ending, I think it was a clue that the daughter knew how the father would act and used the mother as bait, almost. If the father hit her, then she (the daughter) would be able to shoot him and claim self-defence. Not only get rid of him permanently, but not go to jail either.
I think you’re right about her being so tough she was prepared to use her mother as bait. She might not have thought of it in those terms, but the result was the same. She didn’t doubt her resolve to do it, and the fact that she had pocketed his gun meant she was intending (hoping?) to use it.
I definitely read it as her hoping to get a chance to use it. And even if her mother was bait, I feel her logic was that it was alright, because it was the last time her mother would get hit.
I love that she came over as a real person. It’s encouraging! Thank you, I appreciate the comments xx
A very moving story. I was relieved in the end that the daughter took the action needed to give her mother a better life.
I’m pleased you liked the story, Liz. My gut reaction is the same as yours, but I feel that I’m letting down the tolerant, anti-capital punishment, anti-guns me!
I know what you mean!
Wonderful use of both setting and pathetic fallacy to strengthen the story tension.
Thank you! I’ve noticed that the theme of escaping from an abuser or from imprisonment is one I’ve written about several times.
Uffda, Jane. Another good one!
Thank you!
Indeed! 😅
Powerful stuff, Jane! But not all men...
So they keep telling us.
I hope it ends happily!