L is the next letter in the 26 short stories of 250 words or
fewer about Alice’s life and times.
L is for Lies
Lying is not always wrong but it can be misleading when used
to alleviate others’ concerns. Ruth was so accustomed to fielding questions
about Daniel that she didn’t even have to think before she trotted out the well-worn
phrases. ‘He’s fine,’ was her usual
response to friends’ inquiries. To more searching questions she replied, ‘I think
he’s improving,’ or ‘He’s much happier.’
Faced with her challenging gaze anyone doubting her veracity kept
their qualms to themselves. Only Alice knew the truth. Ever since John and Ivy’s
Ruby Wedding Anniversary Ruth had trusted her.
Every day Ruth withstood a barrage of physical and verbal abuse.
Daniel didn’t care that Alice was in the room when he set about his wife. She saw
the strain on Ruth’s face and knew that matters were far worse when she wasn’t
present. He controlled himself when his parents visited but as soon as they
left he got up on his artificial legs and started again, screaming, throwing
things at her, punching her where it wouldn’t show. After each attack he ended up
sobbing and apologising.
Alice told Ruth to seek help but Ruth refused. ‘I love him,’
she said. ‘He loves me. He’s suffering.’
Alice was frightened by Daniel’s mental deterioration and
feared for Ruth’s life. Reluctantly she broke Ruth’s confidence and told her father.
He contacted the doctor who took charge. Ruth was incensed; thereafter there
was coldness in her manner towards Alice but Alice knew she had done the right
thing.
