Day 849: 5 Minute Freewrite: Sunday - Prompt: lame

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While many people in Big Loft were reacting to whatever news they paid attention to, and plotting whatever plots they were into, Mrs. Maggie Thornton continued to live her quiet and peaceful life as the days of her widowhood began to draw to a close. She had her rhythm and routines and was content with them.

However, it always happened that just as soon as one got settled in a new thing, old flames wanted to come around … one of them popped up one fine day as Mrs. Thornton was heading home from work.

“So, Maggie, I'm not hearing any more excuses. I waited until you completed your mourning. I've waited while things at your job calmed down, but it's time now for you to pay attention to my attempts to get you back!”

“Even if I wanted to give you a second chance after what you pulled in 2006, I couldn't – I'm spoken for.”

“By who – and whoever he is, he must truly be what the kids call a lame. I've observed you – he doesn't take you out, he doesn't spend money on you, and he's not making moves to lock you down, because I don't see a ring on your finger.”

“Just because you don't see anything means nothing, because my business is not and never will be your business again.”

At that point he revealed his true colors – the abusive language started, and Mrs. Thornton started to get worried because she could see who was coming.

“You watch your mouth if you know what is good for you,” she said. “If you make yourself my man's business, you'll regret it.”

“You're such a silly b**** – what's he got, Thor's hammer or something?”

The thunder shattered his eardrums at that very moment, and Mrs. Thornton found out he had a vertical leap worthy of an NBA player combined with the lungs of a banshee. He landed in a construction ditch, and would have very badly hurt himself but for a police officer who made the scene and kept him from falling down.

“Sir, whatever are you doing?”

The man's attitude had completely changed – he looked all around him, completely terrified.

“What am I doing – getting out of here! Have a nice life, Maggie – whoever and whatever you deal with, I want no parts of it!”

“I told you so,” Mrs. Thornton said.

Mrs. Thornton's old flame had strained his ankle, but, even lame, he made excellent speed from the scene, leaving Mrs. Thornton to put her hands on her hips and shake her head at the smiling police officer.

“I would tell you that you are mean, Harry, but you are improving, given what happened to the last man who had his back to you while hurting someone you are bound to protect.”

Captain H.F. Lee, late of the U.S. Army's Special Forces, had gotten right up behind the man insulting Mrs. Thornton, and snapped his fingers right into his ear.

Photo by Moritz Mentges on Unsplash