Flash Fiction Friday - Light and Shade

He was the light to her shade. His smile carried the both of them through social events. His warmth and likeability covered up her brittle politeness and stiff formality. People would say, have you met John? He's so nice, isn't he? Just sort of glows. Such a nice bloke. 

He was the light to her shade. So when she spiralled down into the depths of despair he brought her warm drinks and wrapped her in blankets. He tried his best to bring her trinkets and baubles that would make her smile. Even if just for a short while. When she sobbed and blubbed that the end was nigh, he would enfold her in his warm embrace and utter platitudes - everything will be alright - it will seem better tomorrow - I love you.

He was the light to her shade. She tried harder, for him. She didn't give up, for him. She started to believe, because of him. He brought her out of the shadows and she began to glow, the darkness became a memory hidden deep in the depths of her eyes. She shone brighter and brighter. Soon people were asking, have you met Jill? Isn't she a blast? So much fun to hang out with.

She became the brighter light, going out making friends, laughing. And for a while, John basked in her shared glow, congratulating himself on a job well done. Not realising the changes happening within. Things began to seem dimmer. It was just easier to stay in. He stopped going to the gym. Stopped talking so much at parties. He took up brooding.

Now, she was the light to his shade. The bright butterfly to his reluctant moth. But she didn't carry him with her. She had little time for his sulks and moods. She did not bring him warm drinks or wrap him in blankets. She would sing out a cheery goodbye and leave him alone for hours, letting him simmer in sadness and despondency.

She was the light to his shade. No-one remarked anymore when she turned up without him. People stopped asking after him, forgetting often that they were a couple. And so it was with complete shock that they heard the news. Murder then suicide. She shot him and then herself. For light cannot exist with shade. 

Claire Buss is a multi-genre writer and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop.