Hope dashed

Lisa stared at the painting above the mantelpiece. Her eyes looked blank.

“I wonder why the world had been fascinated with the myth of dragons for so long.”

“Dragons are believed to possess reptilian intelligence – a strong instinct for survival, coupled with fire-breathing determination. It appeals to the hearts of many strugglers in the world, providing them the required will power to survive.”

“What if the fire consumes the dragon? Life is a tough battlefield…..”

“I will change the picture tomorrow. I will put up one with a smiling, bonny baby….” Herbert smiled at his pregnant, but morose-looking wife.

She did not reflect the enthusiasm. Lisa’s face was devoid of the radiance that an expectant mother normally has. She kept caressing her bump with quivering hands.

“I can feel the fire inside. This child will consume me….” She broke down uncontrollably, sobbing and extending her hand to Herbert for help.

It was time to take her back to the mental hospital. Herbert had hoped that a child would save their marriage, and her sanity.

Inspired by Secretkeeper at

Weekly Writing Prompt #102

Pic: azhealthcare4u.com