The Candidate’s Facade
Holding hands, they glided across the stage to the podium, smiles frozen in place. The crowd applauded wildly and he beamed a toothy grin.
An hour later.
“I want to thank my wife for her love and support. I owe everything to her.” They embraced warmly, waving and laughing to the exit.
Inside the darkness of the limo, they retreated to separate corners.
She sighed. “How many more today?”
“Quit whining,” he hissed. “Try to show a little enthusiasm.”
“Sorry… I’m just… tired.” Her mouth sagged. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and prepared for the next performance.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA unique interpretation of the prompt, with able dramatic development. A well-crafted story that makes the most of the microfiction form.
I don’t know what it’s like in Canada, but this leaps off the page straight out of the interminable US election campaigns. Captured perfectly, Preston.
Thanks Allan! We’re very lucky in Canada to have a much shorter campaign season, but the fakery of certain candidates, I think, is pretty universal.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleLove this, Preston! You have to feel for the poor wife. How often have we seen wives used to enhance a politicians popularity or contain their embarrassment over some misdemeanour with little thought, it seems, for how they feel. You have captured this so well… the candidate publicly praising her for love and support and privately accusing her of whining. A brilliant read!
I’m so glad this one resonated with you Linda! I do think it’s an important theme and important to be aware of. Thanks for your kind words.
I like the line “smiles frozen in place” which says so much about the artificial stance. Closing with “preparing for the next performance” underlines that they are merely players on the stage. Intriguing writing Preston. Well done!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks Margarida. It felt timely with the unending election coverage… pretty much anywhere one lives. A bit of a universal theme.
Wow! You portrayed it so well, Preston. I feel sorry for his wife. They are hiding in a mask in order to remain in a clean political name, career and popularity. Well done.
Thanks so much Lotchie! Yes, I think this portrays a sad truth in much of our society.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYou’re welcome, Preston.
Just enough was said in your story for my mind to go to a newly elected president, Preston. As you say, this is probably something that happens more often than we think. You caught the other side of the coin in a convincing way.
Thanks so much Christer. It’s kind of sad, but better to have one’s eyes wide open, I think.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleSad but probably true to life in most countries. Humans may refuse to wear masks to keep the community safe from Covid, but they wear countless masks for other reasons. May we find a better way …
Thanks Fuji. Yes, it is a sad commentary on something quite common in many cultures.
Congratulations! Preston.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks Thompson!
Great story Preston! Congratulations!
Thanks Heather!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCongratulations Preston! So pleased for you!
Thanks so much, Linda!