Posted Wednesday April 6
Todays neglected words are:-
Ennui - Boredom. Lack of interest.
Expiation - Making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing.
Enervate - To weaken (reduce in strength) or debilitate.
I considered using the word Effluvium, an old expression for (how shall I put it) breaking wind! I decided against.
Let me read it to you
Ernest wasn’t long for this life. His longsuffering wife Mavis had been a virtual prisoner in their house for several years now. As Ernest enervated he became more dependent on her.
It was hardly surprising that Mavis saw his demise as a new beginning for her. She had been the silent victim of years of abuse and cruelty. She never said anything, they didn’t back then. She just stored it up and endured the pain. But even the torment had subsided now. In a strange way, she missed it. At least, it gave her something to focus on. All that remained now was utter ennui.
At his bedside, she waits and watches as he drifts away. His weary eyes open; just a little. Tears run down his hollow cheeks. He gazes at her. ‘I’m sorry Mavis’ he murmurs. ‘So sorry’. He grips her hand in a final act of expiation. His final act.
To read my previous A-Z stories, click on the letter!
Enjoyed learning some new words and love how you pulled them together in your story.
ReplyDelete@WeekendsInMaine
Weekends in Maine
Thanks so much Karen
DeleteI can't help but wonder if, in her heart, she accepted his apology. Was she glad to see him finally go, or deep down did she love him in spite of his cruelty. Will she miss him and that familiar way of life that is dependency? I wish for her the miracle of freedom and finding herself again at long last!
ReplyDeleteJosie Two Shoes from Josie's Journal
Sometimes such things become a way of life, sadly.
Deletebut will this final act actually expiate his abuses and cruelty
ReplyDeleteI hope so, but who knows?
DeleteOh!...the final act...it's great to learn new words everyday :)
ReplyDeleteThoughts...Sushree
Fun isn't it?!
DeleteThis was kind of sad; years of abuse, but at least he tried to make amends at the end. I hope Mavis was left with a lot of insurance money and went out and lived life to the fullness! As a record, hadn't heard of any of these words until your post today :)
ReplyDeletebetty
I hope so to betty!
DeleteTouching , and thanks for these new words, quite an ennui-buster this series is going to be . Dont know if thats a proper use of the word though!
ReplyDeleteWould love your thoughts on my short stories if you get time, please stop by !
@Subhmohanty from
And Life Unfolds...
A*Alone B*Butterfly C*Curry
D*Dance E*Edge
Not sure if it correct use, but I likey!
DeleteSad but potentially uplifting. (Glad you decided against - ahem - effluvium!) :)
ReplyDeleteYes, in consideration of good taste I thought I should!
DeleteI'm proud to say I knew all these words. Though I must admit that, for some reason, I always think enervate means the opposite. Silly me. Poor Mavis. Touching vignette, for sure.
ReplyDeleteAwakening Dreams and Conquering Nightmares with a Pen
I’m still having fun with my little focus on music this month. Be well!
You clever thing you! I'll have to try harder to catch you out in future!Loving your music.
DeleteI'm not up for new words tonight so I just hope for Mavis to get lots of inheritance and take her chances :-)
ReplyDeleteShe'll have fun I'm sure!
DeleteCool E-words, glad you didn't finally choose effluvium. Even cooler hearing it read out loud. beyond neat! Brilliant ahem, elocution and execution of the E-prompt altogether.
ReplyDeleteNilanjana
Madly-in-Verse
Well, praise indeed! Thanks for your ebullient comment.
Delete