The Slender Thread - Freewrite: 8/24/23 | Prompt: A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

in Freewriters8 months ago (edited)

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Jacklyn stared at the letters for the longest. Counting slowly the words on the screen, she desperately tried to unravel the truth hidden in the message. Then with a long weary sigh, her quivering finger gently touched the green button, but lifted it quickly. For five minutes her hand hovered over the connection, waiting for a positive feeling to surface before hearing his voice.

Too much had happened for the call to be anything but hurtful.

She was hopeful, but she hated subterfuge. She hated sneaky, back room deals. Mostly, she hated the way her fiance, Aaron Cockran, conducted his small online accessory clothing business. Also, she discovered, by accident, that his mother was involved, supplying knitted items.

As she glanced around her home office, her eyes settled on the brown stool where the red crocheted socks his mother gifted her sat.

Jacklyn recalled how she and Aaron came to this day.

A legitimate enterprise, he assured her. However, no paperwork documenting his online site could be located. But his mother's knitted red socks, of which she was most proud, was displayed prominently on the front page.

To Jacklyn's surprise, her contact information was listed on the site. Promptly addressing this issue, she couldn't wait to hear why he didn't provide his own.

"No worries. It's all legitimate. Impression is worth everything, especially if it appears as though a full-time staff is on board," was Aaron's response when questioned.

Initially inquiring into the business side of their relationship, for a year Jacklyn attempted to offer helpful tips and volunteer her time. He refused. She was met with distance and the withdrawal of affection. She finally relented to avoid arguments.

Not mentioning the business may have avoided the arguments, but it didn't avoid the nagging suspicions creeping up when alone, especially the origin of the clothing being sold.

Her own small business required dedicated attention. Diligent in her efforts to keep abreast of the latest tax law changes and maintaining her clients' tax preparation files, she busied herself.

Unwittingly, after six months, she was pulled into his online business. An angry customer called complaining he hadn't received the order he'd paid for two months prior.

Jacklyn noted the information and called Aaron to discuss.

"I'll handle it. A backup with shipment deliveries every since 2019. Not just my business, but in general." Jacklyn accepted this explanation, as she knew shipping problems existed due to the pandemic.

She dropped the conversation.

But as with all things shady done in the dark, the true nature of his business reared it ugly head two months later. One morning, the light from her window shone brightly as it streaked across the sky and blinded her just as she reached for the telephone.

An hour later, she sat in the office of the local investigative fraud unit, unaware of the circumstances.

Reeling from the discovery of the true nature of Aaron's online business as a possible front for an arm of an illegal organization, she shuddered as hot, angry tears spilled down her cheeks.

It wasn't tears the authorities wanted to elicit. Her business and reputation was also called into question. Association by the contact number on his website.

Their proposition involved clearing her name. She didn't immediately give them an answer, opting instead to talk with Aaron first. They agreed, but set a deadline for her response.

Jacklyn turned to the only person who would understand her predicament.

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"I hated to tell you, but I disliked Aaron. I hoped it would work. But he did nothing to lift you up. One-sided was all I witnessed." Alicia held the tissue out for Jacklyn, who gladly accepted, blowing hard into it, while her eyes dropped bloodshot tears.

Alicia was happy that Jacklyn confided in her.

A dark mood that she didn't anticipate descended upon her best friend in recent months. Worried she would fall back into a slight depression, Alicia wasn't going to allow her friend to waste another moment of her life on someone unworthy of her affection. She had every intention of intervening. And yesterday wouldn't be soon enough.

"You will cooperate. And, I'll help. We'll flush him out, don't worry. He's an amateur, clearly following orders." She confidently explored their options.

"He could be dangerous! I'm unwilling to involve you in a precarious situation that might involve illegal activities." Jacklyn finally admitted the reason she acquiesced so easily when arguing with Aaron. His face flared red immediately if one disagreed with his stance.

But she had no other plan. And time was running out to respond to authorities.

Participating in Alicia's scheme wasn't her ideal plan. However, there was no way to be sure whether Aaron was unwittingly a participant in the illegal operations or was knee deep in his involvement.

Either she was all in or she could be held potentially liable.

Once the phone call was placed to Aaron, Alicia readied herself for the anticipated heated exchange. The dislike between them flowed freely. So much so that, in the past, she intentionally would bow out of engagements when invited where he was involved.

"There, he's agreed to meet. Concern over your faltering business and its effect is my cover." She swung around and faced Jacklyn, venom in her eyes.

She was about to give Aaron a lesson. No one messed with her friends. She'd make them pay. And her prior personal training boosted her confidence and would prove useful for this encounter, if needed.

"It's obvious Mrs. Cockran doesn't know about the scam site else she wouldn't have taken the time to knit those lovely items for sale." Jacklyn was hopeful that she could have been duped by his mother as well.

"Do you think she's a go-between?" Alicia was now suspicious of everyone in Aaron's family.

Jacklyn remembered with fondness the few times she visited Aaron's mother and their insightful conversations before answering, "I've met her. My instincts says, no."

No warm greeting took place. Small, but immaculate, Aaron's townhouse revealed his personality. Stark and devoid of color.

Sharp, seething words meant to enrage immediately rattled off Aaron's tongue.

"A simple phone call would have sufficed. Unlike you, I'm a busy entrepreneur. Drama is not my middle name." Aaron's words stung. A side of him he didn't reveal in Jacklyn's presence.

Jacklyn stood quiet. She commanded her breathing to slow to preserve her wits. A year was too long knowing this despicable individual. She tolerated him for the sake of her friend. She stood near the wall next to the door. Facing him, she ignored his barb and began her query.

"I'm concerned about my best friend. She, in turn, is distraught about your online site. Why won't you allow her to assist? When it comes to handling business, you couldn't ask for anyone more qualified? Is something underhanded about your business you don't want to divulge?" Jacklyn's voice trailed off.

"You're just jealous of our success," Aaron retorted, a slight elevation in his voice.

"Jealous! Of a scam online business you call yourself operating. I'll bet you don't even know who you're colluding with or where your inventory originates. Probably some foreign dealers. I'll bet you a hundred bucks those accessories are knock offs selling them as authentic. What you've done is placed Jacklyns's life in serious harm."

With one shaky hand behind her back, she waited.

"The ramblings of a mad woman. You know nothing about my business operations. What's it to you the origin of my merchandise. I secure them, and I know exactly the origin and condition of my product lines. And I don't have to prove anything, espeically to you. If you don't mind your own business, I'll tell Jacklyn you threatened that if I don't carve out a share for you, you'll report us as scammers to the authorities. She's in knee deep. Or did you think she was innocent in all this?"

Alicia smiled and shook her head. "You're sick."

He continued. "Besides, she's caught you eyeing me. She'll take my side every time. Friend! I'd rather have a black widow."

"You'd implicate the only person who has believed in you and your business? What a waste of her time."

"Self preservation." He paused. "I would offer you a drink, but you're about to get your busybody behind up out of here. Now!"

With that, Aaron grabbed the doorknob and swung open the door.

"You're evil." she hissed. She couldn't step over the doorway soon enough.

Alicia helped Aaron slam it hard.

Headed down the stairs, she couldn't wait to breath untainted air.

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Inside her vehicle, she exhaled. She dug deep in her purse. With her head leaning back on the headrest, then smiled.

Alicia sped off. She couldn't reach her friend soon enough. She knew Aaron's instinct would be to get ahead of the problem and call Jacklyn to plead his case.

She stood next to Jacklyn's desk while she listened to the recording. Alicia leaned over and hugged her tightly. Whatever the outcome, she would not leave her until she was separated form Aaron's scam business.

"It may not be all I'd hoped to obtain, but I could not have faced him alone. I'll be forever grateful. We have, at least, provided partial evidence. The authorities can work with that."

Jacklyn clung to Alicia as they waited for Aaron's call.

She tried to distance her feelings from the fact that he was willing to implicate her in his scam. How selfish. Not an act of love, she reconciled.

Glanced back at the red crocheted socks, a fleeting thought, she voiced, "how comfortable they were. And one of my favorite colors."

Alicia followed her gaze. She started, then stopped. Any negative comment about Aaron's mother she would set aside and give her the benefit of innocence in Aaron's dealings, unless the authorities informed them otherwise.

The uncertainty of the past few months had come full circle.

Alicia watched as the phone rang. Aaron's name displayed on the screen. Hovering over the green button, Jacklyn hesitated. She could understand the range of emotions her friend suffered.

With a nudging, Jacklyn's hand settled on the call. Aaron began cautiously, attempting to gauge her temperature.

Surprisingly calm, Jacklyn listened to all Aaron tried to explain. When he mentioned Jacklyn and her feelings for her, she shouted, "Stop it, Aaron! Your scamming days are over. I've reported you to authorities. They're already investigating. I tried to help you, but you refused. Perhaps an attorney can. I wish you well whatever your future holds. Don't contact me again."

Shaking uncontrollably now, she pushed the red button and hung up on her life with a professional scammer.

Now she could start to repair her own business, untangling it from Aaron's scam enterprise. He cared nothing for the position he placed her in with her clients. That the authorities believed she was not an accomplice in Aaron's scam business, using the online clothing store as a front, helped her tremendously in keeping her business afloat.

Distancing ones self from a scammer is difficult, she thought, but she discovered it could be accomplished if one was not involved and didn't profit financially.

She hoped his mother was an another innocent victim. How cruel and deceiptful, if proven so. His mother patiently and lovingly knitted those accessories.

Hearing Aaron's voice in the half confession, Jacklyn could now clean the beautiful red knitted socks and donate them to charity.

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Image used with permission of contest owner

Welcome back to my freewrite prompt story for this week. The photo that is the subject of the story spoke to me about the focus on a person who either loves the color red or has received a gift of the red crocheted slipper socks.

Describe what you see.
A pair of red crocheted socks with white threads on the bottom sits on a brown stool in a room. A black and brown cat lounges on a pillow or some type of bedding. The room appears to be covered in tile on the floor.

Describe what you feel.
I feel that the red crocheted socks are important. However, they appear to be covered in dirt as if the person has just returned from the outside and placed them on the stool. Perhaps the owner intends to wipe off the dirt. I can't see how these are shoes, as they would get wet from trampling outdoors in any type of inclement weather. The socks or shoes are exquisitely woven. I feel that the color was a personal choice.

Write a story or poem about what you think is going on. I leave with you my story for:

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words - 8/24/23.

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For your convenience, I have included below a Spanish translation from DeepL for "The Slender Thread" - Freewrite: 8/24/23 | Prompt: A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words.

! [Spanish Translation Click here]

El hilo delgado

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Bienvenido de nuevo a mi historia freewrite prompt para esta semana. La foto que es el tema de la historia me habló sobre el enfoque en una persona que ama el color rojo o ha recibido un regalo de los calcetines zapatilla de ganchillo rojo.

Describe lo que ves.
Un par de calcetines rojos de ganchillo con hilos blancos en la parte inferior están sentados en un taburete marrón en una habitación. Un gato negro y marrón descansa sobre una almohada o algún tipo de ropa de cama. La habitación parece estar cubierta de baldosas en el suelo.

Describe lo que sientes.
Los calcetines rojos de ganchillo me parecen importantes. Sin embargo, parecen estar cubiertos de suciedad, como si la persona acabara de volver del exterior y los hubiera colocado en el taburete. Tal vez el propietario pretenda limpiar la suciedad. No veo cómo pueden ser zapatos, ya que se mojarían al pisar al aire libre en cualquier tipo de inclemencia meteorológica. Los calcetines o los zapatos están exquisitamente tejidos. Creo que el color fue una elección personal.

Escribe una historia o un poema sobre lo que crees que está pasando. Os dejo mi historia para:
A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words - 8/24/23.

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Jacklyn se quedó mirando las letras durante más tiempo. Contando lentamente las palabras en la pantalla, intentó desesperadamente desentrañar la verdad oculta en el mensaje. Luego, con un largo suspiro de cansancio, su dedo tembloroso tocó suavemente el botón verde, pero lo levantó rápidamente. Durante cinco minutos, su mano se detuvo sobre la conexión, esperando a que surgiera una sensación positiva antes de escuchar su voz.

Habían pasado demasiadas cosas para que la llamada fuera algo más que dolorosa.

Tenía esperanzas, pero odiaba los subterfugios. Odiaba los tratos secretos y furtivos. Sobre todo, odiaba la forma en que su prometido, Aaron Cockran, dirigía su pequeño negocio online de ropa accesoria. Además, descubrió, por casualidad, que su madre estaba involucrada, suministrando artículos de punto.

Mientras echaba un vistazo al despacho de su casa, sus ojos se posaron en el taburete marrón donde estaban los calcetines rojos de ganchillo que su madre le había regalado y recordó cómo Aaron y ella habían llegado hasta ese día.

Una empresa legítima, le aseguró. Sin embargo, no pudo localizar ningún documento que documentara su sitio web. Pero los calcetines rojos de punto de su madre, de los que estaba más orgullosa, aparecían en un lugar destacado de la portada.

Para sorpresa de Jacklyn, su información de contacto aparecía en el sitio. Atendiendo rápidamente a esta cuestión, no pudo esperar a saber por qué él no facilitaba los suyos.

"No te preocupes. Todo es legítimo. La impresión lo vale todo, sobre todo si parece que hay personal a tiempo completo", fue la respuesta de Aaron cuando se le preguntó.

Durante un año, Jacklyn intentó ofrecer consejos útiles y ofrecer su tiempo. Él se negó. Se encontró con la distancia y la retirada de afecto. Finalmente cedió para evitar discusiones.

No mencionar el negocio pudo haber evitado las discusiones, pero no evitó las persistentes sospechas que surgían cuando estaba sola, especialmente sobre el origen de la ropa que se vendía.

Su propio pequeño negocio requería una atención dedicada. Diligente en sus esfuerzos por mantenerse al día de los últimos cambios en la legislación fiscal y en el mantenimiento de los archivos de preparación de impuestos de sus clientes, se ocupaba de sí misma.

Sin darse cuenta, al cabo de seis meses, se vio arrastrada a su negocio en Internet. Un cliente enfadado llamó quejándose de que no había recibido el pedido que había pagado dos meses antes.

Jacklyn tomó nota de la información y llamó a Aaron para hablar de ello.

"Yo me encargo. Una copia de seguridad con entregas de envíos cada desde 2019. No sólo de mi negocio, sino en general". Jacklyn aceptó esta explicación, ya que sabía que existían problemas de envío debido a la pandemia.

Dejó la conversación.

Pero como ocurre con todas las cosas turbias que se hacen en la oscuridad, la verdadera naturaleza de su negocio asomó su fea cabeza dos meses después. Una mañana, la luz de su ventana brilló intensamente al surcar el cielo y la cegó justo cuando cogía el teléfono.

Una hora más tarde, estaba sentada en el despacho de la unidad local de investigación de fraudes, ajena a las circunstancias.

Al descubrir la verdadera naturaleza del negocio en línea de Aaron como posible tapadera de una rama de una organización ilegal, se estremeció mientras lágrimas calientes y furiosas caían por sus mejillas.

No eran lágrimas lo que las autoridades querían provocar. Su negocio y su reputación también estaban en entredicho. Asociación por el número de contacto de su página web.

Su propuesta implicaba limpiar su nombre. No les dio una respuesta inmediata, sino que prefirió hablar primero con Aaron. Aceptaron, pero fijaron un plazo para su respuesta.

Jacklyn se dirigió a la única persona que podía entender su situación.

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"Odio decírtelo, pero Aaron me caía mal. Esperaba que funcionara. Pero no hizo nada para levantarte. Sólo fui testigo de una cara". Alicia le tendió el pañuelo a Jacklyn, que lo aceptó de buen grado, soplando con fuerza en él, mientras sus ojos dejaban caer lágrimas inyectadas en sangre.

Alicia se alegró de que Jacklyn confiara en ella.

Un estado de ánimo sombrío que no había previsto se abatió sobre su mejor amiga en los últimos meses. Preocupada por que volviera a caer en una ligera depresión, Alicia no iba a permitir que su amiga desperdiciara otro momento de su vida con alguien indigno de su afecto. Tenía toda la intención de intervenir. Y ayer no sería suficientemente pronto.

"Cooperarás. Y yo ayudaré. Lo haremos salir, no te preocupes. Es un aficionado, claramente sigue órdenes". Ella exploró con confianza sus opciones.

"¡Podría ser peligroso! No estoy dispuesta a involucrarle en una situación precaria que podría implicar actividades ilegales". Jacklyn admitió por fin la razón por la que consentía tan fácilmente cuando discutía con Aaron. Su rostro enrojecía de inmediato si alguien discrepaba de su postura.

Pero no tenía otro plan. Y el tiempo se agotaba para responder a las autoridades.

Participar en el plan de Alicia no era su plan ideal. Sin embargo, no había forma de estar seguro de si Aarón participaba involuntariamente en las operaciones ilegales o estaba metido hasta las rodillas en su implicación.

O se implicaba del todo o podía ser considerada potencialmente responsable.

Una vez realizada la llamada a Aarón, Alicia se preparó para el acalorado intercambio que se esperaba. La antipatía entre ellos fluía libremente. Tanto es así que, en el pasado, ella se retiraba intencionadamente de los compromisos a los que la invitaban y en los que él estaba implicado.

"Ya está, ha accedido a reunirse. La preocupación por su tambaleante negocio y su efecto es mi tapadera". Se dio la vuelta y se enfrentó a Jacklyn, con veneno en los ojos.

Estaba a punto de darle una lección a Aaron. Nadie se metía con sus amigos. Se lo haría pagar. Además, su entrenamiento personal previo le había dado confianza y le resultaría útil en este encuentro, si era necesario.

"Es obvio que la Sra. Cockran no conoce el sitio de estafas, de lo contrario no se habría tomado la molestia de tejer esos preciosos artículos para la venta". Jacklyn tenía la esperanza de que su madre también la hubiera engañado.

"¿Crees que es una intermediaria?" Alicia sospechaba ahora de todos los miembros de la familia de Aaron.

Jacklyn recordó con cariño las pocas veces que visitó a la madre de Aaron y sus perspicaces conversaciones antes de contestar: "La he conocido. Mi instinto me dice que no".

No hubo saludo cordial. Pequeña, pero inmaculada, la casa de Aaron revelaba su personalidad. Austera y carente de color.

Palabras afiladas e hirvientes, destinadas a enfurecer, sonaron inmediatamente en la lengua de Aaron.

"Una simple llamada de teléfono habría bastado. A diferencia de ti, soy un empresario ocupado. El drama no es mi segundo nombre". Las palabras de Aaron picaron. Un lado de él que no revelaba en presencia de Jacklyn.

Jacklyn se quedó callada. Ordenó que su respiración se ralentizara para mantener la cordura. Un año era demasiado tiempo conociendo a ese individuo despreciable. Lo toleraba por el bien de su amiga. Se colocó cerca de la pared, junto a la puerta. Frente a él, hizo caso omiso de su puya y comenzó su pregunta.

"Estoy preocupada por mi mejor amiga. Ella, a su vez, está angustiada por tu página web. ¿Por qué no le permites que te ayude? Cuando se trata de manejar negocios, ¿no podría pedir a nadie más cualificado? ¿Hay algo turbio en tu negocio que no quieres divulgar?". La voz de Jacklyn se quebró.

"Sólo estás celosa de nuestro éxito", replicó Aaron, con una ligera elevación en la voz.

"¡Celoso! De un negocio en línea de estafa que te haces llamar. Apuesto a que ni siquiera sabes con quién estás confabulando o de dónde procede tu inventario. Probablemente de algún traficante extranjero. Te apuesto cien pavos a que esos accesorios son imitaciones que los venden como auténticos. Lo que has hecho es poner la vida de Jacklyns en grave peligro".

Con una mano temblorosa a la espalda, esperó.

"Las divagaciones de una loca. No sabes nada de mis operaciones comerciales. Qué le importa a usted el origen de mis mercancías. Yo las aseguro, y sé exactamente el origen y el estado de mis líneas de productos. Y no tengo que demostrar nada, especialmente a usted. Si no te metes en tus asuntos, le diré a Jacklyn que la has amenazado con que si no te saco tajada, nos denunciarás por estafadores a las autoridades. Está metida hasta las rodillas. ¿O creías que era inocente en todo esto?".

Alicia sonrió y negó con la cabeza. "Estás enferma".

Continuó. "Además, te ha pillado mirándome. Se pondrá de mi lado siempre. ¡Amiga! Prefiero una viuda negra".

"¿Implicarías a la única persona que ha creído en ti y en tu negocio? Qué pérdida de tiempo".

"Auto preservación." Hizo una pausa. "Te ofrecería una copa, pero estás a punto de sacar tu entrometido trasero de aquí. ¡Ya!"

Con eso, Aaron agarró el pomo de la puerta y la abrió de golpe.

"Eres malvada", siseó. No pudo dar un paso sobre el umbral de la puerta lo suficientemente pronto.

Alicia ayudó a Aaron a cerrarla con fuerza.

Bajando las escaleras, no podía esperar a respirar aire puro.

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Dentro de su vehículo, exhaló. Rebuscó en su bolso. Con la cabeza apoyada en el reposacabezas, sonrió.

Alicia aceleró. No podía llegar a su amigo lo suficientemente pronto. Sabía que el instinto de Aaron sería adelantarse al problema y llamar a Jacklyn para defender su caso.

Se quedó de pie junto al escritorio de Jacklyn mientras escuchaba la grabación. Alicia se inclinó hacia ella y la abrazó con fuerza. Fuera cual fuera el resultado, no la dejaría hasta que se separara del negocio de estafa de Aaron.

"Puede que no sea todo lo que esperaba obtener, pero no habría podido enfrentarme a él sola. Le estaré eternamente agradecida. Al menos hemos aportado pruebas parciales. Las autoridades pueden trabajar con eso".

Jacklyn se aferró a Alicia mientras esperaban la llamada de Aaron.

Intentó distanciar sus sentimientos del hecho de que él estuviera dispuesto a implicarla en su estafa. Qué egoísta. No es un acto de amor, se reconcilió.

Volvió a mirar los calcetines rojos de ganchillo, un pensamiento fugaz, dijo, "qué cómodos eran. Y uno de mis colores favoritos".

Alicia siguió su mirada. Empezó, luego se detuvo. Dejaría de lado cualquier comentario negativo sobre la madre de Aarón y le concedería el beneficio de la inocencia en los tratos con Aarón, a menos que las autoridades les informaran de lo contrario.

La incertidumbre de los últimos meses había cerrado el círculo.

Alicia observó cómo sonaba el teléfono. El nombre de Aarón apareció en la pantalla. Jacklyn vaciló al pulsar el botón verde. Comprendía la gama de emociones que sufría su amiga.

Con un codazo, la mano de Jacklyn se posó sobre la llamada. Aaron empezó a hablar con cautela, tratando de medir su temperatura.

Sorprendentemente tranquila, Jacklyn escuchó todo lo que Aaron intentaba explicarle. Cuando mencionó a Jacklyn y sus sentimientos por ella, gritó: "¡Basta, Aaron! Tus días de estafador han terminado. Te he denunciado a las autoridades. Ya están investigando. Intenté ayudarte, pero te negaste. Quizá un abogado pueda. Te deseo lo mejor sea lo que sea que te depare el futuro. No vuelvas a ponerte en contacto conmigo".

Temblando ahora incontrolablemente, pulsó el botón rojo y colgó su vida con un estafador profesional.

Ahora podía empezar a reparar su propio negocio, desenredándolo de la empresa de estafas de Aaron. A él no le importaba nada la posición en la que la había colocado con sus clientes. El hecho de que las autoridades creyeran que no era cómplice del negocio de estafa de Aaron, que utilizaba la tienda de ropa online como tapadera, la ayudó enormemente a mantener su negocio a flote.

Distanciarse de un estafador es difícil, pensó, pero descubrió que podía lograrse si uno no estaba implicado y no se beneficiaba económicamente.

Esperaba que su madre fuera otra víctima inocente. Qué cruel y engañoso, si se demostraba que lo era. Su madre tejía con paciencia y cariño aquellos accesorios.

Al oír la voz de Aaron en la media confesión, Jacklyn pudo ahora limpiar los hermosos calcetines rojos de punto y donarlos a la beneficencia.

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Good luck everyone with whatever your endeavors.

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SOURCES:
a) JustClickindiva's Footer created in Canva utilizing its free background and images used with permission from discord admins.
b) Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by me with my (i) Samsung Galaxy 10" Tablet, (ii) Samsung Phone, & (iii) FUJI FinePix S3380 - 14 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
c) Purple Butterfly part of purchased set of Spiritual Clip Art for my Personal Use
d) All Community logos, banners, page dividers used with permission of Discord Channel admins.
e) Ladies of Hive banner used with permission of and in accordance with the admin's guidelines
f) Thumbnail Image created by me in Canva.
g) "Flames." What is Apophysis 2.09. https://flam3.com/

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English is my native language.
If translation included, I use DeepL to assist my readers.
Thanks for your patience an understanding
.

El inglés es mi lengua materna.
Si se incluye traducción, utilizo DeepL para ayudar a mis lectores.
Gracias por su paciencia y comprensión.

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What a gripping story! Aaron is one annoying character I'll gladly punch on the nose if I meet him face to face. 😂 All the lies, deception and entitlement. He took Jacklyn's affect and trust for granted to do such shady things. I'm glad Alicia was close by to help and support Jacklyn.

You beautifully capture the power of friendship in dire situations and the importance of standing up against wrongdoings. Kudos to Jacklyn for doing the right thing though it was hard. I enjoyed reading this story. Well done! Take care and have a wonderful day. !PIMP

I must say I didn't care for Aaron either. But people such as him do exist in abundance. He deserves more than a punch, and incarceration for scamming and fraud I feel still isn't enough. Yes, friends who truly have your best interest at heart are rare.

When fraudsters target innocent and vulnerable people, they don't realize not only the damage done to the person's confidence in their ability to make rational decision, but also the financial burden incurred if they part ways with their hard earned money.

I'm pleased you enjoyed reading my story and liked the structure. Take care and have a good rest of your week.

!ALIVE

@kemmyb! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @ justclickindiva. (8/10)

The tip has been paid for by the We Are Alive Tribe through the earnings on @alive.chat, feel free to swing by our daily chat any time you want, plus you can win Hive Power (2x 50 HP) and Alive Power (2x 500 AP) delegations (4 weeks), and Ecency Points (4x 50 EP), in our chat every day.


You must be killin' it out here!
@kemmyb just slapped you with 1.000 PIMP, @justclickindiva.
You earned 1.000 PIMP for the strong hand.
They're getting a workout and slapped 1/1 possible people today.

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Read about some PIMP Shit or Look for the PIMP District

It is a well-told story and manages to link the knitted socks as a symbol within the plot. I think you also want to convey the need to not be careless and always be attentive to details.
So I also liked the idea of getting rid of things that link you to the past. Well done.

(I'm glad you managed to insert your translation in this way)

!PIZZA

Hello @nanixxx. I'm pleased you liked my story. Yes, the socks played an important role on both sides of Aaron's life. He just didn't appreciate how much caring was attached to them. Selfish in the first degree, I'd say. And a fraudster.

To throw away friendship and love for selfish reasons probably won't come visiting again. His future will most likely be in a much different setting where he'll wish he had both.

Oh, yes. You're a Godsend. I appreciate the TIP more than you know. I've been struggling with the appearance of my posts, and now it's solved. I just have to apply the settings to other templates so that it won't take me as long to format my stories.

I appreciate your taking the time to visit and leave your kind compliment. I'm pleased you liked my story.

You have a wonderful rest of your week. Take care.

!ALIVE
!LADY

@nanixxx! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @ justclickindiva. (9/10)

The tip has been paid for by the We Are Alive Tribe through the earnings on @alive.chat, feel free to swing by our daily chat any time you want, plus you can win Hive Power (2x 50 HP) and Alive Power (2x 500 AP) delegations (4 weeks), and Ecency Points (4x 50 EP), in our chat every day.

I enjoy reading good stories.
Good week to you too

View or trade LOH tokens.


@justclickindiva, you successfully shared 0.1000 LOH with @nanixxx and you earned 0.1000 LOH as tips. (3/15 calls)

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It is amazing to see how her friend stood for her and got her a good evidence to fight her innocence.

Awesome true friend in Alicia willing to help her clear her name. She didn't get much, but it was enough for the authorities to pursue a case against Aaron. Since they were already investigating him, he did admit to knowing the origin of his fake accessories, such as fake purses. He has a lot to answer for.

In the end, Jacklyn heard from his own mouth how he felt about her. Him willing to throw her under the bus was enough proof she needed that his professed love for her was fake, just like his scam website.

I hope gets his just desserts as she moves on with her life and her business.

Thanks for your visit. I appreciate it. Take care.

!ALIVE

I hope so too. He broke her trust completely and it is not very kind of him.

Sounds as if the mother did not know so why not like and use those with love made socks?
The acts and temper of the scammer are well-described.
It is what most scammers have in common, a certain attitude and temper if you question them.

Thank you for joining pic1000.

My character struggled with the question of whether to keep the knitted socks. She suspected the mother did not know. However, she wanted to move on with her life away from that episode with no reminders. Her decision to allow someone else to enjoy them by donating to charity meant that person would not know of its history and be reminded each time when looking at or wearing the item. I feel personally it was a good choice. One that I would have made.

Yes, people who set out to cheat others have to possess a certain mindset of deceit and must act accordingly to keep up appearances. Questioning them is not tolerated, probably because they have no legitimate answer.

Thanks so much for your visit. I enjoy the PIC1000 mostly because the images are thought-provoking to work with. I try to allow my readers to experience what I feel as I write.

Take care.
!ALIVE

@freewritehouse! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @ justclickindiva. (7/10)

The tip has been paid for by the We Are Alive Tribe through the earnings on @alive.chat, feel free to swing by our daily chat any time you want, plus you can win Hive Power (2x 50 HP) and Alive Power (2x 500 AP) delegations (4 weeks), and Ecency Points (4x 50 EP), in our chat every day.

Yay! 🤗
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Thanks for the boost. I appreciate your support.

I myself feel very scared like this when the elevator stops, it seems that the breath of a person will stop and the way things are going today, everyone throws their socks inside the house like this. Great story. Thanks for sharing.

Yes, @djbravo. When you come indoors, the first thing you do is pull off your shoes and socks and throw them somewhere convenient. I'm pleased you like my story. Thanks for visiting. Take care.

!ALIVE

@djbravo! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @ justclickindiva. (1/10)

The tip has been paid for by the We Are Alive Tribe through the earnings on @alive.chat, feel free to swing by our daily chat any time you want, plus you can win Hive Power (2x 50 HP) and Alive Power (2x 500 AP) delegations (4 weeks), and Ecency Points (4x 50 EP), in our chat every day.

Most welcome dear.

There are times when I will be in an elevator and I'll be thinking of what will happen to me if it stops. I pray that never happens to me though...
Nice story!

I have always been afraid of the situation where an elevator stops and the engineers can't figure out what is wrong. I then am at least thankful that I always carry snacks to ease my mind!

I appreciate your visit and kind compliment. I'm so pleased you liked the theme of my story. Take care.

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Bang, I did it again... I just rehived your post!
Week 171 of my contest just started...you can now check the winners of the previous week!
!LUV
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PIZZA!

$PIZZA slices delivered:
@nanixxx(1/5) tipped @justclickindiva

Excellent story! I really appreciate your ability to build such real and deep characters. You've really captured their personalities and conflicts brilliantly. It's intriguing how you've hinted at the mystery behind the origin of the clothes being sold.