Friday Fictioneers is a weekly challenge to write a complete story in 100 words or less based on a photo prompt. Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting this challenge and Gah Learner for this week’s prompt.
Harold curled his body into a tight knot, holding the bed-covers close. The room felt cold as a refrigerator and it was only October. What would December bring?
Next to him, Harold’s wife slept unaffected by the freezing air. He thought back to the early days of their marriage when on cold nights they snuggled to keep each other warm.
That was before The Change.
Now, no matter how cold it was outside, Harold’s wife insisted they sleep with the window open.
All Harold could do is wrap himself in blankets and pray for Summer.
The inspiration for this story (with slight deviation) comes from a quote by George Bernard Shaw
Marriage is an alliance entered into by a man who can’t sleep with the window shut and a woman who can’t sleep with the window open.
Redbuds and Roserocks 
Oh, poor Harold! Yet, this is how marriage works. 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
So true Susan. Thanks for the comment.
Oh, yes, Susan. This is so true. Well done!
In your first line, I think you mean “knot” instead of “know” perhaps?
Thank you Sascha. I made the change. Also, thank you for commenting. I am glad you enjoyed the story.
Oh that Change! It does more than challenge the woman, it sure does challenge the couple!
In our house, the war is over the A/C thermostat. I tell my husband to put on a sweater. Thanks for commenting Dale. Much appreciated.
Ha ha! I don’t have to worry about that 😉
Poor guy.
Oh dear! And it’s so difficult to keep extra blankets just on one side of the bed…
That is is Penny. My husband has a heating blanket he uses that is for a smaller bed. That seems to work.
A lovely story of compromise and acceptance. I expect if he closed the window his world would change too.
Thanks James. If he closes that window, he might find himself on the outside of it.
That is a problem. Why doesn’t Harold buy a room warmer?
He needs a heating blanket. My husband has one. Thanks for commenting, Abhijit.
I thought it was a story. Comment was flippant, out of ignorance. No offence intended.
It is a story — all fiction. I didn’t take your comments as personal. I’m sorry if it sounded like I did. All is good
Dear Susan,
Ah The Change. I used to be the one who was cold. Never my husband. Now we both sleep with the window open. 😉 Enjoyed (and related to) this piece.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Marriage is a true alliance. Thanks for commenting Rochelle.
Words fail me as I fight off a heavy cold, the window open to kill off the germs
I hope you feel better soon.
Haha, not married but in a relationship with a wonderful woman who needs to have the fan on ‘high’ in order to sleep. Even if it gets a little annoying, I think its little traditions no matter what they are, that keep a relationship alive and well.
Great story 🙂
So true Jacob. Giving in to small annoyances can reap big rewards. Thanks for commenting. Much appreciated.
Hot water bottle! Problem solved!
Click to read my FriFic tale!
Unless the bottle has a leak. Reminds me of my waterbed days! Thanks for commenting Keith. Very much appreciated.
Lovely piece.
Thank you Lisa
The aspect of compromise in marriage can never be emphasized enough.
I can’t imagine being married where there is none. Thanks for your comments Jilly. Much appreciated.
Poor Harold. It is obvious he loves his wife. I am sure he will sort out how to keep warm before the snow flies. Nicely done.
JH: No doubt Harold will adapt. I’m glad you enjoyed the piece. Thanks for commenting.
My husband closes a window if he sneezes I’ve never understood that. You’ve hit the marital nail on the head here. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the story Sandra. Thanks!
A realistic take Susan – and my husband would agree with you 😀
Glad to have his approval Dahlia! Thanks for commenting.
Great story, Susan. And yes, marriage is an alliance. Poor Harold but for the sake of peace…
I am so glad you enjoyed the story. Thank you.