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On the outside, Rita was pleasant as could be. People often marveled at her sense of calm.
“She is such a nice person. So sweet and innocent.”
In her backyard, a straw dummy clings to a wooden pole, sackcloth face scarred and bursting.
Rita’s dummy served two purposes. First, she learned how to throw knives. Second, on a particularly annoying day, she could always imagine the dummy represented a particular difficulty, and then – WHAM, right in the face.
The dummy could take it, and she could live to be nice another day.
…
This is my entry for Friday Fictioneers, where once a week we put together 100-word stories based on a prompt. I want to think I’m not the only one who looks at this picture from Sandra Crook and thinks oh, Wicker Man, I saw that movie. That was messed up.
As long as it’s not a real person, I believe it is neither illegal nor (necessarily) immoral to set something on fire. For example, my early Christmas present to myself: totally adorable, squishy animals that also serve as stress balls.
Here is my purple unicorn. I could not have written this one without his additional inspiration.
Anne Higa 
So long as she doesn’t snap
It’s always the quiet ones. 😉
One day, it’ll be a real person strapped to that wooden cross! The Wicker Man is a messed up film! 🙂
Yes. Yes, it was. I had nightmares for several weeks after. Haha but seriously. =/
A surprising take on this picture. I like it.
Excellent. Everyone needs a punching bag!
As long as it’s not a real person. Which I’ve sadly seen all too often.
A dummy is so much less messier to throw knives at than a real man 😉
I would ask how you know this, but I will assume that – like me – you also watch movies. Also acceptable are answers like “self defense.” If you can convince a jury of our peers that is good enough for me. 😉
Well, if it works for her… she says doubtfully.
A terrific take on the prompt, and a reminder to watch Wicker Man again!
My story!
That’s one step up from a clay doll – might try it myself!
Everyone needs a channel for release. Though I worry what might happen if she goes on holiday and it all builds up… 🙂
“Why she was always so nice and courteous! I can’t believe she would. . . . “
I can’t help but feel a little sorry for the poor bugger.
That’s a lot better than harming someone else or oneself. Get out that tension.
LOL now there is a way to deal with holiday stress (I might need one if these for work! )
Great story