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Flash Fiction Friday – The Blame Game

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Hugh W. Roberts

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August 22, 2022, prompt: Write a story exploring shame as an emotion or theme in 99 words (no more, no less). Consider how to use shame to drive a cause-and-effect story. How does it impact a character? Is there a change? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

The Blame Game – by Hugh W. Roberts

“What are these cuts and bruises?

I got them when I fell over.

How did I get my black eye?

I walked into a door.

Am I sure this is how I got these injuries?

Yes.

But I’m sorry for the tears. If I told you the truth, I’d bring shame on myself.

The truth is that I’m a victim of domestic abuse.

Why does that bring shame to me?

Because I’m male, and men don’t admit to being victims of domestic abuse when being beaten by their wives, do they? Can you imagine the shame if people knew?”

***

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

UK Domestic Abuse Helpline For Men – Freephone: 0808 8010327

UK Domestic Abuse Website – Women’s Aid

***

Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

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50 responses to “Flash Fiction Friday – The Blame Game”

  1. Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – August 2022 – Hugh's Views & News   avatar
    Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – August 2022 – Hugh's Views & News  

    […] Flash Fiction Friday – The Blame Game […]

    Reply
  2. Gary A Wilson avatar
    Gary A Wilson

    Hi Hugh – this was a great take on the prompt. Wonderful.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thanks, Gary.

      Reply
  3. pedometergeek avatar
    pedometergeek

    It’s wonderful that you are highlighting a shame that probably happens all too often, Hugh. My condolences for the loss of your friend. No one should have to suffer domestic abuse of any kind, man or woman. ~nan

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thank you, Nan. I only wish more men (and women) would speak up about domestic abuse than feel ashamed it’s happening to them. There is help available, but getting some victims to seek help is a big problem.

      Reply
      1. pedometergeek avatar
        pedometergeek

        If there is any shame to be had, it should affect the abuser, not the abused, Hugh.

        Reply
        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
          Hugh W. Roberts

          I completely agree. But in his letter, my friend said he was too ashamed to admit he was being physically abused by his wife.

          Reply
  4. Shame Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community avatar
    Shame Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

    […] The Blame Game by Hugh W. Roberts […]

    Reply
  5. August Story Chat Summary – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write avatar
    August Story Chat Summary – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write

    […] HUGH’S VIEWS & NEWS: “I was like Cathy in that I kept having to reread the story a few times to remember which sister was Millie and which one was Judy. I don’t know why especially given that the names don’t begin with the same letter, but my brain kept getting them muddled up. However, I enjoyed the conversation between these two sisters. It was written well and how I imagined they would have spoken, given the story behind them.” […]

    Reply
  6. Marsha avatar
    Marsha

    You are so right. I know our son was abused by his wife – not physically, he’s much bigger than she is, but emotionally and verbally. I doubt that he would admit it, but we could see it. Fortunately, they are not together any longer. Your post is so poignant. Beautifully done.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thank you, Marsha. And I’m sorry to hear your son was mentally abused by his wife. Good to hear that they are no longer together. He’s certainly better off without her in his life.

      Reply
      1. Marsha avatar
        Marsha

        Amen to that. We are just glad there were no children involved.

        Reply
  7. dgkaye avatar
    dgkaye

    A sad truth. Nobody is exempt. Abusers come in every gender. :)

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Exactly, Debby. It’s something that should never happen to anyone.

      Reply
  8. D. Wallace Peach avatar
    D. Wallace Peach

    Powerful story, Hugh. A good reminder that sometimes it’s the other way around. Men and women need to feel supported when they speak up.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thanks, Diana.

      The main problem is getting men to speak up or discuss these problems. Many see it as an ‘unmanly’ thing to do. They feel ashamed to admit to problems. This is why I chose the subject of domestic abuse, where it is the male who is the victim. I wanted to highlight that they should never feel ashamed asking for help.

      Reply
      1. D. Wallace Peach avatar
        D. Wallace Peach

        Job well done, Hugh. Abuse is abuse and shouldn’t be tolerated by anyone toward anyone.

        Reply
  9. Norah avatar
    Norah

    Yes, sadly, it can happen that way too.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Having known a male victim, you’re absolutely right, Norah.

      Reply
      1. Norah avatar
        Norah

        I hope he’s doing okay now, Hugh.

        Reply
        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
          Hugh W. Roberts

          Hi Norah, unfortunately, he took his own life. He couldn’t face the shame of people knowing that his wife was physically and mentally abusing him. I only wish he had talked to someone about it. It could have been so much different.

          Reply
          1. Norah avatar
            Norah

            That’s so sad, Hugh. We need to be more open in our acceptance and discussions about mental health.

            Reply
  10. wrookieschu avatar
    wrookieschu

    Sad but true. Great post Hugh and good to highlight this issue.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thanks, Wayne. I hope it helps, especially given that many men don’t like talking about illness or their problems.

      Reply
      1. wrookieschu avatar
        wrookieschu

        Very true. Thankfully I have never witnessed any abuse but I know it’s more common than we think.

        Reply
        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
          Hugh W. Roberts

          It is, yes. And I do know one male friend who took his own life because he was so ashamed he was the victim of domestic abuse. I only wish he talked about it, but many men find opening up about problems difficult.

          Reply
          1. wrookieschu avatar
            wrookieschu

            That’s so sad to hear. Making it less of a stigma is definitely helping and open conversations.

            Reply
  11. JT Twissel avatar
    JT Twissel

    How good of you to put those links. People should always feel safe in their homes – no matter what their sex.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      I agree. Sadly, some of those who are victims of domestic abuse feel ashamed to ask for help. I hope the links I included help at least one of those people.

      Reply
  12. Sadje avatar
    Sadje

    Both men and women should be encouraged to speak up against domestic violence and abuse

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      I agree. It’s why I put links to websites offering help to both men and women who are suffering domestic abuse.

      Reply
      1. Sadje avatar
        Sadje

        That’s a great idea

        Reply
  13. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar
    Terri Webster Schrandt

    A sad but important topic, Hugh wrapped neatly in this fiction piece. I can see how you got the inspiration from the prompt image. I pray this was never your reality, my friend.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Not an authentic experience for me, Terri, but I do know of one man who took his own life because he felt ashamed to ask for help or to talk about the domestic abuse he suffered for many years. That’s where my piece of flash came from.

      Reply
      1. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar
        Terri Webster Schrandt

        Good to hear, Hugh, but tragic for the other man.

        Reply
        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
          Hugh W. Roberts

          Yes, but I hope some on the same route will seek help. There is a lot out there.

          Reply
  14. WebbBlogs avatar
    WebbBlogs

    Wow Hugh I like how you wrote this. Male abuse happens very often unfortunately there are alot of men that feel like you described here. Great post. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thank you so much. Yes, I agree with what you say. When it comes to illness or domestic abuse, many men feel that talking about it or asking for help makes them less of a man. It should never be like that.

      Reply
  15. willowdot21 avatar
    willowdot21

    Yes indeed Hugh it’s such a sad situation, men should not be afraid to stand up and ask for help …. This is the 2020s no one should hide abuse.
    Well said and well written Hugh 💜💜💜💜

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thank you, Willow. I agree that no man should ever be afraid to speak about or ask for help regarding illness or domestic abuse. It’s a shame that many men feel they can’t talk or ask for help.

      Reply
      1. willowdot21 avatar
        willowdot21

        Yes Hugh it’s heartbreaking 💜

        Reply

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