Scrub the crimson from your skin.
In a few days, light one candle at the closed casket. (Try not to smile.)
Offer your “sincere” condolences to the widow. (Don’t rush off after. Stay – share some heartwarming stories about the deceased.)
The List
Renowned Writer Extraordinaire – in my mind!
The Write Melony 
Hi Melony!! Long time no read. ❤ I like this. It drips with bitterness.
LikeLike
I like the tutorial here – it’s a tight and subtle application of the genre. I would have *loved* to see you tie it in a little better with the title, giving a hint to folks who don’t read between the lines that there’s more going on than just mourning!
LikeLike
So devious! I like how understated this is.
LikeLike
The underlying maliciousness here is wonderful! I agree with Rowan on the title being perhaps a tad too subtle (in fact, I went back to the title after reading her comment and went “Ohhhhh! Now I get it”).
LikeLike
Ooh..this is evil. I liked how you brought it in so subtly.
LikeLike
The devious undercurrent is so palpable here! Had to do a re-read to get the malice but it works!
LikeLike
I like how you brought the tutorial into the microprose!
LikeLike
You had me at the suspicious scrub crimson from your skin. oooooo. If I had to critique one thing, the parenthetical (for me ) had less impact than if you left them out.
LikeLike
I can also see make each parenthetical its own line instead to bolster the list concept.
LikeLike
Yes, I also like this idea.
LikeLike
Hi — it took me a couple of reads to understand that crimson was blood — I thought it was lipstick for a bit — like the narrator was having an affair with the dead man.
LikeLike
Me too at first!
LikeLike
In some way I actually really like that layer though – hehe!
LikeLike
Ooh that’s some evil grieving topped with heartwarming stories too!This one is a very different take on the prompt.
LikeLike
A very inventive idea nicely executed, Melony. The self-reminders were an especially evil touch that informed me that the narrator was inexperienced and trying to get away with the murder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this. The feeling is perfect
LikeLike
Hah…I had to laugh at this one. Well done with bringing out the malice in such a clever way.
LikeLike
That middle line is fantastic, and clears up any confusion about what “crimson” could be. I love the instructional tone.
LikeLike
Whoa. That was downright chilling. Well done!
LikeLike
I love how much your writing chills me to the bones Mel!
LikeLike