“Are you done?” Steve asked after listening to a lengthy complaint.
“No, I’m NOT!” Mark said as the cloud further darkened between them.
Not all that Mark said was true, but all of it was plausible, provided you thought the way Mark did. His thoughts must have echoed through his heart for quite some time for it to flow out so fluently.
Eventually Mark took a second breather and Steve once again asked him if he were done. When Mark nodded, accepting defeat that even he couldn’t run his mouth forever, Steve dismissed him without offering any defense eventually forgetting what Mark said, not that Mark had the peace of mind to do the same.
______
Denise offers the prompt word “cloud” to be used in this week’s Six Sentence Stories.
James 3:10 KJV – Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

What a picture of forgiveness
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The story is mainly about forgiveness. I am glad you noticed. Blessings, Jim!
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Thank you for sharing the story
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It would appear a “cloud” hangs more over Mark’s head than Steve’s. Unfortunately, friendships don’t always survive “clouds”.
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Yes, Mark brought the cloud with him. Blessings, Denise!
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Sometimes it’s better not to say anything… and leave.
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That is often the best advice unless saying something can do any good. Blessings, Chris!
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Great story, Frank. Sometimes I’m Mark, sometimes I’m steve. Today I am Mary. May all striving cease.
Have a blessed Day. Happy spring!!!!
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Amen! May all striving cease. Blessings to you, Mary!
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this is a good lesson, for sure. i try to keep my dark clouds to myself (and to practice softer narratives), but i still have a long way to go. thank you for the reminder!
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This reminds me of a story of forgiveness I once read. One lady was told, “Don’t you remember when So-and-so did that to you?” and her answer was, “I distinctly remember forgetting that!”
The forgiver sleeps better at night.
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Very good answer: “I distinctly remember forgetting that!” 🙂 Blessings, Mimi!
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there is an old Yaqui aphorism that your Six brings to mind, “The world is a feeling, you are responsible for how you feel.”
thought-provoking Six, yo
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Good point about being responsible for how we feel even though it seems we have little control over it. Blessings, Clark!
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Nice story, Frank. Steve is the most discerning of the two, wise enough to know when to let well enough alone given Mark’s nature. Perhaps Mark can learn from his example.
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May Mark learn. I view the underlying cause of such problem as demonic. Mark needs to be set free, but he is likely standing in his own way. Blessings, Dora, and thank you!
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A wise move on Steve’s part.
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It was. Blessings, Keith!
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How very sad. Very sad.
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It is sad. Blessings, Misky!
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