The rusty water ran swift and cold. As red as rooibos, the creek reminded her of the bloody rinse that flowed from her washtub after she scrubbed Hector’s work clothes clean.
After the first, long-ago night that he came home covered in violence, his expression was enough to forbid any questions. Since then she went about her chores silently, leaving his fresh laundry folded and stacked on his dresser each morning.
Standing on the sandy bank, she watched the golden fall leaves float by on the current. Without removing her clothes or shoes, she waded into the creek until she was waist deep in the water. Lying back, her hair fanning around her face, she spread out her arms, allowing the water to carry her body along with the other debris.
The red of Hector’s gore leached from her spattered blouse and blended with the tannins, disappearing with her down the rusty water channel.
Thin spiral notebook 
I love it when you pull a twist like that at the end. Absolutely amazing.
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What a poetic way to describe violence and blood. Frankly, I’m not sure what happened though. I vote for Hector’s demise but I didn’t read it that way.
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First of all, “covered in violence” is a brilliant term. I’m not one for blood and gore but can read if it is left to my mind rather than given to me in graphic terms. Your term is perfect. I loved the story of her ending his violence and hope the river just takes her to another place where she might feign amnesia and start over rather than the river taking her life. Though I sense either way is fine with her. Well done!
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Wow, a lot going on here in such a short piece. She had to become covered in violence herself to stop it. And the water and the washing until she submerges herself in the water with the other ‘debris.’ Such good writing!
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Loved the wicked turn at the end. “Covered in violence” is so expressive.
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The phrase “covered in violence” is such an imaginative way to describe what Hector has done! This whole piece was just amazing!
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I like how she took care of Hector in the end. I feel sad for her though because even if the river carries her, I’m not sure that she’ll ever feel free.
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Really good story, even though I feel so sad for the main character.
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Freeing, and sad… Love the double entendres in this story.
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Such a gorgeously written story, that conveys so much in so little words. This is exactly why I love Trifecta.
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