She swayed slightly as she tottered to the centre of the stage, sucking a mint to combat the smell of gin.
This was her big comeback. Her chance to be universally adored again.
She could barely breathe in her spanx. She tried to smile with painted red lips so cosmetically enhanced they permanently pouted. She peered out of the semi-darkness at the audience awaiting her return with baited breath. Love me, she silently implored.
The spotlight swung across the stage Illuminating every flaw in her once beautiful, alcohol ravaged face.
The critics in the front row rubbed their hands in glee.
I decided a good starting point for me would be the Friday Fictioneers, a weekly photo prompt where you create a story of around 100 words.
fabricating fiction 
Dear Fabricating,
Welcome to Friday Fictioneers with your highly descriptive piece. Something tells me her comeback will be short-lived. I look forward to reading more from you.
shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks for reading my first blog post 🙂
Very descriptive and a great contrast at the end between her expectations and the reality. Liked the last line about the critics.
Critics can be harsh.
Reminds me of a performance I saw on British TV by Whitney Houston a short while before she died. Very poignant. ‘Love me, she silently implored.’ – is a fabulous line.
It’s sad when you feel you need to be prettier, thinner, younger etc to be accepted.
Sounds like she’s about to feed herself to the sharks.
Sadly, yes.
I love this one! Great start!
Thanks.
Not a good start to the comeback when she’s going out with gin on her breath. Well done, and welcome to Friday Fictioneers.
Thank you.
A notable debut piece – well done and welcome.
Thanks Sandra.
Welcome to the Fictioneers. I felt so sad for this woman. I wanted to shield her from both herself and the audience avid for the wrong reasons. Well done!
janet
Thanks Janet. I feel she needs a hug (and a good meal).
Desperation dripping all over that stage…great story.
Thanks
Your writing is lovely, darling. You paint a portrait of a desperately insecure woman — that tiny bit of insight you give us: LOVE ME was wonderful. Just two words, but enough for us to sympathize with her.
You must have felt a good deal of anxiety putting yourself back out here with your first fiction. I hope the critics are kind.
Thanks for your kind words Helena.
High level of descriptive writing with a gripping story equals a well-written piece such as this! 🙂
– Matthew
Thanks Matthew.
Poor woman. Wonderful descriptions. I could feel her nerves and see those misers in the front row licking their pencil tips.
Thanks for the feedback Sarah.
Welcome to Friday Fictioneers! Good story. I could feel her desperation. The critics seemed to be going to tear her apart. She’s really going to need good friends. Really well done.
Thanks for reading Patricia.