The Love Song of Billy Thornton

The Love Song of Billy Thornton

When Billy Thornton first spoke to Ellie of his undying love for her, she was surprisingly coy. Far from showing her joy at his words, she feigned a lack of interest, merely asking how he could be certain of the feelings he expressed.

Billy had been so sure of rejection, yet hopeful of acceptance, that he was entirely unprepared for the question. He stammered through a few half-completed thoughts until finally mumbling into silence.

Still Ellie did not let him off the hook. “Go on, Billy. Tell me how beautiful I am and how much you adore me.” When Billy remained tongue-tied, she added, “I won’t tell if you lie.”

It was as if the words released a dam. “You’re so ugly, I can hardly bear to look at you,” blurted Billy.

Ellie was horrified. “No, Billy. That’s not what I meant at all!”


Word count: 144
The One-Line Lyric Challenge, June 2023
Prompt: I won’t tell if you lie.