HIS BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER - 100 word story

This week's Friday Fictioneers photo prompted a story about a man who doesn't know his capabilities... or lack of them.

PHOTO PROMPT © Mikhael Sublett

HIS BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER

Rodney decided that the best Christmas present he could give his wife was a new bathroom.

She had been banging on about it for twenty years.

He grabbed the opportunity while she was away visiting her sister.

'Better late than never,' thought Rodney as he enthusiastically swung his sledgehammer.

It took a surprisingly long time for Rodney to realise that he had bitten off more than he could chew. He hurriedly started phoning bathroom fitters.

Not one could possibly help him until the New Year.

Rodney surveyed his handiwork with a gulp. He was in an awful lot of trouble.

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always attempt to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.

WATCH ME - 100 word story

As well as bringing back fascinating memories of times spent travelling around Asia, this week's Friday Fictioneers photo prompt also made me cast my mind back to when I decided to give up my London life and move to Spain in order to get to know a man I'd met there. Everyone said: you can't do that. I said: watch me.
Reader - I married him.

PHOTO PROMPT © Fatima Fakier Deria

WATCH ME

Jen took a window seat, wrestled her rucksack onto the floor and settled back with a happy sigh. Backpacking at fifty. Living the dream. Now or never!

She had left behind two perplexed children and a mundane marriage.

Everyone said, 'you can't do that.'

Jen said, 'watch me.'

'You can't just leave,' they said. 'And besides, Asia is dangerous for women travellers.'

'Hah! Watch me,' she said.

Jen swivelled in her seat, back to the window, and took a selfie. She'd upload it later when she found a wifi signal.

All her photos carried the same slogan: Watch Me!

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always attempt to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.

Round and Round in Circles - 100 word story

This week's Friday Fictioneers photo prompt made me decide to tell you a story about someone who is physically and mentally going around in circles.

PHOTO PROMPT © C.E. Ayr

Round and Round in Circles

Another day, another week. He trailed in circles from embassy to police station. Empty promises. Empty platitudes. Yet, childlike, he grasped at their assurances.

Searching for clues, he picked his way along ripped pavements. A street-food stall emitted enticing aromas strong enough to mask the pungent drains. A beggar whimpered, as limp with defeat as he.

And every night he stifled beneath a mosquito net, listening to the scuff-scuff of a rusty fan.

Bewildered, he asked again and again: how can someone vanish so completely?

Trapped by despair he waited for the city to yield the secret of her disappearance.

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always attempt to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.

FISTICUFFS - 100 word story

It took me a little while to come up with a story for this week's Friday Fictioneers photo prompt. I finally got there after a couple of false starts.

PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll

FISTICUFFS

Stephanie scowled as the coffin was lowered.

Afterwards she and her cousins agreed that their Great Aunt wouldn't be mourned.

'She hated Stephanie the most,' said one spitefully.

'At least our fights were honest. I didn't suck up to her like you lot.'

'You won't see a penny,' said another.

'Who cares? I'll have my integrity.'

The cousins laughed until they saw the will. The old battleaxe had left everything to an astounded Stephanie.

'That'll teach them,' chuckled Stephanie.

She went to the lock-up to claim her inheritance. Her aunt had bequeathed her a flat pack Punch and Judy show.

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always attempt to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.

REDUNDANCY - 100 word story

This week's Friday Fictioneers photo prompt made me think about preparing to go out to work. But what if your usual work pattern is changed against your will?

PHOTO PROMPT © Fatima Fakier Deria

REDUNDANCY

The day Roger faced redundancy he panicked. How could he tell his wife? He was sixty. Unemployable. How would they survive?

The following day he picked up the lunch his wife always made for him and 'went to work'.

Paralysed by shame, Roger continued the pattern.

Three months later he found his lunch containers empty. Roger sank into a chair, head in hands.

'Why didn't you tell me?' said his wife.

Roger groaned.

'Silly man, we'll be fine. You're going to work in the business I started last year.'

Roger looked at his wife in astonishment. She winked at him.

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always attempt to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.

NEMESIS - 100 word story

Hello, I'm still away, but now have a little more time to write again. This week's Friday Fictioneers led me down a path of what might happen when someone remains caught up in the thrall of another.

PHOTO PROMPT © Jean L. Hays

NEMESIS

It was a curl up on the sofa sort of day.

Janet scrolled through facebook posts, frowning.

Rhonda. Her nemesis. Photos of Rhonda's gorgeous new boyfriend, their fantabulous holiday, swaying palms, sunset cocktails.

A black cloud of depression descended.

For thirty years Janet had tagged behind Rhonda like a helpless puppy in the hope that some of Rhonda's stardust might land on her. And she remained helpless in the grip of that awful, charismatic woman.

Helpless?

Janet's depression and lack of self worth sparked a murderous anger.

She pulled out her sewing basket and began to construct an effigy.

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always attempt to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.

AFTERLIFE - 100 word story

The Friday Fictioneers photo of people queuing in the rain prompted me to revisit and rewrite one of my old stories...

PHOTO PROMPT © Na’ama Yehuda

AFTERLIFE

The last thing Bert remembered was his scolding wife.

Now he was queueing, in the rain!

Who knew?

'Morning, Bert. Name's Austin. How d’you want to return?'

'Return?'

'This new to you?'

'Course it's new...' Bert paused in astonishment.

'Ah! This is my fourth death. What’s it to be: guy or gal? I tried womanhood in 1840. Spent a miserable life in domestic service.'

‘This is so sudden.’

‘That’s death for you, Bert. Male or female?’

Images of his wife snarling over monthly unmentionables, childbirth and menopause flashed.

‘Male please,’ said Bert.

‘Good choice,’ said Austin.

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always attempt to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.

SUNNYVIEW CARE HOME - 100 word story

The book and glasses offered for this week's Friday Fictioneers photo prompt triggered a return to a story I wrote some years ago. Here's my re-write.

PHOTO PROMPT © CEAyr

SUNNYVIEW CARE HOME

“He’s dropped his trousers again,” someone shouted.

Lillian sighed.

Alfie blocked the television, bare-arsed. Elderly ladies fussed and clucked. Jany came running.

“He’s gone doo-lally,” said Lillian.

Jany pulled Alfie’s pants up. He shuffled sideways like a startled crab.

“Keep still before you fall and break a hip,” said Lillian.

Alfie whimpered.

“Hush, Lillian. You’re scaring him.”

Why am I here? thought Jany, irritation mingled with compassion.

Why am I here? thought Alfie, confusion mingled with fear.

Why am I here? Lillian's anger with her husband mingled with despair.

And Alfie's book sat like an accusation.

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always attempt to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.

DISGUISED - 100 word story

Loved this week's Friday Fictioneer's photo prompt. Never mind the shelves - it was the plant that sparked my imagination.

PHOTO PROMPT © Penny Gadd

DISGUISED

When Xognan was posted to the planet called Earth to study the highest life form he was aghast. The project would swallow nine million xano-years of his life and he regretted signing up with Planet Discovery. He'd only done it because the pay was good.

Xognan wasn't overly happy with the flimsy disguise he'd been given either.

Hey-ho.

Now he sat high on a shelf in what these lifeforms called a 'house'. Fine filaments on Xognan's limbs caught microscopic bacteria to feed on. He nervously relied on the lifeforms to water him.

And he studied their behaviour with undisguised astonishment.

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always attempt to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.

PUSHING BOUNDARIES

This week's Friday Fictioneers photo prompt led me along the lines of pushing boundaries and made me think about a recent conversation I had with a friend. I think we should all be open about our bodily functions and I've never understood why women are made to feel uncomfortable about things that are a normal part of the reproductive process. I'll be interested to read your thoughts on this baffling issue.

 © Linda Kreger 

PUSHING BOUNDARIES

Mum's menopause made her mad. She complained loudly about hot flushes and stripped off in public.

When anyone looked askance she'd snarl, 'Bloody menopause.'

I asked her to be discreet.

'Hah! Half the population have to endure this. Why the hell are we forced to treat it like a dirty secret?'

'You embarrass everyone.'

'In that case it's time we pushed the boundaries.'

I rolled my eyes. What now?

'We need a campaign to push this out in the open. Women and men have to unite against these ridiculous taboos.'

I fled.

But deep down I knew she was right.

I hope you enjoyed this story and found it thought provoking. I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always attempt to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.

THE PERFECT BAND NAME - 100 word story

This week's Friday Fictioneers gave us a wrecked tent to work with. This was quite a challenge, but I hope you enjoy my take on it. 

PHOTO PROMPT © Jan Wayne Fields

THE PERFECT BAND NAME

Izi Googled Shakespeare quotes, searching for a band name.

'Sound and Fury'? Too rock.

'Inconstant Moon'? Too clever.

'Live a Little'? Too clichéd.

'Gilded Butterflies'? Too girly.

'Pot of Ale'? Too blokey.

She sighed.

'Bloody cat,' said Izi's mother.

'No. Too gory.'

'That wasn't a suggestion, Isabel. I'm feeding Jean Richardson's bloody cat... again. They're going camping.'

'Why agree to feed her cat if you don't like it?'

'Why, Isabel, it's only neighbourly. Apparently their tent is so fancy they've been practising how to erect it.'

Izi looked out of the window and laughed. It was the perfect band name: 'Demolished'.

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always attempt to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.

CASTAWAY - 100 word story

The photo prompt for this week's Friday Fictioneers challenge led me to a deserted island and a stranded young yachtswoman. Never mind the buildings in the picture - it's the seaplane that caught my imagination.

PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz

CASTAWAY

The interior of the uninhabited island was full of shadows, where the devils in her imagination lurked just beyond an exhalation of breath.

Elizabeth stood on the beach, facing seawards. The sun scattered diamonds over the rippling water. An offshore breeze whickered across her bruised body, lifting her tattered t-shirt.

The yacht lay in the shallows, stern tipped out of the water like a tease. Elizabeth stared at the capsized vessel until she felt dizzy, unable to absorb the impact of her situation.

The tinnitus in her ears coalesced into a roar as the seaplane banked and landed.

Elizabeth blinked.

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.

JEAN'S LITTLE HELPER - 100 word story

Hello, I'm back from a trip to Africa and was looking forward to writing some fiction again. This week's Friday Fictioneers gave us a photo of giant plugs. I scribbled down a story, but decided it was a bit predictable, so re-wrote something a little more surprising. Hope you like it.

PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson

JEAN'S LITTLE HELPER

Jean contemplated the ironing with a sigh.

Her dog yipped. 'What's up?'

'I hate ironing.'

'Take me for a walk.'

'Okay, come on.'

When they returned Jean sat down. She'd start the ironing soon.

'I could help, you know.'

'Don't be ridiculous.'

'You never take me seriously.'

'That's because this conversation is a figment of my imagination.'

The dog sighed.

Jean looked at the ironing pile.

'I could help, you know.'

'Shut up.'

Jean pushed the iron's plug into the socket. There was a small bang.

The dog looked guilty. 'Um... that wasn't supposed to happen.'

Jean stared at him.

I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments. 

If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE

If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields 

- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.

On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. 

Please check and amend your settings. Thanks.