Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by my old friend Al Forbes.
The idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in the picture (below).
Al’s photo this week is full of possibilities, from the quite mundane to the essentially enigmatic.
I try to find, as ever, a middle road.
Click on this link to enter your tale, and to see what others have written.
© Al Forbes
And click here to hear me read this 90-second story:
Bedside Table
I waken with a start.
I am disoriented, feel a tiny shiver of fear.
Then I realise I am at home, in my own bed.
But I am aware that all is not as it should be.
The room is shuttered.
I lie unmoving in the pitch black, listening intently.
I hear nothing.
But the hairs on my neck are on end.
My mind is racing.
What disturbed me?
I am a light sleeper, trained to be alert at all times.
I do not think there was a noise.
I know my apartment is secure.
So what could it be?
I am rarely so tense, and never when I am here.
I breathe slowly, deeply, until I am fully relaxed.
Then, when I am confident everything is under control, I reach for water.
I always have a glass on my bedside table.
I do not need light, I know exactly where it is.
It isn’t.
I pause, tensing again.
Is it possible I forgot it when I came to bed?
I don’t think so.
It is part of my unchanging bedtime ritual.
My hand moves down, feeling for the table.
It is not there.
Sound Bite Fiction 
What a terrifying way to wake up in the dark. That is excellent. Definitely up there with your best.
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I enjoy how you build suspense CE. It’s alarming and Erie that the table and glass are not there. I’m wondering what happens next? Hugs CE! 😊
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Whaat? The water’s not there? Well, that just brings up a whole lotta questions, doesn’t it?
Great writing!
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The water’s not there or the whole table vanished?
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Just what the words say, James
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Ah! there you go again, laving us all palpitating and salivating for what comes next. Ceayr, well done one again.
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Laughing here.
Thank you, Neel, I love palpitating and salivating!
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Drinking too much again?
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Can’t, the water ain’t there
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Sometimes when you forget to do something your mind gives you a gentle nudge. Well, mine does!
Mine is a story for children!
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This is more like a kick in the hee-haws, Keith!
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Funny… I have a glass of water on my nightstand as well… I would be totally freaked out if it (they) were suddenly not there…
Great suspense, sir!
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Cheers, Dale, I don’t think my narrator is feeling too chipper either
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What’s coming next?You left all of us in suspense. Great work. 🙂
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Sorry about the suspense, but I have used all my words.
And our host, Evil Al, will not permit a single syllable extra.
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True 😟
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Great suspense story, CE. And getting to hear you narrate it was a treat. (Not sure if you’ve been doing this. It’s been a while since I’ve been to your blog. Hope to hear more.)
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Need to know what happens here 🙂 I love your writing, always sleeps with a question in your mind.
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I am not allowed to say, Angie, ol’ Al is running a tight ship and I’m out of words…
But thank you for your very kind words, the best a writer can hear.
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So many possibilities to what has happened. Drugged and burgled perhaps? Or all just a dream. Enigmatic writing as always. .
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Ah no, Iain, never just a dream, this is not Dallas!
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Ha, not going to appear out the shower as though nothing has happened? 🙂
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Very taught writing. Liked it.
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Happy you did, Neel, thank you
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Would love to know what happens next. Very taut and gripping.
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Would love to tell you, but that ogre Al has really clamped down on the word count!
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😂
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