Friday Fictioneers is hosted by the wonderful Rochelle, the undisputed master of what I call Sound Bite Fiction.
She sets the weekly challenge, and the standard.
This week’s prompt is provided by Sandra Crook, extravagantly talented writer and great lady.
The magnificent building with its mansard roof and neat rows of protective plane trees is surely France from a bygone era.
The idea, as always, is to write a story of around 100 words based on this picture, below.
© Sandra Crook
Click here to hear the writer read his words:
Good Ole Days
I’m a pretty easy-going guy, I think.
Okay, I admit that in my younger days I was less calm, less peaceable.
Where I grew up you had to be a wee bit robust just to survive.
We all mature eventually, I think.
I haven’t killed anyone in ages.
But recently I was offended.
Insulted.
By a lady, no less.
A talented, charming lady who I considered to be a friend.
She sneered at my new persona, called me a wimp.
Accused me of living on past glories.
So, briefly, I plan to revert to type.
See you soon, dear Sascha.
Sound Bite Fiction 
Well done. Each line carries it own weight and all work together for the end.
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Thank you, I am happy you enjoyed.
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Everything’s better with a Magnum – there’s a raspberry one that’s just to die for 😉 Almost as addictive as murder, or so it seems. Love your teasing, killing lines C 🙂
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Thank you, Lynn.
I have to admit I prefer my ice cream in scoops on a cone, but I am quite adaptable!
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🙂
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your poetry in Hindi -मैं सोचता हूँ कि मैं एक साधारण सा इंसान हूँ
ठीक ही है ,मैं यह मानता भी हूँ कि मैं कम शान्ति प्रिय था ,
अपने युवा दिनों में
जहाँ मैं बड़ा हुआ , जीवित रहने के लिए
तुम्हे मजबूत जंगली घास बनना पड़ा था |
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Forewarned is forearmed. (She gazes at her forearms…oh, well.)
I appreciated this. However, with your history when you explicitly write about a room that has no white, what else am I to think but it’s to hide the inevitable blood splatters? If there has been an epiphany of which I am unaware, mea culpa. (Except….well…let’s just say that I walk down dark hallways with a flashlight (torch) and a Clint Eastwood-worthy magnum……….of champagne. 😉
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Laughing. Where I come from a Magnum is a chocolate-covered ice cream, so I guess we are friends again!
I have to say that I remain unconvinced that the average hitman/assassin invites his prey into his kitchen before commencing the slaughter.
I would never apply such a grandiose word as ‘epiphany’ to my twice-weekly posts, but I do occasionally write the odd supposedly humorous or contemplative piece.
Clearly with a striking lack of success!
Thank you for visiting, and for bringing ice cream.
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Dry subtle humour with a couple of shocks scattered throughout. One should never call a man a wimp – Sacha deserves what she gets although possibly not death.
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but…but…I didn’t!
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Irene is so forgiving, isn’t she!
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I apologize in advance for laughing but “Aberdeen Furryboots City” made me laugh until I had tears in my eyes. I guess I pictured men in kilts wearing furry boots. LOLOL ~~~~ : )
Oh my, I’d best stop now.
Well … I had a friend … he’s past on now … hubby played poker with him and a few others … his wife and I palled around while they all lost money … ha ha … anyway, he belonged to a Sottish club here in Florida. He was Scottish. You had to be to join. He had traditional kilts and everything else that is worn. I never peaked. HAHA … I don’t know why this is all so funny … please forgive my silliness.
I fear you may drag me along to Sascha’s and do us both in. Well, what I’m trying to get to in this long winded comment is that he was a bit crusty and inpatient … had an edge, if you will. We’d go to dinner and he’d get pushy with the waitress or whatever the situation was. He said he was a changed man from the way he used to be when he was younger. I was a believer until one day we went over to his home for a cocktail or two and was shocked to see Lorna open the door with a big black shiner on her eye. Nothing was ever said about it but it was a very cold evening … if you know what I mean. The end ….
Obviously, I enjoyed your take on the photo prompt. Your reading of your words is always so enjoyable. I’m getting a bit lazy and am listening to your words as my eyes follow. I hope Sasha apologizes. There’s never any reason for rudeness unless one wants to be hurtful.
Change can be good for a man as they get older. Not referring to you, of course. My hubby has toned down from his younger years. His reason is, that if he has to take a punch now, he know it’s going to hurt a lot more than when he was young and strappy. I suppose younger skin doesn’t bruise as easily. HA HA HA
I will leave now … I think I’ve over-stayed my welcome with my sillyness.
Adios,
Isadora 😎
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Hi Isadora,
Okay, important things first.
Sascha is a lovely lady, my whole story is part of an ongoing joke, a tease. She was never rude, I cannot imagine her ever being so, and I apologise unreservedly if anyone thinks otherise.
Secondly your ‘friend’. Sadly there are men – and women – like him all over the world. His behaviour was unacceptable.
On to lighter stuff. I am happy you enjoy my stories and the readings. Most writers do not write for praise, but we love it when it comes!
And what is it with women and kilts?
Yes, I am laughing too!
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Thank you for having a good sense of humor. I believe men in kilts stir a curiosity in women. Not me, of course. : )
You derserve much praise for your writing. I’m always in awe of those who can manage to do it so very well week after week. Have a peaceful week … Isadora 😎
p.s. yes, our friend was a boar. And, PHEW … on the issue of Sascha. I could have sworn it was a real squabble. There you go – GREAT WRITING … : )
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Thank you again for your kind words, Isadora.
And no, Sascha is a delightful lady who poked some gentle fun at me, so I did what I do…
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I’m sure it’s all in good fun. ~~~ : – )
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It’s okay to slip once in a while 🙂
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Thank you, sir, none of us are perfect, right?
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I’m not sure we all mature eventually. Some of us are trying to postpone it as long as possible.
When she called you a wimp did it hurt your little feelings? Maybe an ice cream would make you feel better.
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Re mature, I write fiction, Russell.
Re feelings, can I get 2 scoops please?
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If an ice cream will work, I’m right there. 🙂
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An ice cream always does the trick!
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There is a cadence in all your stories that resonates masterfully. Loved this one too, Ceayr. ,
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High praise, Neel, much appreciated.
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my grandpa came to the new world from aberdeen. most of his fights started when he used the word “wee.”
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Aye, Aberdonians are often a wee bitty crazy.
Do you know that Scots call Aberdeen Furryboots City?
This is because the locals ask ‘Furryboots ye fae?’, ‘Whereabouts are you from?’
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my heritage. i must come over.
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Aibirdeen, as it is known in Glasgow, is a great city.
But bloody cold in winter, which is between 11 and 12 months of the year.
Well worth a visit, honestly.
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i’ll have to buy a long-sleeve shirt and a sweater, i guess. cheers.
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he seems to be a man of some repute. i won’t be caught near him. 🙂
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Have no worries, he is really a sweetheart!
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I love the matter-of-fact, “Hey, it’s just the way I was raised – too bad for Sasha” shoulder shrug in your tale. I might just use that the next time I feel like causing a bit of mayhem.
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You always make me chortle, Alicia. I am fairly sure you have a natural talent for causing mayhem.
Glad you enjoyed my little tale.
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I like the way the narrator says, “We all mature eventually, I think.” and then wham! – I haven’t killed anyone in ages. That would make him feel very terrible and uneasy.
I hope the talented, charming lady sees the him coming….
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I have to say, Norma, that I am quite concerned that I have not heard from her today. You don’t think some cad has got there first, do you?
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No, Ceayr I can’t see much my crystal ball is lost in the storm. Or perhaps she is smarter than you think. 😉
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Well, I know she is smart, so I have all the windows and doors locked here…
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(she does) 😉
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Who told you?
(Gnashing of teeth.)
Foiled again!
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Ha ha ha ha ha. That was a great story, you are the greatest writer in the history of the universe. Hope this is enough to avoid any future grudges against me being held by you 🙂
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Hmm…
Is that sarcasm, sir?
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I love that you called one of us out, and then I had to look for the comment. i thought for sure it would be on your Sunday Fiction (I enjoyed the slapstick). Finally found it. Four months? Really? I hadn’t noticed, but it’s good to keep us on our toes. It’s so much more effective when we don’t see it coming 😉
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Thanks, Dawn. Sunday’s slapstick was in contrast to a couple of more pensive pieces I’ve done recently. Glad you enjoyed.
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Dear C.E.
Once more you show your dangerous side.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Only when provoked, ma’am.
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Oh, what a veiled little threat you’ve given. Great Story!
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Laughing.
‘ a veiled little threat’, great comment!
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I would never taunt a man with blood on his hands… I used to pile bodies too, but I’ve reformed too.
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Don’t let Sascha hear you say that, Bjorn, or you’ll be next on her wimp list.
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Poor Sascha, that’s one way to deal with the critics.
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Yeah well, you know what it’s like, Iain.
And what’s the point in having a blog if you can’t bump off a few folk occasionally?
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omg – I just can’t stop laughing …. I mean the hit the floor grab your belly and let howl ….
–
the story is brilliant – so casually biting, greatly unexpected line – wee bit robust –
We all mature eventually, I think.
I haven’t killed anyone in ages.
my head just about snapped off in surprise …. but some of these comments are just delicious counterpoint – and your one here – bumping off a few folk – oh my, I’m just mad with delight!
cheers – have a great weekend!
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See what I mean, Iain, some furrigin folk just don’t take anything seriously. How can I kill off the annoyances with ladies falling about laughing? It’s not easy being me.
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are you green perchance?
(I don’t know if you know of the reference to The Muppet’s Kermit the Frog? not to suggest for one minute of frog-like characteristics) …..
well, it’s NOT my fault your wit is as sharp as your pen’s nib!
cheers!
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Thanks for your support, Iain. I will remember this.
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Laughing.
Yes, he was a big help!
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Yikes. It’s like saying, “I haven’t had a good burger in ages, but that’s about to change.” Cold, really cold. Brrrrrr.
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Sorry, ma’am, I don’t eat red meat.
And you do get that it is a joke, yes?
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Yes, yes I do. 🙂
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Okay, that’s cool. It’s just that I had someone earlier who took it seriously, so I thought I should ask.
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I always love the rhythm of your writing, and this story is no exception. I loved its gentle humour…
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Thank you, Penny, we all need a wee laugh occasionally. Happy you enjoyed it.
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Expertly done, CE.
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Thanks, Varad, glad you enjoyed
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Haha really hilarious. Sascha called you a wimp eh? I’m sure she’d be okay with being killed, on paper though. I like her stories too!
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She is pretty terrific, Amanda, but she should not have messed with The Killer Keyboard!
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lol. She’s feisty, hard to kill, even with keystrokes 😉
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Thank you, Amanda! I’ve got one in my corner! 🙂
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Amanda is a sweetheart
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You haven’t killed anyone in ages??? Dear lord, it must be all of a fortnight….
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Don’t start, or you’re next!
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Exactly. I rest my cases.
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Pah!
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My character might like to meet you, because their attempt to put themselves out of their misery failed and yours seems to have expertise and form.
Your character is rather chilling, but well constructed. I think he might need to go back to Assassins Anonymous and repeat the 12 steps!
xx Rowena
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Always happy to help out, Rowena, but my services don’t come cheap.
Up to 7 Euros/hour plus air for the bicycle tyres.
And 12 steps?
That’s practically a Foxtrot.
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I’d totally read a book about Assassins Anonymous.
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Leave it with me, okay
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It sounds like a dastardly support group!
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Sascha better watch her back.
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Yep, James, I’m on the warpath!
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I deleted your other comment as you clearly missed the humour in this piece. Please don’t visit again.
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You might dead right about reverting back to type, looking forward to more dead bodies littered around your blog.
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Nah, I’m really a sweetheart deep down inside.
Maybe just the occasional corpse.
Or two.
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Will he be able to revert back after Sascha? I wonder.
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Maybe depends how enjoyable it is?
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Ah, but he’d have to (you’ll like this) do her in first. heh
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Hmmm.
I think I’ll settle for the ice cream.
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I agree with Neil, that line is perfection.
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Thank you, much appreciated. It is warming when a few words hit the right spot.
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Reverting to type, but just briefly. You must tell us how it goes!
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Back to penguins and fish very soon!
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Oh dear. (Top tip: never sneer, ever). Watch out, Sascha. He’s a-coming for you. Lovely poetic style.
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Laughing. Good advice, Jilly, even after retirement folk can be riled! Glad you enjoyed.
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The line “I haven’t killed anyone in ages” is masterful
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Thanks, Neil, glad it struck a chord.
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