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 slightly freaky prompt is provided courtesy of Roger Bultot.
The idea, as always, is to write a story of around 100 words based on this picture, below.
© Roger Bultot
Click here to hear the writer read his words:
Watched
I am innocent, I have nothing to hide.
But I don’t like being watched.
There are eyes everywhere, always watching.
I began to feel like a specimen, under surveillance, always being studied.
At work.
In the street.
Even at home.
So I quit my job.
I only go out on the darkest of nights.
I scurry like a rat through the shadows.
I keep the blinds closed, and the lights out.
I barely move.
But still I am being watched.
I know it.
Okay, I admit it!
I am not innocent.
But they can’t possibly know that.
Can they?
Getting caught will be a relief!
I scurry like a rat through the shadows. Perhas im the paranoid one but all of these statements rung true in our camera-crazy age. Funny last segment, changing from Jeckyll to Hyde, from victim to perpetrator, in the blink of an eye.
Thank you for these comments, I appreciate that you gave my little tale some thought.
Yes, perhaps none of us are so innocent, hmm?
I’m not paranoid but I know you lot think I am! Good stuff
I think most people are.
You, I am sure about!
They know… they always do… but why bother with justice if the guilty one will bring the rope himself?
Under pressure, there are few options, Bjorn
the guilt will keep hurting, even no one was to watch
Ah, that is interesting, thank you for that view.
You’ve written a very vivid & authentic piece about paranoia. Great job!
Thank you, Lisa, I think we all have moments like this sometimes.
Excellent. We are never alone. Someone is always watching.
It does feel that way, doesn’t it?
Thank you for taking a moment to comment.
I’m intrigued by the last line, “ But, they can’t know that,
Can they?”
Who are they? Authorities? Villagers? Purple people eaters?
Purple people eaters? Are they out there?
Now I am really worried!
This guy is on a downward spiral for sure. Then, maybe he has cause to worry…
We just don’t know, do we?
You should be watched. There’s no telling what you’re planning to do next.
Planning?
PLANNING?
That is quite funny.
For you.
There’s no hiding place. You’ve really got me thinking now……
That sounds dangerous, Keith!
You portray the man’s gradual deterioration very vividly.
Thank you, Penny, sometimes they just write themselves!
It is true, the domed building is like a giant eye, for ever watching. No paranoia here🙂
That’s what I saw too, Michael.
I think his guilt possibly drove him to paranoia that he was being watched. A very interesting story!
Thank you, Brenda, a tell-tale eye instead of a tell-tale heart!
It’s probably curtains for the narrator then 😉
No, blinds, I told you that!
They see everything, they know nothing. Or do they?
Don’t ask me, I don’t know anything, and if I did I wouldn’t say!
Some mind game is being played with the poor soul. Gradually his lifestyle is changing and he is admitting his crimes. Who is this big brother? Nice story.
Thank you, sir, it is hard to tell just how innocent he is.
You can’t put your conscience in a cupboard and leave it behind.
Very true, Jilly, we can never escape from ourselves.
Evidently, they can.
And do!
Dear CE,
Apparently someone knows. Puts me in mind of my paranoid cousin in his failing years. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Someone always knows, m’lady.
It is difficult to keep secrets these days. More and more the paranoids are correct. Reminds me of Rockwell’s song “Somebody’s Watching Me”
Cool comment, Jo, and cool song.
Lots of levels to ponder here! Clever take on the photo prompt.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thank you,Susan, glad you found it of interest!
The unfortunate thing about paranoia is that it’s so very believable. Your story really brings that out.
Thanks, Larry, if it is real for the narrator, then who can say otherwise?
That uncomfortable paranoid feeling is expressed so well here. Or they are actually watching him!
If he thinks so then what is the difference?
Thanks for visiting, Jennifer
The eyes are everywhere… great paranoid take.
Thank you, it is an are-they-aren’t they situation
I tried to counsel a victim of paranoia some years ago. Tough going. This is very well written, and catches the paranoia perfectly.
Thank you, ma’am, you are very kind.
Perhaps it’s not paranoia…Don’t worry. I’ll still be your friend, CE. Your cheque arrived last week.
Well done.
Best wishes,
Rowena
It isn’t, they’re destroying my sanity, I’ll end up like an Australian!:
Heaven help you if you end up like an Australian. I think they’re done something to our frontal lobes. BTW I loved that clip and shared it on FB but will have to post it on my blog as well. I don’t know whether you saw this post from a few days ago: https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2018/10/23/mums-watching-peppa-pig/
Hope you have a great weekend.
Best wishes,
Rowena
The sky above is the biggest eye. Good story, Ceayr.
Thanks, Neel
One big eye in the sky. Everyone has their secrets…some more than others!
None of us are all that innocent, hmm?
Anyone who says they are entirely innocent is a liar, and therefore not innocent at all.
Nice depiction of paranoia
Who said that???