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 photo is by Nick Allen, and I’m not sure I saw what is there.
Oh well.
The idea, as always, is to write a story of around 100 words based on this picture, below.
© Nick Allen
Click here to hear the writer read his words:
The Genie
You get one wish, says the genie.
O-O-One, I stammer, not three?
This is Glasgow, 2018, he sneers, not the bliddy Arabian Nights.
Yeah, okay, I say, one wish…
It’s more than you had a minute ago before you rubbed that lamp, he snaps.
Yes, I sigh, but I have so many problems…
Just say what you want, plain and simple, I’m a genie, not an Agony Aunt.
Okay, I say, exasperated, it’s just… Look, take my wife, for example…
Right-o, he says, and disappears.
There is a noise from the kitchen, like plates falling.
Then everything is very quiet.
Sound Bite Fiction 
LOL
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LOL?
Really, Dawn, that’s the best comment you can think of?
Huh, hardly worth the effort.
Sulking now…
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I thought it was a compliment.
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Laughing.
Well that’s okay then!
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Thanks for the laugh.
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Very welcome, Irene
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I never considered that even genies have to deal with indecisive serial complainers. A truly original take.
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Thanks, Jilly, it isn’t easy being a genie in Glasgow!
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That’ll teach him, or did he mean for some dark handsome magician to whisk his wife away.
I love the moral here, don’t mess with a Genie, get to the point, no one is interested in your woes and tides etc.
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Glasgow genies are weel kent tae no’ hing aboot ower lang
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Aye a’ no a few that disappear when it’s their round.
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🙂
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This raised a smile 🙂 a nice twist on an old classic
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Nothing original here, sir!
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As American comedian Henny Youngman would say, “Take my wife–please!”
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I just spoke to you down there ↓
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Never one to think before he spoke I guess.. Very nice..
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What can I say, never a strong point…
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Ah, the “simple” things we say. Take this for example. Take that for example. Take my wife… This truly made me laugh. Only because I’m NOT the wife in the story mind you.
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It might depend upon where he took you, Lish. Living with a genie could have its benefits. 🙂
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I don’t think, Russell, that the genie’s wife would approve of him shipping in a second concubine, even one as delightful as Alicia
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I imagine it would be a very bold genie who would attempt to take you, Alicia!
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As we all know , context is everything. The genie should have allowed him to finish his thought. At least now I know what an agony aunt is.
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Impatient genies are internationally recognised as major sources of marital disharmony
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Yes that’s most certainly what I’ve always heard
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Fantastic ending! Love it.
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Thank you, Lisa, I am very happy to hear that
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Oh, the poor wife… that’s just evil. Loved it!
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A tad unfortunate, certainly.
Glad you enjoyed
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I guess i missed some of the implications of being from Glasgow, other than maybe being a bit stingy. But i loved the sound of plates falling
Ridney Dangerfield would be pleased. (“Take my wife–please!”)
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Stingy? Wash your mouth out, dear lady, Glasgow people are the most open-hearted and generous in the known universe!
I think the plates are the least of his problems.
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I take it back, so sorry! This will not be the first time I’ve tasted soap!
I thought the plates falling was a clever way to suggest the rotten goings on in the next room.
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Laughing.
And with the poor wife being ‘taken’ there was nothing to stop the plates reacting to gravity!
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It’s the unguarded colloquialisms that can change your life for ever. I wonder how devastated he will be… 🙂
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To be fair, Sandra, this week’s uxoricide was unintentional…
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Hahaha. Pushy genie, what a hoot.
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Glasgow folk tend to have attitude, Jo, although not in a bad way
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You had only one wish. You finished it by genie taking away your wife. Who will cook for you, now? Did you give it a thought?
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Clearly not enough thought, sir! Always remember to engage brain before mouth.
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Ha ha ha ha ha. POOF!
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Indeed, sir!
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Bwahahaha! What a deliciously eerie ending. And the whole tale is so good that the laughter doesn’t hide away the truths layered into the telling. 2018 is madness, indeed…
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Thank you, Magaly, I’m just happy you found it entertaining
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O I laughed and laughed. You should be on the stage
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Thanks, Michael, glad you got a wee chuckle
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Whoot! Brilliant! roflmao ….
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Whoot! This week’s star comment !
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LOL 🙂
to give you a chuckle, perhaps … https://theteapartyat3.wordpress.com/2018/11/29/serenitys-garden/
(I didn’t link up to the prompt with it, although I did note it)
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Delightful piece, with a bite.
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thanks … 😉
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Careful for what you wish for I guess.
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At least watch how you express yourself, Danny!
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Good thing I wasn’t having a cup of hot tea–it would be spattered all over my computer screen 🙂
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Happy to amuse, ma’am
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A Glasgow Genie! Most characters from fairytales would benefit from being more Glaswegian in attitude 😉
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Yep, imagine a Glaswegian Goldilocks sortin’ oot a’ thae bears!
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And did all his problems get solved? 😉
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Hmm, not exactly, Sheena
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An entertaining story from start to finish, I’m still smiling!
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And now I am smiling too, Brenda
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Ooops, sometimes you have to watch your language… Good one.
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Yep, a literal genie, who’d a thunk it!
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…and took her the Genie did! Brilliant CE
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Cheers, Keith
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Dear CE,
I couldn’t help myself. I laughed out loud. Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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If you laugh, m’lady, I am happy.
Thank you.
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Modern genies don’t have “are you sure?” buttons?
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He’s a pushy Glaswegian, he doesn’t hang about.
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Oh no! That is one impatient genie. Made me laugh though.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Then I am a happy bunny, Susan!
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