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 image comes courtesy of Jean L. Hays. I find it somewhat bleak, so I have written something cheerful.
The idea, as always, is to write a story of around 100 words based on this picture, below.
© Jean L. Hays
Click here to hear the writer read his words:
The Oath
I know he is coming.
Coming to kill me.
I can’t run.
He will follow.
He has to, he has no choice.
We both know he is no match for me.
I am stronger and faster, mentally and physically.
But I can’t kill him.
I swore I’d never kill again.
I made that oath to her on her death bed.
And that oath means more to me than my life.
Without her, my life means nothing.
He is almost here.
I step outside and gaze across the wastelands.
Far away, I see death approaching.
I sit down, and wait.
What a quandary!
If he breaks his promise he might be able to live but will he be able to live with himself , if he breaks his promise.
Hmmmm…
‘Hmmmm…’?
What do you mean?
Have you got a solution?
Tell me quickly!
LOL…I’ve got nothing 🙁
The acceptance, regret and finality renders deep sadness.
It did lack a few chuckles, didn’t it, James
Great story, CE! You really convey the desperation of the central character, and the inevitability of his fate.
Thanks, Penny
It’s a waiting game, maybe he is coming to ask for forgiveness 😉
Laughing.
Always the optimist!
There are some things worse than death.
https://ideasolsi65.blogspot.com/2019/05/barbed-fence.html
I am sure that is true, but I don’t yet know how bad death is
this is another one in which your reading of it enhances it superbly. Just evocative and excellent!
Thank you, Sascha, I am glad it worked for you
🙂
Good you are standing by your words. You don’t have to kill him, but you can take him prisoner. Don’t have to be a sitting duck, if he is no match to you.
Thank you for caring enough to propose alternative, Abhijit!
I think this is one of your best, C.E. I’ve listened twice now. Kudos.
Very happy you enjoyed it so much, Alicia
There are times when it seems death is the easiest option. Nicely told, CE.
Thank you, Violet, I am sure that is true
Good story and writing, C.E. Maybe he could defeat Death like the characters, Bill and Ted when they came back to life by winning at the game “Battleship” in “Bogus Journey”. My son used to love to mimic Death saying, “You sunk my Battleship”. 🙂 — Suzanne
Laughing.
I know nothing of Bogus Journey and doubt that the approaching killer will play Battleships!
Great spoken word. It’s a Greek tragedy.
Thanks, Patrick
I’m not sure I would have his strength. This would make a good end to a film, one of those dark and atmospheric ones 🙂
Thank you, sir, I guess we never know until the moment comes
You make the funny macabre and the macabre funny. Verywell written Ceayr.
I find life is like that very often, Neel
Brilliant! I wondered where we were going. Now, that’s true love.
I do like ‘Brilliant!’
Thanks, Brenda
Wow, just when I get used to you killing off someone you sit and wait for death itself. So different.
I like to be a moving target, Tessa!
Oh yes, thats a really dark tale, love that one!!
Thank you, sir, very kind
I guess its “Opposite Day”. 😊 i like the uncertainty of whether the one coming for him is human, or Death himself.
I don’t know what “Opposite Day” is, sorry
Its popular on kid’s TV. A day when everything is the opposite of what you might expect. In this case your character is the victim rather than the killer (as usual in many of your stories). Sorry so obtuse.
Powerful and devastating and inspiring and … frustrating … and … Well done!
Well… Thank you!
🙂
Not so much fun… but maybe with her dead, life doesn’t matter anyway.
It can feel that way sometimes…
…and you said my story was dark! Thanks for letting my character know where you are!
Don’t tell your chap, but I have a buffalo gun under my chair
Woa!
The mood is tangible. The MC is resigned, actually seems to look forward to his death. Excellent.
Thanks, Linda, glad you enjoyed
Powerfully written! I like it.
Very kind, Colline, thank you
I think your character may see it slightly differently in a short while. A bleak story indeed.
You might be right, he just popped inside for his kalashnikov
There’s a bit of poignancy in the way he accepts his fate. Living without a reason is worse than death.
Interesting view, Varad, thank you
I have a feeling he won’t have to wait long.
DJ
Bang on, Danny
I wonder if at the last second, just as Death’s hand is at his throat, he might not reconsider how much that oath really means to him…
That’s a very intriguing question. If he breaks his oath he will have no moral compass any longer. In a very real sense, he will no longer be human. He’ll be exceedingly dangerous…
We all have our own standards, don’t we, Penny
Such a cynic, Iain.
And that ending took me over 100 words!
This is great. The protagonist’s anticipation really shone through.
Thank you, Tannille
Dear CE,
Yep that was a cheerful story indeed. Think I’ll go listen to funeral dirges for levity now.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I write fiction, so sue me!
Wonderful atmosphere
Thanks, Neil