Friday Fictioneers is hosted by the wonderful Rochelle, the undisputed master of what I call Sound Bite Fiction.
She sets the weekly challenge, the standard, and the prompt photo.
The idea, as always, is to write a story of around 100 words based on this picture, below, which this week is supplied by Dale Rogerson.
© Dale Rogerson
Click here to hear the author read his words:
On Ice
I watch her skate across the frozen loch.
There are hundreds of people out there, young and old.
But she stands out.
It is not just her long dark hair, billowing around her head like a swirling storm of protective bees.
Or the effortless elegance of her style, so unlike the frenzied arm-pumping of the majority.
No, she radiates beauty from her eyes, her soul.
She glides near to where I stand, treats me to a glorious smile.
Someone at my shoulder moves forward.
They embrace.
I remember now.
I lost her here, many years ago.
When the ice broke.
Broken ice, broken dreams, wishing you well
Love the hair like a swarm of bees. This was beautifully done. But you could not resist an element of the macabre, could you?😊
Would have been a bit dull otherwise, don’t you think?
And not very me!
She stands out so clearly – I really like the immediacy of her presence.
Thank you, P, it is not easy to describe someone in so few words so I am delighted she was real to you
A tale that took us from joy to heartbreak in a few sentences.
What a surprise, hmm?
Where love and loss combine – the location becomes an emotional and evocative pilgrimage _ a place of joy and tears.
Thoughtful words, James, thank you for that
Oh, you’re killing me! That was so beautifully described – love those protective bees – then you snatch all that hope and beauty away and drown it.. Very, very you, C 🙂 Hope you and yours have a fantastic Christmas
The kindness and thoughtfulness of your comment is very you, Lynn.
Thank you for that, and for your good wishes
Hope you had a lovely time, C. And the best of new years to you
You described her so well I felt his loss at the end. Brilliant writing, CE. I hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Wow, Brenda, fulsome praise indeed.
Thank you for that and the kind wishes
Wistful and sad. Nicely written!
Thank you, sir
You’ve drawn a lovely picture then hit us with desperate loss. Well done.
Glad it spoke to you, Liz
Nice one, C.E.
Thanks, Russell, you’re not the only one who can do comedy!
Oh! So sad! Your story is beautifully paced, and paints a vivid picture.
Thanks Penny, I’m glad it worked for you
Beautifully described – I liked the swirling storm of bees, great image. Some sad stories this week.
Thank you.
As I said to Dale, I felt the image was quite bleak
You have set this up with great finesse, ending on such a deeply tragic note. Well done.
Thank you, Linda, very kind
Ooh that end!!!
Ooh that comment!!!
Sad loss.
Memories & pain still exist.
Beautifully expressed.
Thank you, Anita
Oy. So so heartbreaking. Like the ice. Swallowing the joy.
Well written as always, Ceayr!
Happy Holidays and may there be no losses, on or off the ice … Na’ama
Thank you, Na’ama, for your kind words and good wishes
🙂 My pleasure, and thank you back! 🙂
Such beautiful descriptions… and then. sigh.
Lovely write, however.
Thanks, Dale, interesting photo with a somewhat bleak feel, I thought
It was such a bleak day when I took it and the gazebo just popped because of it.
Dear CE,
I love the hair billowing around her . Lovely images, tragic ending. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, m’lady
Bleak and harrowing, CE. Beautifully done
Thanks, Neil, much appreciated
Ouch. Moving. Reminded me of Iain’s story. Both hauntingly sad. Memories can be sweet and cruel.
Thanks, Tannille, we did seem to take a similar path this week.
Exquisite as always. I saw something similar of loss in the picture. Have a great Christmas and New Year CE – Joyeux Noel!
Cheers, Iain