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 the picture below, which this week is supplied by Roger Bultot.
© Roger Bultot
Click here to hear the author read his words:
One Potato
One potato, two potato…
Remember when we were kids, this is how we made decisions?
For good things, like who got first bite of the stolen pie.
For bad things, like who took the blame for the broken window.
There was always one kid who took charge of the count.
Who always won.
Who never lost.
I bet you were that kid.
Because you always get your own way.
We go shopping when I want to watch rugby.
We go skating when I’d rather ski.
I can see you’re still counting.
Still manipulating.
Planning to leave me on the shelf.
Oh, my word, this is so smart and insightful. I’ve known this person – in several guises! The one who always had to win the argument, no matter what it was, and left me flailing for an answer, unsure if myself because I couldn’t win. This is so well written, so spot on. Well done, C
Thank you, Lynn.
I am sorry that you identify with this situation, I think the saddest thing is that so many others also seem to.
Sadly, there are a lot of people like this in the world. I’m thankfully free of them now, but I’ve known a few and try to avoid now! A great piece, C
In the end, she will leave you as well
Inevitably, Bjorn
I really like the way you use the story-line, from an innocent childhood game to depict an adult relationship. Especially like the examples of compromise – skating — skiing , shopping — rugby. Well observed.
Thank you, P, very kind.
I think you got exactly what I tried to communicate, which, in 100 words, is very rewarding.
Someone sounds a bit bitter. A build up of frustration finally coming out into the open.
The worm turning, perhaps, Michael?
‘One potato, two potato..’ Oh, I haven’t heard that line in a long time. Well penned story.
I hope it didn’t make you feel too old, Susan.
Thank you for kind words
What dark humour in this tale. You amaze me with your endings, Ceayr.
Thanks, Neel, I try not to be too dull!
I like it. Mind you, provided the shelf is not empty then you never know who you will meet.
Probably a lemon, James
On the shelf! Loved that line. Great one C!
Thanks, Russell, glad you enjoyed
What an interesting take on this prompt. If we were sitting in my counseling office, my advice to you would be to stand up and say NO! once in a while 🙂
Counselling, Linda? What on earth is that!
🙂
sadly, it’s how the world works. some are born winners. some are born losers.
It does seem that some people are just luckier than the rest of us, doesn’t it?
Great take on the photo. I remember not being that kid!
It was always someone else, Liz!
Nice link to the photo right at the beginning and end. There was always that one kid who always came out on top during seemingly random decisions, right enough…
Isn’t that the truth, Ali.
Glad you liked the loop-back
Makes me reflect on how many years we have to live to be able to voice such truths. Expertly done.
Lots and lots, Violet, lots and bloody lots!
When I wanted roasties, she wanted mashed. I wanted chips, she wanted jackets. She’s gone now so if I want dauphinoise or dutchess that’s what I get!
You say potayto and I say potahto…
Left on the shelf, never…
Watch this space!
Straight to the heart of the matter with an experts hand, as always. Great to read your work again!
And how good to have you visit again, Cheryl, with your always kind words
Is there such a thing as a balanced relationship? There’s always an alpha.
Sadly I suspect that this is true
Love this one. Reminds me of one of my relatives.
Cheers,
Ronda
Thanks, Ronda, I think we all know someone like this
Oy vey. You better catch that tiger by the toe … and off you go … 😉
People who catch tigers sometimes get badly hurt, Na’ama
Yeah, well, the only guarantee in life is that we’ll all die at some point … might as well ride a tiger out in style … 😉
He seems pretty hard done by, better put his foot down or ship out. Good stuff
Maybe he feels that crumbs are all he deserves
Seems like this person needs to make the decision to break free.
Sadly often easier to think than to do…
‘Eenie, meenie, miney, mo’ has a similar flaw to one potato. My kids are experts at ensuring they always get the result they wish for…
I never sussed it myself, but there was always that one kid…
Funny how we see it coming and still sit and wait. In the words of Sidney Youngblood: “All we can do is sit and wait…”
Sometimes the alternative is more frightening…
How true! And how immaculately penned!
Very kind, Penny, thank you
Dear CE,
There’s always give and take in a relationship, isn’t there? Sounds like it’s out of balance here. Love the use of the childhood game.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, m’lady.
And yes, some people always seem to land on top
Excellent take on the photo prompt, CE!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thanks, Susan
So much said and implied with very few words. Masterful!
Wow, thank you, Brenda, very kind!
Ah, so often like that. Nicely put.
Isn’t it just.
Cheers, Anthony
Nice use of that metaphor. The last few lines bring it all back around.
Thank you, David, glad it worked for you
The span of a life of bitterness in 100 words. Good work, mate
Thanks, Neil, much appreciated