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 the lady herself.
© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Click here to hear the author read his words:
The Heron
Hello George, he says.
I scowl at him, my name is not George.
No one here knows my name but, back where I come from, they call me The Heron.
Because I wait patiently until it’s time to strike.
He laughs.
Maybe you prefer Mildred, he sneers.
I offer a handshake, pull him slightly off balance.
My left fist hits him hard in the solar plexus.
He doubles over, gasping for breath.
I catch his collar, throw him head-first through a doorway.
That was my mother’s name, I say.
Actually she was called Janet.
I just don’t like this guy.
Sound Bite Fiction 
Love the action. It’s hard to make a fight “work” in writing and you did it here with an incredible efficiency.
LikeLike
Thanks, Josh, much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t like him either! Good piece.
LikeLike
Thanks, Rob, he is a bit snide, isn’t he!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you wrote something about the heron. There are loads of them in our neck of the woods and they are patient creatures, waiting to strike. Nicely done.
LikeLike
They are so beautifully elegant too, I always think.
Or do I mean elegantly beautiful?
I wish I had half their patience!
LikeLike
With that ominous beginning, I had a feeling something bad was about to happen to the other guy. Nicely done, and I really enjoy listening to the audio. Take care!
LikeLike
Thank you, Brenda, this is the kind of comment that makes participation worthwhile.
Especially regarding the reading.
Socially distanced hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
A man who makes very few friends, how long will he last?
LikeLike
I agree he is rather choosy about his friends, James
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t like “this guy” either. He was asking for a rumble.
LikeLike
He was a pain, so let’s get ready…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Heron is such an angry bird.
LikeLike
I like Wow!
Thank you
LikeLike
I liked that, but i’d better be careful when I meet the Heron, wouldn’t want to get on his bad side… I like to listen to the voice recording too, my varifocals are playing up!
LikeLike
I’ve never understood how those things can work, but glad the reading helps, sir
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think we just pretend they work
LikeLike
I’ll have to be careful what I say when commenting in future Doris!
LikeLike
Are you not already on a final warning, Keith?
LikeLike
Nailed it, CE. Well done (Bill reaches to shake your hand). Nice to hear you again too. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Bill, home again at last.
Just be grateful you don’t know me on FB, millions of photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope it was a successful and enjoyable time for you, CE.
LikeLike
It was excellent, Bill, met up with family and old (very old!) friends, walked the hills and beaches, visited castles, ate ice cream and scones, normal Scottish stuff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you.
LikeLike
It seems The Heron is in a bit of a kerfuffle, but has taken the upper hand! Great story 🙂
LikeLike
Not too tolerant of poor manners, I’m afraid…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laughed out loud! Or snorted, more like. Good job.
LikeLike
I do like to make a lady snort, unladylikely, Trish!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLike
As so often, your story made me smile. I’m with Neil – those last two lines are masterly!
LikeLike
Thanks, Penny, glad you enjoyed
LikeLike
I think George has a short fuse. … I mean The Heron. I said, ‘The Heron.’
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, yeah, I’m watching you…
LikeLiked by 1 person
So good, Iain. Swift justice or vengeance? Tough guy, The Heron.
LikeLike
A thousand apologies: not Iain, but C.E.!! You won’t send The Heron after me?
LikeLike
Hmmmff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And a bit impatient, on occasion…
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have a Heron that comes back to the small local loch each year and stands a round a lot. Never thought of him as a violent predator, but then I never call him names.
LikeLike
They are beautiful creatures, aren’t they
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oof
Ronda
LikeLike
Comment of the week!
LikeLike
Oh dear – you are in a violent mood today!
LikeLike
Laughing.
Wrong side of the bed, maybe…
LikeLike
George and Mildred… memory lane. Your narrator sounds a tad world-weary. And certainly uncompromising, in a comical sort of way. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
G&M just a wee side joke, Sandra.
Perhaps he has a rather short fuse…
LikeLike
The guy was NOT likable! His attitude just begged for someone to slug him 🙂
LikeLike
Laughing. Didn’t realise you had that violent streak, Linda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, it’s there. I’ve worked with too many of the victims of this guy and his ilk. Evil. Sexual abuse is a HUGE red button for me, because the trauma from it affects the victims so strongly, for such a long time. Yeah, I would have no trouble with it if they were all castrated.
LikeLike
No one messes with the Heron.
LikeLike
Well, only once!
LikeLike
Dear CE,
You left me laughing. Personally, I think the guy had it coming. Brilliant last line. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thank you, m’lady, happy to make you laugh
LikeLike
Such handshakes are not on these days Mr Heron😊
LikeLike
These days are not forever, Mike
LikeLike
Well…. the guy didn’t know you are Heron 🙂
LikeLike
I don’t like bad manners…
LikeLiked by 1 person
☺️
LikeLike
Lovely last two lines
LikeLike
Shame about the first 10!
LikeLike