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.
Love the action. It’s hard to make a fight “work” in writing and you did it here with an incredible efficiency.
Thanks, Josh, much appreciated.
I don’t like him either! Good piece.
Thanks, Rob, he is a bit snide, isn’t he!
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.
They are so beautifully elegant too, I always think.
Or do I mean elegantly beautiful?
I wish I had half their patience!
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!
Thank you, Brenda, this is the kind of comment that makes participation worthwhile.
Especially regarding the reading.
Socially distanced hugs
A man who makes very few friends, how long will he last?
I agree he is rather choosy about his friends, James
I don’t like “this guy” either. He was asking for a rumble.
He was a pain, so let’s get ready…
Wow! Heron is such an angry bird.
I like Wow!
Thank you
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!
I’ve never understood how those things can work, but glad the reading helps, sir
I think we just pretend they work
I’ll have to be careful what I say when commenting in future Doris!
Are you not already on a final warning, Keith?
Nailed it, CE. Well done (Bill reaches to shake your hand). Nice to hear you again too. 🙂
Thanks, Bill, home again at last.
Just be grateful you don’t know me on FB, millions of photos!
I hope it was a successful and enjoyable time for you, CE.
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!
Good for you.
It seems The Heron is in a bit of a kerfuffle, but has taken the upper hand! Great story 🙂
Not too tolerant of poor manners, I’m afraid…
Laughed out loud! Or snorted, more like. Good job.
I do like to make a lady snort, unladylikely, Trish!
😁
As so often, your story made me smile. I’m with Neil – those last two lines are masterly!
Thanks, Penny, glad you enjoyed
I think George has a short fuse. … I mean The Heron. I said, ‘The Heron.’
Yeah, yeah, I’m watching you…
So good, Iain. Swift justice or vengeance? Tough guy, The Heron.
A thousand apologies: not Iain, but C.E.!! You won’t send The Heron after me?
Hmmmff!
And a bit impatient, on occasion…
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.
They are beautiful creatures, aren’t they
Oof
Ronda
Comment of the week!
Oh dear – you are in a violent mood today!
Laughing.
Wrong side of the bed, maybe…
George and Mildred… memory lane. Your narrator sounds a tad world-weary. And certainly uncompromising, in a comical sort of way. Well done.
G&M just a wee side joke, Sandra.
Perhaps he has a rather short fuse…
The guy was NOT likable! His attitude just begged for someone to slug him 🙂
Laughing. Didn’t realise you had that violent streak, Linda!
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.
No one messes with the Heron.
Well, only once!
Dear CE,
You left me laughing. Personally, I think the guy had it coming. Brilliant last line. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, m’lady, happy to make you laugh
Such handshakes are not on these days Mr Heron😊
These days are not forever, Mike
Well…. the guy didn’t know you are Heron 🙂
I don’t like bad manners…
☺️
Lovely last two lines
Shame about the first 10!