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 Sandra Crook.
Click here to hear the author read his words:
Hospital
I awaken in hospital, hearing voices.
…white van…terrible conditions…head on…
Gradually I discover what happened.
Apparently I’ve been in a coma for several weeks.
My wife has already been buried.
Here, in France.
This hurts me.
She wanted to be beside her family in Ayrshire.
She adored Provence, we had many happy years on the Côte d’Azur.
But it is still foreign soil.
I spend two months in therapy, learning to walk again.
Finally I am well enough to leave.
I hire a car to drive back to Scotland.
And I buy two things.
A large suitcase.
And a spade.
There is such a huge difference between reading and then hearing your voice reading what I am seeing. I love this story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sascha. I hope the difference is huge in a positive way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think he’ll need more than a suitcase for what he’s got in mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a big suitcase!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Why do we care where our bones lie? Good piece.
LikeLike
I guess folk are folk.
Some do, very much, and others not at all…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Better hope he doesn’t get stopped at customs. Great story!
LikeLike
He has an honest face, Josh!
LikeLiked by 2 people
why take the risk? i’m sure it can be handled legally. just a thought.
LikeLike
But not much of a story, hmm?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aah. Thoughtful of him. Loving.
LikeLike
A nice chap, I agree
LikeLiked by 1 person
He is respecting his last wife’s wish, right?
Good husband.
But, what if he is caught while exhuming remains and trying to carry her remains in the suitcase?
Cross-country border checks!
LikeLike
Indeed he is, Anita.
And if I had another 1,000 words I would answer all your questions!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like his wife’s coming home.
LikeLike
In accordance with her wishes, Ali.
What else can a man do?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hoo, that’s one determined chap! Very well told tale, CE.
LikeLike
Laughing. Thanks, Penny!
LikeLike
Sounds like he has a good plan, and the job needs to be done for his own peace of mind. All the details, all the emotions, open the character’s mindset right up for us.
LikeLike
Thank you, Dora, I’m glad you understood the state of mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s definitely the solution!
Ronda
LikeLike
Well, it is one approach…
LikeLike
I guess it’s worth the risk. I won’t tell a soul.
LikeLike
Oh I shouldn’t have told you, big blabbermouth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a dirty job, but… let’s hope he doesn’t get stopped at customs in Calais.
LikeLike
Nah, pre-Brexit no worries…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that ending, although I wonder if there ought to have been some mental therapy as well as the physical side.
LikeLike
Laughing.
Don’t overthink it, dear lady!
LikeLike
Someone is most certainly quite determined. Can an amateur do the job?
LikeLike
Amateur, Larry? How dare you, sir!
LikeLiked by 1 person
great ending! May you finish your task!
LikeLike
Never fear, it is done!
LikeLike
I hope he manages to fulfil his rescue mission.
LikeLike
A resourceful chap!
LikeLike
Ah. I love that ending.
LikeLike
Ah. I love that comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A person’s gotta do what a person’s gotta do …
Nicely done!
LikeLike
Thank you, Na’ama
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those last lines got me! Excellent take on the photo prompt, CE.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLike
Thank you, Susan
LikeLike
The man is all heart. I like a guy for whom nothing is too much trouble. You made me grin.
LikeLike
Your grin makes me smile, Sandra
LikeLike
Dear CE,
Her wishes will be carried out at last…if he doesn’t get arrested. Odd, yet poignant story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thank you, m’lady, I like ‘Odd, yet poignant’
LikeLike
If you want something done right, do it yourself…
LikeLike
Laughing. Seems that way, Tannille!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some things just have to be finished right
LikeLike
A man’s gotta do, I guess…
LikeLike