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.
Thank you, Sascha. I hope the difference is huge in a positive way!
I think he’ll need more than a suitcase for what he’s got in mind.
It’s a big suitcase!
Why do we care where our bones lie? Good piece.
I guess folk are folk.
Some do, very much, and others not at all…
Better hope he doesn’t get stopped at customs. Great story!
He has an honest face, Josh!
why take the risk? i’m sure it can be handled legally. just a thought.
But not much of a story, hmm?
Aah. Thoughtful of him. Loving.
A nice chap, I agree
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!
Indeed he is, Anita.
And if I had another 1,000 words I would answer all your questions!
Looks like his wife’s coming home.
In accordance with her wishes, Ali.
What else can a man do?
Hoo, that’s one determined chap! Very well told tale, CE.
Laughing. Thanks, Penny!
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.
Thank you, Dora, I’m glad you understood the state of mind.
That’s definitely the solution!
Ronda
Well, it is one approach…
I guess it’s worth the risk. I won’t tell a soul.
Oh I shouldn’t have told you, big blabbermouth!
It’s a dirty job, but… let’s hope he doesn’t get stopped at customs in Calais.
Nah, pre-Brexit no worries…
I like that ending, although I wonder if there ought to have been some mental therapy as well as the physical side.
Laughing.
Don’t overthink it, dear lady!
Someone is most certainly quite determined. Can an amateur do the job?
Amateur, Larry? How dare you, sir!
great ending! May you finish your task!
Never fear, it is done!
I hope he manages to fulfil his rescue mission.
A resourceful chap!
Ah. I love that ending.
Ah. I love that comment!
A person’s gotta do what a person’s gotta do …
Nicely done!
Thank you, Na’ama
Those last lines got me! Excellent take on the photo prompt, CE.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thank you, Susan
The man is all heart. I like a guy for whom nothing is too much trouble. You made me grin.
Your grin makes me smile, Sandra
Dear CE,
Her wishes will be carried out at last…if he doesn’t get arrested. Odd, yet poignant story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, m’lady, I like ‘Odd, yet poignant’
If you want something done right, do it yourself…
Laughing. Seems that way, Tannille!
Some things just have to be finished right
A man’s gotta do, I guess…