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.

Click here to hear the author read his words:
Honeymoon
The perfect honeymoon.
Days spent lazing on golden beaches, plunging into sparkling waves.
Or sightseeing in exotic, historic locations.
Evenings they wander hand in hand through eastern bazaars, marvelling at the variety of produce, from strange, sumptuous fruits to magic carpets from childhood tales!
But, behind the laughing eyes and smiling lips, turning towards each other for a kiss, hides another, darker thought.
Insurance money.
Enough for a new start, a new life.
This is the single focus for one active mind.
The manhole covers are suddenly of great interest.
Are they large enough to squeeze his broad shoulders through?





Oh dear! That is not a successful marriage ! Will he fit? I wonder. Well done.
Nothing like reality to throw a curve into a romantic little story. Nicely composed, CE.
it looks like the honeymoon will be over soon. he should enjoy while it lasts.
Loved reading and listening to this one. I feel bad for whoever they’re plotting against, though!
Revenge is sweet when there is a financial reward. A subtle hint of deep thoughts that just might be acted out.
A lady has to secure her future somehow, James!
Back to your murderous best! Great story, CE!
Thanks, Penny
Yeah, it’d be a shame if he got stuck halfway down after all that!
Life is full of snags when a gal’s just trying to make a living…
Wicked woman. Hopefully, if he drops down one hole he’ll pop up through the next one!
Like that game where you hit wee furry dudes with a hammer?
Not sure that happens in real life, does it?
Diabolical, C.E. That’s one way of ruining an otherwise perfect honeymoon!
Well, yeah, but the postcards are already sent, Dora, so no big deal…
Loved the direction you took! I knew there was trouble brewing when “insurance money” was mentioned. Great job as always.
Thanks, Brenda.
I had to mention filthy lucre to show she wasn’t just a bad person…
Man, this man is sure going down the hole! Yoiu and your devious ways, dear author.
Laughing.
Thanks, Neel
Does every romance have a dark side? She’d have a job hiding such a deed.
Perhaps only in my world, Liz.
Maybe other folk have hearts and roses and happy ever after…
I’m assuming she’s planning to polish him off, though It’s normally the other way round in your literary world. Whatever, evil is afoot in your inimitable way.
Actually, Sandra, the ladies also do a fair bit of off-polishing in my world!
But, as you say, evil is once more 12 inches.
I thought it was too good to be true. She’s making a big mistake, though, if she tries to get away with murder. It’s not as easy as it seems.
I bow to your superior knowledge of these things, Linda!
My superior knowledge of murder? Ha! Only through reading good thrillers 🙂
Only one mind was active with these thoughts?
What if the husband had similar thoughts too?
If both land up inside the manhole! That will spell trouble for both!
Laughing.
Just go ahead and write the story your own way, Anita!
Dear CE,
Ah, a gold digger for sure and certain. Treacherous author.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Treacherous author, m’lady?
I am all smiles here!
Did she have this thought from the start, pre-marriage, or did it just occur to her on the honeymoon? Can’t she just enjoy the holiday without thinking such things? But then, it wouldn’t be a CE Ayr story, would it?!
Laughing.
So many questions, Iain, and I have already used my words…
Up to your usual tricks again. At least, with the insurance money, he’ll have the wherewithal to be a decent and loving man. Sacrifices have to be made.
Actually, Neil, he’s getting stuffed down the manhole!