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 Sarah Potter.
Click here to hear the author read his words:
Garden Party
I like garden parties.
This one is to celebrate an engagement.
A few well-dressed, affluent-looking, older folk stand around sipping champagne.
The young people are more exuberant, laughing and dancing.
Cathy looks delightful, full of happy energy.
I don’t know what she sees in Mark, but he does have money.
I don’t mix with the others, of course.
I am not one of the crowd.
Cathy hasn’t seen me yet.
If she did she would have questions.
Who are you?
What is that in your hand?
So for now I hang back, invisible in the shadows.
My moment will come.
I like the way the innocent garden party description gradually becomes something more sinister. A well-executed twist.
Mysterious and ominous. Many possibilities and none of them point to a happy day for Cathy. Nicely done!
Thank you, Brenda, I suspect you are right about Cathy’s big day
Oh yes, wonderfully sinister, love it!!
I do like ‘wonderfully sinister’, sir!
Saying it like it is!!
Very ominous. He seems to know everyone though I get the impression they don’t know him…
I like ‘ominous’, Ali
Undefeated love stalking around and gate crashing garden parties to be close waiting for the unresolvable. It will be close contact canopies when he is found out.
Laughing. That’s a whole other story, James!
There really is something sinister about that shadow. This is scary!
I like scary!
There’s so much menace in the phrase “who are you…?” when heard at a gathering like that. No one with a harmless agenda turns up in that way… Your inimitable style.
Well spotted, Sandra.
That, of course, is the key.
Ooh, cliff hanger! Good one. I wonder what will happen? So many possibilities.
Thank you. I do like it when a reader gets involved!
Very sinister. Stalking is a dreadful business. I hope your MC is apprehended before he can do anything to spoil the day.
Too late, Penny, too late!
An ex bent on settling a score perhaps. Nicely mysterious.
I think ‘Who are you?’ precludes an ex…
You certainly won’t be coming to my next engagement party!
Gosh, Keith, you’re no fun!
Now that;s sinister, but then that’s your trademark style, isnt it Ceayr! I sat that in a good way! We love your killer twists end endinds.
Thanks, Neel!
This week’s photo has really sparked some spooky stories. I want to know what’s in his hand… or maybe I don’t!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Laughing.
Probably you don’t, Susan
Timing is everything. Perhaps he’ll wait until she goes to the ladies room.
A gentleman would never enter the ladies room, Russell
He loves her & she’s marrying someone else, so he’s planning revenge?
Someone has hired him to kill her?
He’s a ghost?
So many questions! What happens?
Hope all is fine and the party isn’t spoiled.
Laughing.
As you say, Anita, so many questions…
Way to spoil a good party!
We all have different tastes, Trish!
“What is that in your hand?” indeed. Something rude?
Certainly not! It’s a cigarette…
This blog doesn’t smoke!
Now, now, young lady, this blog doesn’t do rude.
Murder and mayhem, yes…
I’ve been told 😀! Blood ok, rude no no.
Thanks, Tannille, that made me laugh aloud!
Too much to hope that all he has in his hand is a party popper?
Way too much, Iain!
Dear CE,
His intent is obviously not to kiss the bride. Sinister.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Indeed not, m’lady
That does seem mean to spoil Cathy’s happy day, but no doubt he has his reasons
Or maybe he is just bad…