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 Roger Bultot.

Click here to hear the author read his words:
The Bench
I know I’m being watched.
I sit gazing across the fairground, wondering how close they are.
And if I have any chance of escape.
People stroll by, some pause to take in the view.
A cigarette packet is tossed, too casually, and falls to the ground.
I scowl at his back, he is oblivious to my annoyance.
I stand to leave, stoop, and, with obvious irritation, push the discarded packet into the bin.
I now have in my palm the last piece of the device.
I blow into my cold hands.
It fits perfectly.
And now they are too late.





Well, there’s a reason they tell you to not litter … 😉
An indefensible habit, I agree, Na’ama
🙂
Very intriguing! I want to know more!!!
I could tell you, Ashley, but then…
There is nothing like a secret device, over the centuries it has been the target of industrial and national espionage. A secret device is a subject of distrust and fear – used by religious fanatics throughout the ages.
It’s just a wee story, James!
That’s what they all say.
Now, what is the device going to do? Come on, don’t leave me hanging like that 😉
You know if I tell you, I’ll have to kill you…
In the words of … somebody, I love it when a plan comes together.
Shut up fool, you ain’t no fish!
Oh, good one, CE! You’ve given just enough to have us wondering, hoping he escapes and figuring they’ll get him sooner or later.
Before he blows up the world, perhaps!
I’m not sure whether to root for him or not. Depends on what he intends to do with the “device”, I guess!
There are three sides to every story, Ali…
Very intriguing! And well-narrated!!!
Thank you, JJ! And thank you even more!!!
I believe he was very lucky….or very organized.
Maybe he just had a good script writer, Sascha!
A great tale in so few words. There’s a lot of very clever writers in the FF group!
Thank you, Trish.
I aspire to one day be included in their number.
An intriguing story. The question is whether the narrator is more Bond or Bond villain…
The other question is whether Mr Bond is hero or villain…
His playacting paid off and the handover successful. A very intriguing tale from the beginning!
Spot on, Brenda!
Thank you.
He’ll really regret throwing that cigarette packet away carelessly!
Um, no, all planned, Iain
I am guessing that the bin held the last piece of the jigsaw. Nicely done
Actually, the cigarette packet, but you got the idea, Michael
The cigarettle pack was the last piece of the device?
No, it was the delivery system, Neil
Dear CE,
It sounds like there’s more to this story than 100 words can cover. I’m intrigued.
Shalom,
Rochelle
A wee spy story, m’lady, nothing more.
Probably.
Intriguing, and nicely crafted. It sounds like his luck has turned.
Well, he has succeeded