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 Na’ama Yehuda.
Click here to hear the author read his words:
Down
It’s a long way down.
I peer over the edge and shudder.
I’m not good with heights.
But it’s been a terrible year.
My wife left me for my best friend.
I miss him.
My dog died.
I miss him too.
My business collapsed.
I’m broke, totally skint.
And it’s cold, so cold.
Scotland in the winter is brutal.
Another three months of this wind, sleet and merciless hail.
And tonight is Hogmanay.
No celebrations, I’ll be alone.
Miserable.
Nothing to look forward to.
It’s a long way down.
I sigh.
Take a deep breath.
And head for the elevator.
*
May I invite any of you with a couple of minutes to spare to visit my latest YouTube extravaganza, a fun piece based on a trilogy of children’s books I wrote some years ago, and featuring the amazing artwork of my friend and long-time colleague Phil Burns.
Sound Bite Fiction 
Good one! You carried me along with apprehension, and then dropped me. 😀
LikeLike
“My wife left me for my best friend.
I miss him.”
Oh my. I loved this pair of lines!!!
LikeLike
Wasn’t sure what he was going to do there for a minute.
LikeLike
To be honest, neither was I!
LikeLike
A poem of regret, and loss, a necessary mood perhaps, darkness before the new dawn ? I like the last line very much.
LikeLike
Thank you again for your kind words. I appreciate how you take time to understand and communicate.
LikeLike
Wishing you a happy and wonderful New Year 2021.
LikeLike
Thanks, James, all the best to you too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading your stories. I appreciate it!
Ronda
LikeLike
Oh you’re welcome, Ronda, I am glad that you find the effort worthwhile!
LikeLike
at first, i thought he was junping from the top of the building. what a twist. 🙂
LikeLike
Jings, no, it was a long way down!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story and rising tension. I liked the YouTube video as well. Happy New Year. Hope yours is better than the one in your story.
LikeLike
Cheers, David.
And thanks for viewing on YouTube, much appreciated.
LikeLike
You wound the tension up brilliantly!
LikeLike
Thanks, Liz, glad you enjoyed!
LikeLike
Phew! I like missing the best friend rather than the wife.
LikeLike
She didn’t like rugby, what can I say!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, you got me! I did not see the elevator coming, but I should have when you dropped the hint about not doing well with heights. I’m off to bed shortly, with a smile on my face thinking about losing your wife and missing your best friend 🙂
LikeLike
Cheers, Linda, happy to entertain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Delightful humour, CE. I loved the twist especially.
LikeLike
Glad you did, Penny
LikeLike
Shewww, that was a close call there. Glad you decided to take the elevator instead. 🙂 Happy New year!
LikeLike
Vertigo as a life-saver, whodathunk it!
All the best to you and yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whew! That was close. I really though he was going to take the dive. So glad he hasn’t hit bottom …yet! I enjoyed the YouTube story of Jack the Little Giant. What fun artwork too!
LikeLike
Thank you, Dora, glad you liked the story.
And your visit to the little Giant is much appreciated.
I’ll pass on your comments to Phil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha. The cold rooftop of a tall building on a windy day is a great place to bare your soul to the universe, making that elevator ride back down a lot nicer.
LikeLike
Ain’t that the truth, Trent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Going down and down and down to the catacomb of finality. Thanks for the chuckle chum!
LikeLike
You are getting your money’s worth out of that new dictionary, old bean!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A glass of vintage port to you sir, for an interesting take on the prompt.
LikeLike
Santé, Michael!
LikeLike
Not sure which is funnier, him missing the friend his wife left him for or heading over to the elevator (after seeming as though he’d jump). 😂
LikeLike
Misdirection is my middle name, Bernadette.
Well, it would be if it started with ‘E’!
LikeLike
Dear CE,
That was rather dismal…with a little humor tossed in.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Laughing.
At least no one died, m’lady!
LikeLike
Miss everything but the wife… awesome! Glad he took the lift and didn’t jump.
LikeLike
Thanks, Tannille, sometimes in-cheek is the best place for the tongue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved “My wife left me for my best friend. I miss him”. Comic brilliance
LikeLiked by 1 person
That line made me smile too. Great subtle humor. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, David
LikeLike
Cheers, Neil, at that point I didn’t know the ending, thought I’d lighten the mood!
LikeLike
A happy accident
LikeLike