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 Dale Rogerson.
Click here to hear the author read his words:
Nowhere Man
Mrs Cairney, he says, I’m looking for your son.
I scowl at him.
He is a Detective Sergeant, a big man, and mean.
He pushes past me into my home.
Is Rab in, he asks.
I don’t know where he is, I reply, and you’re not welcome here.
That’s not very friendly, is it, he grins, nosing around.
Ah, what’s this?
He points triumphantly at the 1961 Fender Stratocaster, which Rab stole the night he killed the home-owner.
Minutes later I call my son.
Rab, I say, it’s okay to come home.
But bring the van round the back.
This is a masterful use of subtext. You say so much in so few words. Great job.
Thanks, David, I rely on the reader’s intelligence and imagination to fill in the blanks.
Glad you enjoyed.
I love your gift for understatement. And thanks for the audios of your stories.
Ronda
Thanks, Ronda, I think there’s no need to spell it out if the reader is paying attention.
Great encounter between Mrs C the tiger mama and the Detective Sergeant, Full of animosity, I’d like more of their story.
I like ‘the tiger mama’!
Sadly I think the Detective’s story is told!
She seems like a stron lioness protecting her son at all cost.
Hugely, intriguing, CE. Have a wonderful weekend … Be Safe 😷
Isadora 😎
Like many a mother, Isadora.
Glad you enjoyed.
The Detective was no match for Mrs. Cairney. Foolish of him to come between her and her son. Excellently written as always, CE!
Thanks, Brenda, never wise to corner a mother with cubs!
poor chap, he didn’t have any idea what was coming to him.
Shouldn’t have gone barging in, should he?
Seems the apple ain’t too far from the tree …
Like mother, like son, Na’ama!
Seems like it … oy. 😉
With such an example, how else could Rab turn out?
He’s a good lad, really, just a bit impetuous sometimes…
They’re worthy of each other. And who can come between a mother and son with such a bond between them. I hope there are no staffing difficulties down the local nick.
There might be, Sandra, if they keep poking their noses in uninvited!
Mum’ll always see him safe!
Very probably, Ali!
If he’s coming home, she’s obviously willing to wipe out the entire force!
She seems unperturbed at the prospect!
Nosey parker. Never come between a mother and her son!
Sound advice, Dora, well worth heeding!
Hope she didn’t damage the Fender in the process!
Oh no, she loved George’s playing on Nowhere Man
Murder doesn’t usually make me laugh, but this one did!
Glad to amuse, Linda, it’s good to take things less seriously sometimes
I can see how Rab started on is life of crime!
Y’think maybe mum was a role model!
Dear CE,
It seems that Mum is in cahoots with her boy. Nurture or nature?
Shalom,
Rochelle
A mother with her young, m’lady, not to be trifled with
Sounds like a mumma’s boy. Entering Norma and Norman Bates territory.
Except she’s still alive, Tannille…
Masterly understatement
Thanks, Neil, very kind, as always
What an exemplary mother-son pair!!!
Laughing.
Exemplary, hmm?