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:
Intruders
My front door lies open.
There is someone inside.
I know who it is.
Typically they hunt in threes.
Fight or flight?
I decide to run.
Then a large figure appears at the top of the stairs.
I shrink back against the wall, a futile gesture.
He charges down, brushes past me, and disappears.
Moments later this is repeated.
Two of them gone.
Then I hear more measured footsteps, and my confidence sinks again.
He strolls past me without a glance, and trots nonchalantly down to the street.
Then he turns and smiles at me.
We’ll be back, he says.
He can move house, but I reckon they’ll find him again. Maybe it is time to fight back.
Maybe, but they tell you never to start a fight you can’t win…
Gripping story – interesting that the power of dread is infinitely worse than a slap on the face at the time. We disturb ourselves,
So much is in the mind, don’t you think?
Thanks for visiting, P
Yeeks, creepy! Worse than a quick punching and then all over.
Indeed so, Ali, keep the target on edge…
Shudder! Creepy! Well done, though …
Oh I like a good shudder, Na’ama!
🙂
I got a shiver when reading the line, “Typically they hunt in threes.” I relaxed, then was socked with the last line. Great storytelling!!
Thank you, Brenda, happy to shiver and shock you!
Oh, geez. Now he has to wait some more, go through it all again. These whatever-they-are seem to enjoy torturing him.
Yep, the pressure is building, Linda
Yep, the bailiffs can be a nuisance at times. When you have nothing they want more.
Laughing.
One scenario I hadn’t considered, James
Not something to look forward to.
Indeed not, Danny!
I like the mystery of this, how we don’t know what the figures really are with words like “hunt” and “trot”. Pretty ominous, in any case. Sounds like a good premise for a longer piece. Great job.
-David
Thanks a lot, David, glad you enjoyed
Please, I don’t want to be anywhere near when they come back! Super piece, CE.
Thanks, Penny!
You read that with just the right inflection. Really makes me wonder why they passed this time. Imagining one of your buddies inside your apartment with a bazooka that can get them even at a distance.
Good grief, you ladies are violent!
The menace in those words! Well done.
Thank you, Liz, much appreciated
I wouldn’t stay in that kind of neighborhood
We don’t always have the choice, Larry
Unfortunately that’s too real a problem.
Looks like you’re next! It’s been nice knowing you.
Btw, nice gaff you’ve got there CE.
Thanks for your support, Keith.
I will always wear it!
Creepy as. Does he own a gun? Although leaving town would be safer!
A gun, Tannille?
We don’t all live in the Wild West!
Good point!
…and next time we’ll rearrange more than just your furniture!
But the table does look better over there, doncha fink?
Yeah, but you do know the heavies are dropouts from the best art schools in Sicily…
Intrigue and tension all the way! I’m left wondering…Nice one.
Yeah, wondering is good, keeps the brain working.
Yawn, zzz…
Dear CE,
Ominous. I’m with Iain. Time to pack up and leave. Unless, of course, the intruders are figments of his imagination. In which case, there’s nowhere to hide.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I don’t think they are figments, m’lady.
Flight does seem like the sensible option.
Yikes. This would make a great commercial for a moving company. 😉
Laughing.
I’m still trying to picture that, Susan!
O dear, someone is in deep s
Serious kanookies, Michael!
Mysterious!
I was kinda going for that, Reena!
I’m intrigued by why they let the narrator go. This time
Maybe he has something they want…
A reprieve or sorts. Time to move house quick-smart!
We seem to agree on ‘flight’ here, Iain!