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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe, but they tell you never to start a fight you can’t win…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gripping story – interesting that the power of dread is infinitely worse than a slap on the face at the time. We disturb ourselves,
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much is in the mind, don’t you think?
Thanks for visiting, P
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeeks, creepy! Worse than a quick punching and then all over.
LikeLike
Indeed so, Ali, keep the target on edge…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shudder! Creepy! Well done, though …
LikeLike
Oh I like a good shudder, Na’ama!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
I got a shiver when reading the line, “Typically they hunt in threes.” I relaxed, then was socked with the last line. Great storytelling!!
LikeLike
Thank you, Brenda, happy to shiver and shock you!
LikeLike
Oh, geez. Now he has to wait some more, go through it all again. These whatever-they-are seem to enjoy torturing him.
LikeLike
Yep, the pressure is building, Linda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, the bailiffs can be a nuisance at times. When you have nothing they want more.
LikeLike
Laughing.
One scenario I hadn’t considered, James
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not something to look forward to.
LikeLike
Indeed not, Danny!
LikeLike
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
LikeLike
Thanks a lot, David, glad you enjoyed
LikeLike
Please, I don’t want to be anywhere near when they come back! Super piece, CE.
LikeLike
Thanks, Penny!
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
Good grief, you ladies are violent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The menace in those words! Well done.
LikeLike
Thank you, Liz, much appreciated
LikeLike
I wouldn’t stay in that kind of neighborhood
LikeLike
We don’t always have the choice, Larry
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately that’s too real a problem.
LikeLike
Looks like you’re next! It’s been nice knowing you.
Btw, nice gaff you’ve got there CE.
LikeLike
Thanks for your support, Keith.
I will always wear it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Creepy as. Does he own a gun? Although leaving town would be safer!
LikeLike
A gun, Tannille?
We don’t all live in the Wild West!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good point!
LikeLiked by 1 person
…and next time we’ll rearrange more than just your furniture!
LikeLike
But the table does look better over there, doncha fink?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, but you do know the heavies are dropouts from the best art schools in Sicily…
LikeLike
Intrigue and tension all the way! I’m left wondering…Nice one.
LikeLike
Yeah, wondering is good, keeps the brain working.
Yawn, zzz…
LikeLike
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
LikeLike
I don’t think they are figments, m’lady.
Flight does seem like the sensible option.
LikeLike
Yikes. This would make a great commercial for a moving company. 😉
LikeLike
Laughing.
I’m still trying to picture that, Susan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
O dear, someone is in deep s
LikeLike
Serious kanookies, Michael!
LikeLike
Mysterious!
LikeLike
I was kinda going for that, Reena!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m intrigued by why they let the narrator go. This time
LikeLike
Maybe he has something they want…
LikeLike
A reprieve or sorts. Time to move house quick-smart!
LikeLike
We seem to agree on ‘flight’ here, Iain!
LikeLiked by 1 person