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 Alicia Jamtaas.
To hear me read my story, just click here:
Black and White
Susie is intelligent, funny, and achingly beautiful.
Our wedding is planned for September.
I am beyond happiness.
In the street we meet a cousin I haven’t seen for a while.
She introduces her fiancé.
Later I say to Susie ‘Tom is great, yeah, smart, serious, and he obviously adores Mary’.
She shrugs ‘Hmm, I guess’.
I am surprised.
‘Did I miss something?’
‘You know’, she says.
I look blankly at her.
‘Don’t tell me it doesn’t matter’, she says.
Now I am praying she doesn’t mean what I think.
But she does.
And the lights in my life go out.
I guess it doesn’t matter to Susie that Mary and Tom love each other. I feel sorry for the MC but it’s good that he found out the truth about the woman he was going to marry in the nick of time. The title of your story and the music are very good clues, CE.
Sadly, I think most of us know someone who can’t see past the skin.
Thank you for your kind words.
Better he knows now before making that life commitment. Great story.
Indeed. Thank you.
What a shame – though another man in her past should not be so tragic.
I’m not sure we understand each other here, Liz.
This is not about her past, but her personal views.
The story title is a clue, though perhaps somewhat obscure.
I believe its best if he knows before making a life commitment.
Truth can be a thron wedged in the heart. Good one, CE. I always
enjoy when you read the story. Have a great weekend … Isadora 😎
Thank you, Isadora.
My day is always better when you visit!
Hello again CE. Great to see you back here again. This I think was my third week in a row after months away from my blog altogether. Your story makes me think of that great Queen classic; “Another One Bites the Dust”. I also enjoyed the post story interview and your philosophical reflections. I keep trying to get organised. Establish a routine. However, no two days seem to be the same and these things some people find easy, still elude me. However, I guess I have a good dose of creativity, spontaneity etc. So all is not lost.
Take care and best wishes,
Rowena
Thanks, Rowena, for your kind words.
But I am lost with ‘ post story interview and your philosophical reflections’.
Where do you see these?
Perception and trust sliced open by an unexpected remark. Can we truly know our loved ones’ world views? Perhaps, more depth in a relationship is essential before a fateful commitment. Great title and fitting for the prompt.
Thanks, James, for your considered views.
I feel I’ve done well if my 100 words can make a reader think, so your comments are much appreciated.
“Aw, NO!” was my immediate reaction when Susie said, “You know.”
Lights out, indeed.
Aw, aye!
Too big a hurdle.
When I took this photo, I thought wedding! The whole scene was so odd. Moose head sparkly lights. A heartache of a story.
Cool photo, Alicia, but I just saw black and white and the story hit me.
Thanks!
The truth is a cruel mistress.
Indeed, Tannille
Ouch, a brutal blow to anticipated bliss.
All the more powerful because you make the reader think it out for him/herself.
Excellent story.
Big clue in the title, Jenne!
And in the music
Nobody is perfect, but that is a monumental flaw. Maybe he can communicate his disappointment to her and see if there is hope for her deprogramming? Good story, C.E.
As you say, Li, a monumental flaw
In the squares, we meet a writer we haven’t seen for a while … and you’ve returned in style! Nice one.
Who? Where? Oh, me, I see me every day!
Cheers, Keith.
Better for the lights to go out before the wedding. A small silver lining.
Very true, Iain
Oh dear. Trouble in paradise.
I don’t much care for where this is going…
A romance abruptly over, Nancy.
Some things can’t be ignored.
Ha! Always a twist and turn!
Sometimes people are not what you think, or hope…
So true! …and you nail it in writing.
Dear CE,
A hearty welcome back. It sounds like plans are about to change.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, m’lady.
Some things are deal breakers.
Lovely to see you here again. You’ve lost none of your talent.
Thank you, Sandra, you are too kind.
Welcome back. Is this permanent?
Thanks, Neil, but is anything?
Gnomic
Laughing. Sorry, Neil, I have no plans one way or the other!