HEY KIDS, WHAT TIME IS IT? IT’S FRIDAY FICTIONEERS TIME!
THE CHALLENGE:
Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going over or under the word count.)
THE KEY:
Make every word count.
THE RULES:
- Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
- MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH FICTION. (Should you find that you’ve made an error you can delete by clicking the little red ‘x’ that should appear under your icon. Then re-enter your URL. (If there’s no red x email me at Runtshell@aol.com. I can delete the wrong link for you).Thanks to Blogspot bloggers for disabling their CAPTCHAs.
- Make note in your blog if you’d prefer not to have constructive criticism.
- REMINDER:
- This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**
Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
***************
🙂 My story will follow the prompt for those who might be distracted by reading a story before writing their own . I enjoy your comments. 🙂

copyright-Rich Voza
**Genre: Speculative Fiction**
Word Count: 135
A friend who couldn’t find a use for his 35 extra words generously loaned them to me. Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t allow myself to be coerced into breaking my own rules. No apologies.
FLIGHT STATUS
“Flight delayed.” Amelia snarled and closed the US Airways website. “Damn business trips!”
Memories of their argument right before Chase left gnawed at her. She regretted her spiteful words.
“I hate your job!”
“You like the money.”
“You’re never home. Your daughters don’t even know their father.”
“Next time, babe, you and the girls are coming with me.”
“What if—?”
“‘What if’ never happens.” He gathered her into his arms. “Flying’s safer than driving on the freeway.”
Five hours ago he’d texted from Phoenix. “Just a little turbulence. Nothing to worry about.”
“Mommy?” Four-year-old Katy tiptoed into the room. “Daddy sat on my bed.”
“It was only a dream, Kitten.”
“No it wasn’t. He talked to me!”
“What’d he say?”
“He’s sorry he can’t come home.”
Her phone chimed. Message from Chase.
“Dearest Amelia…”
.
.
.
Everyone’s nightmare.
LikeLike
I realize that was a bit cryptic but I’ll blame it on crawling out of bed (again) while trying to do it. I like how you and Doug worked your two stories together, showing us both sides of what everyone hopes will never happen when a loved one flies. Brought back bad memories of my s-i-l calling us and telling us to turn on the TV on 9/11. I guess I took it for granted that you’d know I thought it was well-written, as it always is.
janet
LikeLike
Dear Janet,
I’ll say thanks here, too. Keen eyes you have.
Aloha,
Doug
LikeLike
I love the joint story, well done!
LikeLike
I literally just got a chill down my spine.
LikeLike
Mission accomplished!
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
woah, this story’s hair-raising… literally.
LikeLike
Thanks, KZ Taking that as a compliment. 😉
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
Before I even read your story I was thinking about a couple saying goodbye before a business trip. You did that, and so much more.
Fondly,
Renee
LikeLike
I meant I was thinking about writing about a couple saying goodbye. 😉
LikeLike
Wow, I love the supernatural twist you put on this. It’s got multiple elements that deliver a knock-out. Amazingly written.
LikeLike
Thank you, David. Compliments don’t get much better than that. I’m smiling all over.
LikeLike
I don’t think I’ll participate this week because of the horrible, turbulent flight we had two weeks ago. I was scared to death and have to get on a plane yet again in two days.
LikeLike
Sorry to have frightened you out of participating, Beth.
LikeLike
yeeks. you got it.
LikeLike
This is a good thing, right?
LikeLike
yes 🙂
LikeLike
This is just great! Friday Fictioneers 100 Word Flash Fiction is going to Hell in a Handbasket. First, one writer only writes 65 words. Then another writer thinks it’s an open invitation to use the 35 words, he didn’t use, on their story!
LikeLike
p.s. I think I forgot to say… Well Done! As Paul Harvey would have said “And now you know the rest of the story”…
LikeLike
And your point?
LikeLike
My you are quick. That was very clever… and a bit of work on both your parts. A Flash Fiction Duet.
LikeLike
This week will be interesting…
LikeLike
I can hear Angelique reving up her wings…
LikeLike
Aw… Angelique’s wings are very busy this week, but I’m afraid she’s the one in need of help. 😦
LikeLike
Thanks, Ted. Collaborating on this story was hard work and some of the most fun I’ve ever had. BTW. Lots of texting, set up and photography. The collective word count is 200 on the button…on purpose.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Okay, don’t be so sensitive. You two are forgiven. I read Doug’s first and then yours. So how long have you two been planning this little gig? Amazing amount of work involved… that did not escape me, nor did the perfection attained in the execution. I’m just jealous.
LikeLike
Doug and I’ve been toying with the idea of collaborating on something for a while but nothing really struck until this past week. I had nothing when he sent me his rough draft and it took my breath away. Then the idea hit me to write Amelia’s side of the story. When I asked Doug what he thought he was very enthusiastic. Half the fun was staging the photos, sending the texts and making his story fit the screen. Every word was subject to mutual agreement. The process was amazing!
LikeLike
Aloha from volcano Hawaii.
The writers in this blog never cease to amaze me.
You opened my eyes to many new feelings which is what you’re writing is supposed to do. Thank you for the eye-opening and mindbending words that all of you exquisitely post every week.
Aloha Ken
LikeLike
Mahalo Ken,
I’ve seen your comments on Doug’s stories. Happy you dropped by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
In the past four years, we have had zero–zero–fatalities in the U.S. in commercial aviation, a tribute to my former colleagues at the Federal Aviation Administration. You would have to travel 24-hours a day, every day, for a 1,000 years before you’d become an aviation fatality. Aviation is safer than driving on the freeway and always will be, given the standards to which personnel and aircraft are held by aviation safety professionals, within the government and in the airlines.
LikeLike
Dear Maggie,
As a person who loves to fly I appreciated the statistics you felt compelled to share here. However the operative word here is “FICTION”. How many in this group write about vampires? I haven’t met up with a real one, have you? The purpose of this challenge is to share our imaginations and writing with one another.
Thanks for sharing your expertise. I’ll not defend my story one word more.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Easy, Rochelle. It was a provision of statistics, not a criticism.
LikeLike
Ugh, Rochelle. That’s how I felt reading this, which means you did it well. The text message was almost too much (in a good way).
On a side note, I have an imaginary friend who has given me extra words on various occasions. 😉
LikeLike
Dear Lisa,
While I’ve never met my friend in the flesh, I don’t think he’s imaginary. Thank you for your positive comment for my negative story.
Shalom,
Rochelle.
LikeLike
I read yours before Doug’s. I trust he is real, and that you are capable of making real friends. My apologies to you both. 🙂
LikeLike
When you do, you will be pleasantly surprised. Maybe we should have a FriFic Convention in Hawaii?
LikeLike
Yes!!!!!!!
LikeLike
I’m in!
LikeLike
Heavens, don’t tell everyone they have to fly to Hawaii immediately after reading Rochelle’s story!!!! Think, think, think.
Besides, I can’t afford Hawaii, and I don’t want to get left out.
My comment on your story is farther down the line, Rochelle. I was making my way down to the blank comment box, but couldn’t resist this side trip (honestly, no pun intended).
LikeLike
Oh Sandra,
In my book puns should always be intended. 😉
LikeLike
Brilliant duett. And it worked perfect. Houses getting bigger now was scary. 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Björn,
Thank you from one half of that duet. I can’t begin to tell you what fun it was to have a meeting of the minds.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Holy CRAP! Ya just HAD to go and do it, didn’t ya? Kill off someone!!!
But, OH, the QUALITY here! Congratulations! You made it happen!!! Really good story and good extras with it. Makes me happy!!!! 😀
LikeLike
Blame Doug for killing Chase. It’s all his fault.
LikeLike
Kudos on the duet. I’ve been studying Rich’s photo wondering where I’m going to find some humor. These sad stories make it even more of an uphill battle.
Very touching stories. You guys set the bar extremely hight this week.
LikeLike
Thanks Russell. The stories are sad but the collaboration was exhilarating!
LikeLike
My first reaction was very positive (to the picture) even though my story isn’t. But I expected all sort of upbeat stories. You never know! 🙂
LikeLike
And a humorous story will be just what we need after all this.
LikeLike
Hi Rochelle, I wish I would’ve read your story earlier before posting mine. I wrote on the same lines, meaning the crash.. Your story dealt with the emotions of the couple really well! So well written. A poignant read and that text message is so moving. Let me see if I can think of another story to post.. 🙂
LikeLike
I love how you and doug worked together. He made me write mine early (it’ll post on Friday as usual) just so I could read these, and I’m not sorry I did. Well, except that my husband flies on a business trip tomorrow, sooo…. Maybe I’d better not read the read of this week’s stories!
Great work from you both, moving and painful. My favourite detail is the nickname for the little girl – it takes style to include things like that.
LikeLike
Dear Jen,
Thank you for your glowing compliments. There aren’t enough words (certainly more than 100) for what a wonderful experience this was. I’m looking forward to reading yours. You’ve never disappointed me. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
how you can pack so much into these 100 words just amazes me. I see the whole family and the scene so perfectly. It’s like a tiny novel.
LikeLike
Thank you whistle. Actually this week I “cheated” and borrowed 35 extra words. I hope by now you’ve read Doug’s story which is #4 on the hit parade. It’s the intro, if you will, to this story and the other 65 words to bring our combined total to 200. A tiny novel…I like that.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
beautiful! Great collaboration.
LikeLike
A very good story. You made it seem real. The pictures and phones added to its credibility, and the messages and your dialogue made it convincing. Two pieces fitting together in one fell swoop.
LikeLike
Dear Joyce,
As I don’t mind repeating. This was an incredible journey. The cell phone photos were Doug’s idea. Glad you liked them.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Amazing, sad, I knew where it was going when you talked about the child seeing her daddy on her bed. Great job!
LikeLike
My husband has told a story that the night his father was killed in a plane crash he walked into my husband’s room, sat on the bed and just shook his head.
Thank you for the compliment.
LikeLike
wow — that was powerful! Nicely done.
LikeLike
Thanks, Bill.
LikeLike
I read your posts regularly 🙂
LikeLike
I think it’s collaboration week…The whole way you two put it all together is pretty darn slick. The photo work and the cell phones…very sweet. Like your new background as well…Seems that old phone of your has gone digital…it’s calls from the beyond. Great job .
Tom
LikeLike
Hi Tom,
I was getting too many wrong numbers on the old phone. Time to update. Besides I can’t et pictures of my adorable granddaughter on the old one.
Glad you liked the story. It was indeed a labor of love.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Very touching! And yes, the supernatural angle really stole the show! 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Ankita,
Glad you caught that bit of supernatural. Thank you for your kind comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
oh, how lovely to read fiction stories!! i love how you added the extra photo images as well. enjoyed your flight status…<3
LikeLike
We are a special group. I love reading and telling stories. Thank you, Sunshine.
LikeLike
you’re welcome. 🙂
LikeLike
Brilliant and very nicely done! Enjoyed the collaboration! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Penny. I, too, enjoyed the collaboration. 😉
LikeLike
I loved the way you and Doug collaborated on this week’s fiction. You really pulled at the heart strings. As I mentioned on Doug’s post, it makes me a little uneasy in that my husband flies a lot – four to six times this week alone. Despite that, you created an emotional work of art. The text in that picture is the kind of text no one wants to ever get. And we heard about so many of them on 911. Wonderfully done, Rochelle. And the supernatural element… they say the young are more open to it, haven’t closed their minds to the possibilities yet.
LikeLike
Dear Debra,
I do believe in the supernatural and this scenario is based on my husband’s experience when his own father was killed in a plane crash. (Not a jetliner). Glad to do my part in tugging your heartstrings. I found myself tearing up more than once in the midst of the process.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Eerie and effective and presents an interesting link-up with Doug. Looks like he took out the “Enjoy your flight” line which frankly threw me off in his story and didn’t fit. Great job; gonna avoid air travel for the millennium.
LikeLike
Personally, Perry, I enjoy flying which is odd from someone afraid of heights. All hoops they make you jump through in airports aside, I’d rather fly than drive. With offspring on both coasts and a point in between flying is the travel method of choice.
As for linking with Doug, it was an indescribable experience.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
a sad story. The lesson is perhaps not to fight when somebody travels. just to say a happy goodbye..
LikeLike
Agreed, Nightlake. How many people regret that those hateful words spouted in momentary anger only to have them be the last spoken.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on e a m harris and commented:
This is a wonderful idea. I like these blog challenges – they help with my writing and it’s great to see what other people do with them.
LikeLike
Dear E.A.M.
How kind of you to reblog. Glad this caught your eye.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Sometimes team work brings out the most memorable stories. Perhaps they teach us a lesson along, the way. Unity, always outshines, because it’s how God intended. We all have room to grow. So I look for new blossoms everyday. Friday Fictioneers- we are something special!
I love the photos, it really gives us a visual. Great take.
Blessings,
Shenine
LikeLike
Dear Shenine,
This team effort is very dear to me. And yes Friday Fictioneers is a special group, full of diversity in point of view and beliefs that one would do well to respect when leaving a comment.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Rochelle, I hope I didn’t offend you in my comment. Not sure. I thought it was a great take overall ! Did I offend you in my comment?
LikeLike
You didn’t offend me personally. However there are those who read that won’t appreciate the “religious” overtones. As facilitator and my page being FF Central I have to exercise discretion and make sure others do as well. I hope this makes sense and doesn’t offend you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I wasn’t aware I would offend others, or the ideal of not being able to mention my Creator on here. Your point taken. I do not understand, but I will respect your role as facilitator! As I do not wish to offend anyone. Just sharing my heart.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Shenine
LikeLike
Rochelle, I love the initiative. Thank you for bringing such disparate people together! Your story collaboration this week really touched me; it is lovely.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Iris. This global community is one of my addictions. I joined in April and then inherited Friday Fictioneers in October when our founder, Madison Woods, went on to concentrate on bigger and better things.
The story collaboration was something new for Doug and me. We’re pretty tickled with the outcome.
LikeLike
The pair of you collaborating to scare the bejasus out of me! Just glad I’m not flying again any time soon. Really well done Rochelle! Brill!
LikeLike
What a glowing endorsement, Sandra! Your comments are giving me cause for wide smiles.
LikeLike
This week’s effort is simply brilliant from both of you…Though i read Doug’s first, yours made the details clearer for me. Thanks to the great minds behind this…
-Peace!
LikeLike
Thank you, Charles. You read them in the right order. An amazing experience that will long stick with me.
LikeLike
i’m following the flow of the dialogue, and there’s a “what if” in the middle that i think is in the wrong place. can you double check that? i don’t know if the alternation goes with the right person. or i’m reading it wrong.
this is brilliant how the two of collaborated on both ends of this.
LikeLike
Looks fine to me. She says “What if–” and he tells her “‘What if’ never happens. Still works for me.
Thanks for the compliment in any case.
LikeLike
ok. i thought that she should be the one saying “what if never happens.” i got the vibe he keeps making promises that get broken, so she has no faith in “what if”
LikeLike
Nope.
LikeLike
ok. thanks for the effortses.
LikeLike
My intent is her voicing her fear of flying.
LikeLike
As I mentioned to Doug, this was a breathtaking effort. Well done!
LikeLike
Thanks T. It was pretty breathtaking for me, too.
LikeLike
I so should not be reading these stories while my husband’s on a business trip.
LikeLike
We seem to have struck a nerve this week with wives whose husbands are frequent flyers. Sorry Zenn…sort of. .;)
LikeLike
CET… Rich???
LikeLike
We get so comfortable with technology we don’t think about the dangers. I like the collaboration and both sides of the story. At first I didn’t get the connection, but now I enjoy the idea.
LikeLike
Glad you liked it, Joe. So happy that you hung in until the light dawned.
LikeLike
I love flying in planes, but now I may have to rethink the next trip. Great job!
LikeLike
Thanks, Jackie,
It makes me happy that you liked my story. Hope it didn’t instill too much fear in you.
LikeLike
Excellent story, pacing, punch, mystery, angst, all of it.
LikeLike
High praise from you JK. Thank you.
LikeLike
A really fantastic job between you and Doug here Rochelle. It really struck me that your MC is at home regretting cross words, but he has left them behind and at the end it just comes down to love. Masterful writing.
LikeLike
Dear Anne,
I think they made up before he left. Hence the line “he gathered her into his arms.” Still there would be regrets I think, on her part, that they fought at all. Thanks you for your compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
There’s a reason I’m afraid to fly. Such sadness and horror from this prompt.
LikeLike
Excellent duet. And both stand up on their own too.
LikeLike
Thank you, Ann. That was the idea…the duet…but each had to stand on its own. Glad you liked it.
LikeLike
This piece is just an excellent job of writing, Rochelle. You caught everything perfectly — the physical events — the emotions — the shifting perspective from her to him, to her, to daughter, to her, to him — and then left us with her and what we HAD TO KNOW she was feeling. Just great. I’m going to read Doug’s (I always like his stuff), but I’m going to take time to savor this individual story first. I’ll visit him tomorrow.
I also really like your new background.
LikeLike
Dear Sandra,
Your comments are like trophies.To have my work “savored” is the epitome of praise. It also makes me want to aim higher.
Glad you like my background. It happened quite by accident. But that’s another story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Good one! And, I noticed her name – Amelia.
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/3686/
LikeLike
Dear Scott,
I credit Doug with Amelia. And yes, that’s who he had in mind. Glad you liked our joint endeavor.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
WOW
LikeLike
I’ll take that as a compliment. Thanks, Boomie.
LikeLike
One more story to remind us to say what needs to be said now, tomorrow is a fairytale.
LikeLike
Life is a fragile gift indeed. Thank you for commenting, K.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Brilliant tale and I’m sure that it’s happened many times over. The times we wish we’d never said those words, which now can’t be taken back.
LikeLike
Glad you liked it, Linda. Unfortunately we fragile humans are slow to learn the power of the tongue. Today’s idol words all too often become tomorrow’s regrets.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
That is so true Rochelle, many is the time I’ve regretted words said in haste 😉
LikeLike
An extraordinarily clever collaboration between you and Doug. Love them both. I’m so glad I read Doug’s first and then I got those tingles down my spine all over again when I realised where yours was going. Standalone they’re both brilliant but together they’re extraordinary.
LikeLike
Dear El,
You read the stories in the right order, then. When I read Doug’s first draft I shivered. I was thrilled when he agreed to collaborate. The goal was to write two standalone stories that were joined. It makes me happy to read that for you this worked.
Still laughing at your story. I’ll never see a tea kettle quite the same way.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This was wonderful and terrifying. I’m always petrified right before I get on a plane, and prefer to drive most everywhere. Couldn’t stand the thought of losing my husband. Thank you for sharing this (I think). 🙂
LikeLike
Scroll up and read Maggie’s statistics. Personally I love to fly which is kinda weird since I’m afraid heights. Can’t get on a Ferris wheel or ride a hot air balloon, but love to travel by air.
I understand about the husband. I’ve been married to mine for over 41 years. Thank you for your compliments, Sarah.
LikeLike
I read Doug’s part of this story as I was getting ready to fly home this week. Not a good preflight read’. I’m glad I read yours safely here on the ground. Two parts of the same story, deftly told, with chiling images. Kudos to you both!
LikeLike
Thanks Erin. Again yours was a heart tugger, too. Glad you enjoyed our collaboration. I don’t know, though, if anyone could’ve enjoyed it as much as I did.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Very clever. I love the way FF can be experimental with connected stories and mixed media. Might have to try something.
LikeLike
Thanks, Pete. It was something Doug and I tossed around for a while but the muse didn’t give us the go ahead until now. 😉
LikeLike
I queried Doug on the possibility of his forming a new writing team with his son–with you in there, too, the three of you’ve got all the bases covered. Great stories y’all have posted this week.
LikeLike
Thanks VB. I don’t know if Scott would be up for it, but he certainly made a great consultant. I had a blast teaming up with Doug, though.
LikeLike
Rochelle, I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes while I type this comment. A brilliantly written story, and the text messages at the end make it even stronger.
LikeLike
Dear Sharon,
Thank you for your tears and your compliments. It makes our hard work worth it.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Good story. The visitation at the end is eerie.
LikeLike
Thank you, Danny.
LikeLike
I read this one earlier today and I don’t remember if I commented. Anyway what a sad and moving story. Great work and such a sneaky way to add a little extra story with out actually adding story. Clever lady. Have a great weekend.
LikeLike
Dear Atiya,
As you know, the extra story at the end on the cell phone is Doug’s. Collective clever 😉
Thank you,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
Why did he have to die after a row? At least he got to say goodbye. A wonderful double act with Doug.
LikeLike
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for your kind words. I think Chase and Amelia kissed and made up before he left. But still her angry words will haunt her because she’ll look back on that as having wasted precious time.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
I just read Doug’s story. This is brilliant, you two! What a wonderful collaborative effort. I applaud you. I thought Doug’s story was powerful. But together, you have the full dimension and experience of it. This is great!
Amy
LikeLike
Dear Amy,
Few experiences in my lifetime compare to this collaborative effort. To have others, such as yourself, acknowledge and applaud is the icing on the proverbial cake.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
All I can say is Mmmm. You never know.
LikeLike
That is amazing. The way you both worked that together. Did you actually send that text to each other?
LikeLike
Yes. For two days we worked on getting the text to the right word count to just fill the screen. We took pictures and sent them to each other. One day we spent three hours getting everything the way we wanted and then he changed his story the next day which meant new pictures. He staged the crash in his garage. It was an experience that will stay with me for a long time.
LikeLike
I imagine it would. It’s a moving story. Especially the bit about daddy sitting on the end of the bed. That truly made me go cold because my sister had that from our granddad when she was close to death. She got better
LikeLike
It’s actually based on my husband’s experience. The night his father died in a plane crash he appeared to my husband, whether it was real or a dream, he’s not certain. But he came into Jan’s room, sat on the end of the bed and just shook his head.
LikeLike
I believe that a memory can manifest itself other just after someone dies or when someone is close to death. My cousin saw our nan when he had hypothermia and was in the middle of a lake after he had lost his oars. He said all he could remember was her saying “help coming” Wasn’t long after that when a rescue boat arrived for him
LikeLike