WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS
As always, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.
Henry David Thoreau said it best.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
THE CHALLENGE:
Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the 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.
- While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
-
- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE 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.
- Like us on Facebook
- My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism.
- Shalom,
Rochelle
Genre: Literary Fiction
Word Count: 100
CHARON’S FIRST MATE
Dawn broke over the estuary. Marion watched her husband launch his fishing boat and head out to sea.
She drank in his image, every beloved line and crease. The sunlight reflected off the water and limned his white hair. He waved and smiled.
In the weeks following, detectives interrogated her.
“He left? Just like that?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To spare me his suffering.”
“Admit it. You murdered him for the insurance.”
“And you got your badge from a Cracker Jack box.”
They never found his body.
Marion walks along the beach. Sunlight reflects off a white seagull. She smiles and waves.
.
.
.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charon_(mythology)
Scroll down for message:
.
.
THREE MAJOR HOLIDAYS THIS THURSDAY, THE 28TH!
CHANUKAH
It’s the perfect time to say I am thankful for Friday Fictioneers. All of you have a special place in my heart.
and…(drumroll)
MY ANNIVERSARY!
42 years married to Jan Wayne Fields
Once again you set the bar very high!
LikeLike
Dear Elephant,
Happy to hear. I try to keep myself challenged as well. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Since today’s a travel day and I don’t want to spend our family time online over the next five days, I won’t be writing a FF story this week. However, I’ve been asked about the trip to Branson and meeting other FF, so here’s my story about that instead.. Rochelle beat me to it, so I waited a bit so that it didn’t seem that I was copying. 🙂 So re-live the moments if you like and whatever you’re celebrating this week, even if it’s “just” being alive, may it be blessed.
janet
LikeLike
COPY!!! 😯 Heaven forbid, Janet! We would never think that. I am surprised you didn’t correct her grammar.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving with your family, and thank you for your insight on the gathering. It would be fun for all 8 in that photo to do it. 🙂
(I never do smiley faces, but I see you like them)
LikeLike
Ted, you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, too. As for smiley face, I like them sometimes and I do smile a lot, so….
janet
LikeLike
Tis true.
LikeLike
Rochelle,
Fabulous story. I decided he is an old Eskimo or Hawaiian lovingly drifting off to meet God where the sun kisses the horizon. Shark Dialogues-esque. Ignoring the mythology of course, to properly romanticize your story. A friend of mine’s boss committed suicide via kayak in such a fashion to leave his wife the life insurance from his “accident”.
Happy Chanukah, Thanksgiving and Anniversary. A lot to celebrate there.
L’chaim,
Dana
LikeLike
Dear Dana,
I couldn’t have received a better review of my story. The mythology in the title, in this case, is meant to be a garnish and not the entree. I’m pleased that you understood and liked it. Thank you for all the greetings and well-wishing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I like this story, and have a happy anniversary tomorrow Rochelle.
LikeLike
Glad you liked it, Al and thank you for the anniversary wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary. Many more.
LikeLike
Thanks, Maryann.
LikeLike
Extremely beautiful, from your title choice to your ends repeat of the sunlight reflections: “Sunlight reflects off a white seagull,” just as the sun reflected off the water to light up her husband’s white hair. Another great offering.
LikeLike
Dear Lindaura,
Thank you for your beautiful words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Hello Rochelle congratulations on your anniversary tomorrow. The characters in your stories are always so full of warmth it’s no surprise to hear you have such a happy and enduring marriage.
LikeLike
Dear JWD,
Thank you for your kind wishes and your complimentary words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary Rochelle. Your story reminds me of a play my cousin in Oregon recently produced. The setting was the Chesapeake Bay so she used some of my photographs for the promotions. She sent me the script and i read it in a few hours, devouring every word. The name of it is The Outgoing Tide. http://www.cohoproductions.org/onstage/a-sneak-peak-at-cohos-20132014-season/the-outgoing-tide
LikeLike
Dear Dawn,
It sounds like your cousin and I were on the same wavelength with this one. Perhaps Marion’s husband’s name is Gunner. 😉
Thank you for the anniversary wishes, it was a good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
I’m a bit confused as to what exactly happened to him, but I’m a little slow today. Maybe it’ll sink in later.
Happy Anniversary!
LikeLike
Dear Adam,
He’s going out to sea to save her the agony of watching him waste away from terminal illness.
Thanks for the anniversary wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Since many of the greek gods took human lovers, it only makes sense that the Ferryman would do this too. A bittersweet story. I like that she waves at the seagull in the end.
Happy Anniversary!
LikeLike
Dear E.A.
She waves at the seagull because she knows his soul. Thanks for commenting and the anniversary wishes. Long time.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Loved the opening imagery: whitening sunlight; then BAM!! change of pace for the questioning – sharp, neat dialogue with humour; then the return to the beautiful whitening sunlight. Makes for a very satisfying read. Good stuff, Rochelle.
(Oh, and Happy Anniversary)
LikeLike
Dear Mike,
Thank you for reading and commenting. Glad you liked.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary, Rochelle, and here’s wishing you both many more happy years. As for your story, the grief is palpable; you leave many mysteries in my mind and I wish you could have given me more clues.
LikeLike
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for the anniversary wishes and taking the time to comment.
The main thrust is that she loved him enough to let him go and he loved her enough to spare her the agony of his wasting disease.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Happy Chaunukah, Thanksgiving, and Anniversary! What a foxy bride! Nice pic of Jan and that kid is either going to be a police detective or a writer… what inquisitive accusing eyes.
I’m glad you liked my photo. The other day you and someone (Sean?) talked about thinking of a photo being FriFic Worthy when taking a photo. That is what I thought when I took this one. I will explain it when I write my story.
I will remember you at the Thanksgiving table tomorrow, because you are someone every FriFic is thankful for.
LikeLike
Oh, your story. A Limned Seagull. I learned a new word. Sweet story.
LikeLike
Dear Ted,
Thank you for the use of your stunning photo. I was waiting for just the right time to use it. As you can see, it inspired some unique stories.
Thanks for you sweet comments. I am also thankful for regular Friday Fictioneers such as yourself. Foxy bride indeed. (blushing)
Glad you liked the story. We both learned a new word, then. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
happy anniversary! your characters always stand out. and i always feel like i somehow ‘know’ them just by reading your 100 words. and i love the description during that moment when she looked at him. 🙂
LikeLike
Dear KZ,
Thank you for such beautiful compliments. My characters are very real to me and it’s gratifying to hear that they’re real to a reader as well. Yes, Marion adored him and wanted to remember everything about him.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
“And you got your badge from a Cracker Jack box.”
LOVED that line! Great story. Also, congratulations and happy anniversary!
LikeLike
Dear Tiffany,
I thank you. My muse thanks you. 😉
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
You are both welcome. 🙂
LikeLike
A poignant love story to precede tomorrow’s happy celebration. Sending wishes for many more happy years, Rochelle and Jan.
LikeLike
Dear VB,
Happily, this isn’t a true story…at least not for me. Thank you for the kind comments and anniversary wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A very moving story, with a crisp contrast in the dialogue. There was a similar story line in a series we get over here, Doc Martin, (you won’t have seen it – it wasn’t exported) and your story brought that back. Beautifully done.
LikeLike
Oh, and happy special occasions! 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Sandra,
Thank you for your lovely comments. Now I’m curious about Doc Martin. Perhaps it’s available on DVD. I’ll have to google it. In any case I’m happy that my story moved you.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I was going to mention Charon in my story today, in fact, the secondary character is kind of based on him. If I’d had more time, I probably would have written something different based entirely around him, and the coin they used to place on the tongues of the dead to pay him. I loved Greek myths and legends when I was younger, and had this amazing illustrated book of them.
LikeLike
Dear MissKZebra,
Thanks for dropping by. Actually, the mention of Charon in my title is a garnish and not the entree. 😉
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Ooooh YEAH! Score points. Seems to resonate like a Twilight Zone episode.
LikeLike
Dear Kent,
I suppose it could be a bit TZ’ish. Thanks for the extra points.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Oh three times the reason to celebrate.. many cheers back. the closest we can get is that on that is the lighting the first candle of advent on Sunday.
Love your mythological connection… I went a little sinister myself… darkness works well.
LikeLike
Dear Björn,
Thank you for the cheers. Personally, Glad you liked my story, darkness and all.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thought provoking as always. Gets the brain cells moving…
Happy, happy anniversary! What a handsome couple…and sooo young. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh! And a very, very happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
LikeLike
Dear Millie,
We were very young when we got married. 😉 Happy to stir your brain cells. Thank you for the greetings and comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A sad story, but in the end a love story. Nicely done!
Happy Anniversary, and Happy Thanksgivikah!
LikeLike
Dear Jan,
Indeed a love story. Thank you for your comments and well-wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This was beautiful ! I’m rather new to this prompt so very impressed nonetheless !
LikeLike
Dear Ducky,
Welcome again. Your comments make me smile. A word of caution. This flash fiction thing is highly addicting.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Deja Vu.. Talesfromthemotherland told me that also. I renamed it saying I was suckered. Tsk.
LikeLike
My oh my… you went left of center this time, Rochelle! Quite unexpected… I choose to believe in Marion. Love the way you have me guessing! Do you know where this photo was taken? It looks very local to me… Washington state ferry, or possibly BC? Happy Thanksgiving, Rochelle. I am so grateful to you, for your efforts with Friday Fictioneers!
LikeLike
And happy, happy anniversary!
LikeLike
Dear Dawn,
This was a bit of a departure for me. One of the things I love about writing these vignettes is that it’s a great place for experimentation. While I don’t know Washington personally, Ted gives the background on his site for the ferry. http://tedstrutz.com/2013/11/29/friday-fictioneers-invitation-to-take-a-ride/ (just in case you haven’t been there yet. 😉 )
Marion didn’t murder him. She adored him. As far as his being dead, well, he lives on in her heart no matter what.
Thank you for your comments and well-wishing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I am working my way through, but missed that part… thanks for the link! I figured Marion didn’t do it! Hopefully he’s just fishing away… 😉 Shalom.
LikeLike
A pleasant surprise that warm ending. Thanks for not going the criminal way with that one. Happy Anniversary to you and Mr. Fields! 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Eena,
It never occurred to me to go the criminal route. Marion’s love was all encompassing and she understood his need to leave. 😉 Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Well done story! Happy Holidays and congrats to you both!
Regards
Jim
LikeLike
Dear Jim,
Thank you, thank you and thank you. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Rochelle, this is quite a momentous time of year for you. Happy Anniversary, and all the rest. I like the connection between the man’s white hair and the seagull’s white wings. Beautiful story.
LikeLike
Dear David,
I’m so pleased you caught the connection. As always, you’re an astute reader. Thanks for the well wishes and the kind words.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Another great one, Rochelle! I have been watching a lot of mysteries on the set.
This goes right up there.
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/11/27/ff-friday-fictioneers-the-restaurant-at-the-end-pg13-11292013-horror/
LikeLike
Dear Scott,
Perhaps in the eyes of the police this is a mystery. Ah well, this will forever remain in the cold case file. Thanks for your compliments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
My favorite line “She drank in his image, every beloved line and crease.”
Wonderful story 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Anja,
Glad that line came across. With only a few words to use, I wanted to establish the fact that Marion adored him. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
lovely story..love her waving to the seagull at the closing.
LikeLike
Dear Paints,
Glad you liked my story and Marion’s beloved seagull.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary and wonderful story that reminded me of a novel I once read 🙂 Childhood memories.
LikeLike
Dear Camgal,
Thank you for the greetings and the comments. Hope it was a good novel. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Congratulations on all counts Rochelle, hope you have a very happy anniversary, and am madly envious at your grand-baby
LikeLike
Thank you, Valerie. That’s an older photo of Olive. She’ll be 3 in March and we hardly know each other. She lives across the continent from us. We’re proud of her, nonetheless.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Good one, Rockstar. Happy Thanksgiving….Happy Hannukah!!!
LikeLike
Thank you, Lora. Nice to see you here. Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Your stories always impress me. How well you an write . Happy Anniversary, love and hugs.
LikeLike
Dear Indira,
Thank you for the love, hugs and sweet compliments. All humbly accepted.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Congrats Rochelle…and great photo of the writers’ conference. A sad little tale, or happy one, depending on whose viewpoint one takes. Hers wins out though. Nice thought.
LikeLike
Dear Managua,
I loved the fact that you could see my story from both points of view. Marion misses him terribly but honored his wishes and knows where he is. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
What a beautiful story, Rochelle!
Congratulations and Happy Holidays. May your path be full of lights.
LikeLike
Thank you on all counts, Emmy.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
This one made me cry. You know my beliefs run to just such happy coincidences and your story hit all the right buttons. I’m on record as saying I’m going to check out that way. Look for me on the wind.
RMVYLI.
Aloha,
Doug
LikeLike
Dear Doug,
There’s no higher compliment to an author than to know her writing has evoked such emotion. DTVMYLI Such comments are the wind beneath my wings. Mahalo, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I try to write my story before I read yours, Rochelle, so I’m not unduly influenced by your great ideas. However, this time we were on the same wave-length. I came back to read your story and found that we were both bumping off the men this week. I loved your character’s sass and smile at the end. Now, I’m off to get me some Cracker Jack! 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Karen,
Sometimes bumping off a man is good for morale. .;) Although my man’s death was by choice, I’m not so sure about yours. Enjoy those Cracker Jacks.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Esmeralda,
I loved your story. The time will come when we all will cross that wide expanse to that undiscovered country from whose born no traveler returns–except, of course, seagulls, doves, and birds of paradise. Happy multi-holiday, and most especially Happy Anniversary.
– Delbert C. Flat
LikeLike
Dear Delbert,
I’m pleased that you liked my story. And a good time is being had by all.
Shalom,
Esmeralda
LikeLike
my best wishes and congratulations on your 42nd wedding anniversary. you were simply awesome in that wedding dress.
as for your story, I just hope he caught the big one. 🙂
LikeLike
dear paridel,
thank you for the compliments. i believe he met the big one. 😉
shalom,
rochelle
LikeLike
Hi Rochelle,
Taking a break from writing this week. Just going to enjoy reading stories by some of my favorite writers. I thought your story this week was particularly well written. The pacing and clues were just perfect. Congrats on your anniversary. Maintaining a relationship for that long is quite an accomplishment. Ron
LikeLike
Dear Ron,
Hope you’re enjoying your break as much as I enjoyed your comments. And happy birthday.
Your compliments and observations on my story mean a lot.
As for the long term relationship: we’re two very stubborn people. Divorce has never been an option. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I’m thankful that you’ve hosted us every week! It’s really a lot of fun. I also liked your story a lot. The main character did a noble thing – and you can sure drop a zinger when you want to! The cracker jack comment was great.
LikeLike
Dear Danny,
I’m pleased you caught my intentions in this story. Thank you for your sweet comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Wonderful story…and hoped you pased well these lovely holidays and anniversary celebration!
LikeLike
Dear Georgia,
So far, it’s been a lovely holiday. Very different this year with drastic changes in family dynamics. I’m happy you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
What a beautiful story with such intensity-loved that he came back to her though others could not see him as she did-so apt and symbolic:-)
Wish you and your husband a very Happy Anniversary Rochelle-42nd-wow!Must be so wonderful to be celebrating your special day together with so many beautiful memories and heart full of love-God Bless you both and may you celebrate many more ! I am half way there-celebrated my 26th on 4th July:-)
Happy thanksgiving to you and your’s as well:-)
LikeLike
Dear Atreyee,
In this day and age, 26 years is nothing to look down one’s nose at. Thank you for the anniversary and thanksgiving wishes.
I’m pleased that you saw that he came back. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Ah,true but we belong to another era-my parents had 50 years of married life :-)Fortunately it is still not an aberration to be celebrating 25 yrs or more of marriage in India -as yet but divorces ,previously unheard of- is slowly making it’s presence felt-at least in Urban India-sigh!
Yes,I did and I thought that it was so beautiful and full of love:-)
LikeLike
Loved your story! Happy Anniversary to you and Jan! Happy Chanukah too!
LikeLike
Dear Barbara,
Thank you on all counts. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Hugs to you Rochelle!
LikeLike
Lovely, lovely, lovely. Just enough mystery to keep one wondering.
Happy Thanksgivvukah, and mazel tov on your anniversary! Mr. Fields is rather dishy looking.
LikeLike
Dear Erin,
Thank you for your lovely comments. You made Mr. Fields smile. Of course I think he’s pretty hot. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Ah, in some ways a Viking funeral. Very touching and romantic. Happy Channukah and Happy Anniversary to you!
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/puzzle-pieces/
LikeLike
Dear Maggie,
Thank you for the comments, well-wishing and compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Have a wonderful Anniversary;, Rochelle. A moving story very well told.
PS: I’m back! 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Celestine,
I’m so pleased to have you back among us. Thank you for the anniversary wishes. Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
As a believer in reincarnation I thought your story was delightful. I know plenty of people who would do what he did. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Also, hope your day yesterday was magnifique!
LikeLike
Dear Jackie,
I’m pleased that you understood and liked my story. It was a good anniversary and Thanksgiving. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Great story as always, and happy anniversary!
The old man must have loved her very much to just sail off into the sunset (as it were) to save her watching him die (that’s the way I read it anyway!).
LikeLike
Dear Draliman,
Thank you for the comments and compliments. You are spot on in the way you read it which makes this author very happy.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Strange tale, beautifully told.
LikeLike
Dear Lady Kady,
Great to see you back with Friday Fictioneers. Thank you for commenting It means a lot to me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Quite a story, Rochelle. I feel like I shouldn’t even write one after reading yours (ha ha). Happy Thanksgiving and Chanukah, and Happy Anniversary, too! Wow, wonderful. I hope I can write one this week. If not, I’m just so glad I stopped by! Have a happy celebration.
LikeLike
Dear Amy,
You should definitely write a story. But thank you for the high compliment and the well-wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Rochelle,
I did it! I’m always happy when I do. I only said that because your story was so good! Thanks for the push.
Amy
LikeLike
Rochelle, you have the gift of being able to write multi-layered stories in only 100 words. It’s always a pleasure to read them.
LikeLike
Dear Steve,
And you have a gift for warm comments. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
So filled with love and sadness. You can feel the women’s anger in her altercation with the police. I loved it.
LikeLike
Dear Joseph,
Glad you could feel her anger and liked the story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Love it 🙂 It brought thoughts of Tolkien’s ‘Grey Havens’, mixed with all kinds of reincarnation beliefs that he is now the seagull, starting over on his quest for Nirvana 🙂 To me, it was a tale of hope in a new life 🙂 (I hardly ever see things the way most people do 😉 ). Good writing!
LikeLike
Dear Alice,
There’s a lot to be said for those of us who see things a bit differently than the majority of the herd. 😉 Thank you for your perceptive comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike