The next photo is the PHOTO PROMPT. Where does it take you? Tell us in one hundred words or less.
PHOTO PROMPT © The Reclining Gentleman
Genre: Speculative Fiction
Word Count: 100
UNINVITED
‘Ezra the guardian,’ showed up at Jenna’s reception carrying his file, a tattered notebook full of yellowed newspaper clippings and dog-eared photos.
“What’s that screwball doing here?” I laughed at his sky-blue suitcoat and checkered trousers.
“Ask him to dance.” Jenna winked.
Ezra smiled at me and my scalp tingled.
“I’d sooner die.”
***
In my hasty getaway I collided with an oncoming semi. My windshield exploded, sharp pain shot through my chest and then all feeling ceased.
***
“Shall we dance?” whispers Ezra the guardian.
His smile brings me peace as we hover, hand in hand, over my mangled mortal coil.
.
.
*Note: In Hebrew Ezra (עזרא) means ‘help’ and is similar to Azriel (עזריאל) which means ‘God’s help.’ Azriel the Archangel of Death. My story is in no way meant to promote a particular belief system, it’s merely the product of my imagination.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Loved it! “Mangled mortal coil” is such a graphic, moving phrase. You’ve surpassed yourself this week mixing high drama, sadness and a comic deft touch with the sky-blue suitcoat and checkered trousers. That’s an image that will stay with me. Well done.
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Dear Sandra,
I can’t tell you how happy your words make me. This genre is uncharted waters for me and I was a bit unsure my navigation skills. To know that it worked for you on all levels is a high compliment. You’ve given me a smile that will last all day. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I picture him wearing those black, nerdy-looking glasses as well. Perhaps crooked teeth too.
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Terrific, as always.
You take us through the gamut of human emotions, with humour, violence and tranquility sharing space in 100 words.
It seems we are perhaps just a cha-cha away from oblivion.
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Dear C.E.
Your comments warm me like a good Sauvignon Blanc. As I stepped out of my comfort zone, I was a bit unsure of myself this week.
Thank you very much cha-cha-cha.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well written as always, Rochelle. From the distracting thoughts just before death to the moments just after death. Great descriptions. —- Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
It’s one of those things we wonder about, isn’t it? Thank you for you encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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wow! Nicely done Rochelle. I love the whole eeriness of this story. I like the depth of dialog you manage to put in even such a short story. I hope I get there one day
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Dear Jenny,
One of the things I love about doing these flash fiction is how much can be said in few words. It has effected my longer writings over the past three years. I think we all have a tendency to say much more than necessary. An action verb is more effective than a passive verb with an adverb. You have a good head start. Practice makes perfect…well more proficient anyway. 😉
Thank you for your compliments concerning my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Reminds me a bit of Wings of Desire, or perhaps It’s a Wonderful Life. Sweet little story there.
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Dear J Hardy,
I’m not familiar with Wings of Desire but I am with It’s a Wonderful Life. Interesting that you’d make that connection.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Reminds me of Terry Pratchet’s take on DEATH (WHO ALWAYS SPEAKS IN CAPITAL LETTERS)!
Good piece.
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Dear Mick,
Reading in caps would get tiresome. Although I take this comment as a high compliment if we’re speaking of the same Terry Prachett.
Thank you,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One of my Ts went awandering. sorry.
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Oh I love a well done flashback.. I just wonder how it will look at the end of the road.. how will we be received. The checkered trousers was like a decoy of what’s really happening.. “I’d sooner die”.. ha.
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Dear Björn,
I think we all wonder what the end of the road will look like. My confession here is that Ezra’s character is patterned after someone I’m acquainted with who does fancy himself as some kind of watchman. He really does carry around the notebook. I woke up one morning with a ‘what if’ thought and had to write about it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is an interesting portrayal of death, and I like that it doesn’t feel that tragic, somehow.
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Dear MissKZebra,
No one really knows what it will be like. I guess I’m addressing my own fear of the unknown.
Thank you for taking the time to drop by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like how you play with us in the first part, slowly revealing the truth about Ezra. Nicely done.
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Dear Claire,
I’m pleased to know that you went where I wanted you to go. My author heart is happy.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A big story in few words. Great piece.
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Thank you, Caerlynn. 😀
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I love this! It is beautiful, hauntingly beautiful!
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Thank you, Joy. Sweet of you to say so. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow! What an inspiring and beautifully written story. About death. Lovely visualization. I love the last sentence.
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Dear Ula,
Thank you for your lovely words I’m pleased that you enjoyed it, particularly my last sentence. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Departure from the usual history niche in the best possible way, loved it!
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Dear Lore,
Change every once in a while is good for the soul…if not the imagination. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The quick change from funny to morbid to hope in so few words amaze me. You are a phenom. Love it.
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Dear Rochelle
Your stories are always amazing, but this one took my breath away even more than usual. I think your speculative fiction debut is a great success.
With all best wishes,
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
This isn’t exactly my speculative fiction debut. But I don’t write it very often so it’s still out of my comfort zone. If you were to search speculative fiction on my blog you’d find a few more spread few and far between.
Thank you for such a breath-taking comment. We’re even. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sarah stole my words! Before starting to read, I wondered which history lesson you would give us. Very nice departure! Loved it.
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Dear Dale,
I thought I’d take a break from history for a while and have a little bit of fun. I’m so pleased that you loved it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I did indeed!
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From disdain and flippancy to ethereal peace in 100 words…incredible! A poignant reminder of our human tendency to miss rich treasures due to our short sidedness.
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Dear Chris,
As fragile humans we do have a tendency to miss the treasures and embrace sparkling trash.
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely writing! A sad tale but beautifully written. I joined for the first time this week. Thanks for hosting!
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Dear MWR,
Welcome to our Friday Fictioneers Family. Hosting this group is one of my passions.
Thank you for your kind words re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting stuff. Ezra seems a person definitely not to invite to a party, but I guess he gatecrashes anyhow. If he’s busy in the USA at the moment, keep him there will you. For now.
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Dear Patrick,
Ezra’s not exactly the ‘life’ of the party, is he? Alas I have no control over where he’ll turn up next.
Thank you for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Bravo, you’ve packed so much story into such a vivid package.
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Thank you for such a lovely compliment, Karen.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love stories and films which incorporate the idea of some angel of death, seen prior to the event, then there to help the person move on. Cool story!
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Dear Ali,
I find those types of films and stories intriguing as well. I guess it was my turn to write one. 😉
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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OK, now what’s wrong with a blue suit jacket and checkered pants? I enjoyed your story but really… 🙂 Reminiscent of The Twilight Zone. I love it. Really. 🙂
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Dear Emilio,
Perhaps there’s some TZ influence here because I was and am a huge fan. I can think of two episodes in particular. 😉 If you have to ask about the light blue suit jacket with checkered pants we have nothing further to discuss. (Kidding).
Thanks for such a fun comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ll be honest and say I’m not entirely certain how to read this – I can’t picture a man carrying a filing cabinet and I’m not really sure what’s going on in that first scene. The last, however, holds grace and beauty.
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Dear Jennifer,
Perhaps if I put ‘ ‘ around the file cabinet. The notebook is his file cabinet of sorts…not an actual cabinet. The character is based on a person I know who fancies himself as a watchman. He’s basically a gatecrasher. So I thought “what if he really is who he thinks he is?”
Thank you as always for reading and commenting with honestly.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“What if he really is who he thinks he is?” Oh, that is a great imagination you’ve got there. On the other note, maybe just remove the word cabinet. Although, I understood the notebook is the “file cabinet”. I imagine Ezra with yellow teeth. As yellowed as the pages of his “file cabinet”.
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Interesting thought, Honie. I’ll take it under advisement.
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I made a slight change–took out cabinet and made the photos dog-eared.
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Ezra makes my scalp tingle too. I like the different scenes.
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Dear StepHonie,
The real one makes my scalp tingle. 😉 Glad you liked.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You did VERY well stepping out of your comfort zone – from checkered pants to mangle mortal coil. Beautiful.
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Dear Alicia,
I just wasn’t in the mood for history this week. 😉 It happens from time to time.
Thank you for your lovely compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You have quite the imagination too. Well done, it’s always nice to have a friend lead you across the void. Mortal Coil, says it all!
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Dear Yolanda Renee,
Imagination can get a person into trouble sometimes, can’t it? But as writers we thrive on it.
Thank you for such a wonderful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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it was an ending i didn’t expect. but i guess all’s well that end’s well. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
I’m sure she didn’t expect that ending either. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oops! Her wish was granted too soon. Looks like Ezra won’t leave her alone, in life and in death 🙂 Well-told Rochelle!
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Dear Jolly,
Indeed, Ezra’s with her to the end.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think Ezra gets to decide who he dances with. Great descriptions and a most appealing voice. Love it.
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Dear Margaret,
It does seem to be in Ezra’s hands, doesn’t it?
Thank you for such kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful. I like it all, but especially the characters, they both shine.
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Dear GAH,
Thank you for such a lovely compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved the story. Took me through a whole gamut of feelings.
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Dear Irene,
Your compliments make my author-heart sing.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s like those “Twilight Zone”y shows of the late 50’s/early 60’s
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Dear Larry,
I’m a huge TZ fan. This was clearly meant to pay homage to a couple of episodes in particular.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I watch it too
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I like how you delineated the different time frames of this amazing little story. Your story was so well described and made me think…we better be careful of what we wish for!
Gayle ~
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Dear Gayle,
Writing a complete story is a challenge, isn’t it? I fell in love with it from my first entry three years ago. Thank you for such nice comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ooh, a different kind of story this week from you, Rochelle. I like! Very imaginative take. I guess you don’t argue with Ezra. Great story.
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Dear Amy,
I have to change it up every so often. 😉 It keeps people on their toes. I’m glad this one worked for you.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
I’m in awe of how you can weave a story and create a masterpiece in so few words.
A master craftwoman with words.
LOVED IT …!!!!
Con carino,
Isadora
p.s. carino – should have a wiggle over it for pronunciation.(remember?)
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Querida Isadora,
Such glowing compliments warm me. I’m pleased my story worked this week and that you loved. High praise and I thank you.
Igualmente…con cariño. 😉 (Recuerdo)
Paz y shalom,
Rochelle
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This is a spine-chilling, yet comforting story. I LOVE the idea of Ezra and Azriel, the Archangel of Death being the same here (this is totally the kind of thing I enjoy reading)
A lovely, fantastic, imaginative story, Rochelle!
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Dear Vijaya,
I’m glad you took the time to get the connection between Ezra and Azriel. Thank you for such glowing compliments. My author heart is warmed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love! 🙂
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Okay, this one is giving me goosebumps. Was he there because she would die anyway, and he was ready to escort her to heaven? I love all th implications of this. It could be interpreted so many ways. Loved it, Rochelle. This is some fine writing.
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Dear Eric,
For a story like this goosebumps are high praise. As for whether he was there to escort her to heaven or just there for the free food is up to the reader to decide. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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oooooooooooo. Save the last dance…
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Dear Solo,
We all have that last dance to look forward to, don’t we? 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As always, we have to be careful what we wish for.
And a little dance never hurt anyone, as my tanta would say.
Randy
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Dear Randy,
A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants. 😉 And we do need to be careful what we wish for.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That line, which is a classic, made me smile . Thanks, Randy
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I guess it pays to be a bit less superficial. But then, who expects someone in checkered pants to know what he’s doing?
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Dear Alice,
When the death angel comes, he takes us by surprise so why not checkered pants. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There was a TV series called Dead Like Me about a group who took people from one side to the other. They were told to just do their job and not intervene, which was often difficult as the protagonist (and the viewer) couldn’t help but feel compassion for the one about to die and their family. Unfortunately, the show didn’t last and neither did The Last Man on Earth, another of my favorites. Evidently, I’m no Neilson.
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Dear Grandpa,
I can’t say I remember either show. Ghost Whisperer was along those lines as well. We watched that one for a while but, as often happens, the writers jumped the shark.
Thanks for dropping by. Hope you had no accidents along the way.
Shalom,
Clara
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I’m really rusty on writing 100 word stories. I gave it a try today and have added my url to the Inlinkz link up.
I really love where you took the prompt. It made me smile.
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Dear Corina,
I’m pleased you decided to take the challenge. I’m pleased you liked my story. It was one of my rare forays into speculative fiction.
Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh so wonderfully written!
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Thank you, Nato. 😀
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Great Story! Loved it Rochelle! 🙂
I can’t get the link to work to upload my story today…. it just spins! 😦
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Dear Courtney,
I’m glad you liked my story. Thank you for the glowing words.
I’m not sure what’s going on with the link. You might hold off and try it again in a little while. Or if you want I can try to link it for you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I will try again in a bit. The server might just be overloaded right now or something. If I cant get it uploaded, I will let you try it for me. Thanks! 🙂
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Never mind, you’re linked. 😉
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Oh.. Thanks Rochelle!! But the name of my story isn’t on the link! 😦
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No problem
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Linked with title. Sorry. I usually avoid putting the title in my link.
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You’re awesome!! Thank you so much for fixing it for me!! and for adding my link! I hope you have a great weekend!!!
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Love this, Rochelle! Can I say it was made in heaven? 🙂
Lily
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Dear Lily,
I guess we can say it was made in heaven. I’d like to think that’s were my MC went, in spite of her snarky attitude. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That last line is something to behold. A wonderful piece of writing.
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Thank you for such high praise, Francesca. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Car crashes always make me cringe. Ugh.
Fantastic writing, though. I love those after death theories, and this story embraced that aspect beautifully.
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Dear Emilie,
There’s something cathartic about writing one’s greatest fears. In other words, car crashes make me cringe, too.
Thank you for such kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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an amazing little story…
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Thank you, Sumana. 😀
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Don’t fear the reaper! (But maybe ask him to dance :)) Nice story, Love the last line alliteration ‘my mangled mortal coil’ has this wonderful rhythm to it.
Cheers
KT
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Dear KT,
Your comment makes me want to dance….but not with Ezra.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle.Nice story. Loved every word of it.
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Thank you, Indira. 😀
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I always enjoy your historical fiction but this week’s 100 words was a nice respite from the norm.
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Dear Dawn,
I was feeling the need for a respite myself. Writing historical fiction can be a heavy (albeit enjoyable) prospect. I’m pleased that you enjoyed it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved it Rochelle and not just because I believe in the angel of death. 🙂
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Dear Joseph,
Somehow I don’t picture the archangel quite like that, but then I’m not sure I picture him in white flowing robes with long hair and wings either. 😉 I’m pleased you liked my story.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice one Rochelle 🙂
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Thank you, Colline. 😀
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Rochelle, The words “mangled mortal coil” evokes a poetic mood while the image evoked by the words paints a contrasting picture….I think it’s a classic.
Starting to read the story, I felt that “Erza” had a backstory and that I was missing that – but your explanation at the end tied it together.
Enjoyed your writing as always!
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Dear Ansumani,
As I mentioned earlier, the description of Ezra is loosely based on a gatecrasher I know. One morning I woke up and thought ‘what if?’ I couldn’t resist writing this. I’m pleased that it all came together for you.
Thank you for your generous comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Life can change in the blink of an eye. I like how avoiding one Ezra leads to meeting the one that she really didn’t have to.
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Dear Subroto,
Life can turn on a dime, can’t it?
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Some nice irony here, Rochelle. I like your picturing of Ezra, both at the beginning and end. I was pretty late this week for one reason or another, but I made it at last.
-David
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Dear David,
I don’t write speculative fiction often, but when I do, it’s a little like walking a tightrope without a net. Definitely out of my comfort zone. So I’m pleased that it seems to have worked well.
As always, better late than never, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’ve really dabbled in several moods here, Rochelle, and as always done a very nice job. The mean spiritedness of the girls in the opening and instant irony, play off each other and that final line is just great! “His smile brings me peace as we hover, hand in hand, over my mangled mortal coil.” Love that! And, David can rest… I’m surely the last one at the ball this week! Just can’t keep up or catch up lately!
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Dear Dawn,
Your delicious comment, being last, is like the icing on the cake…complete with roses. 😉
Thank you and Shalom,
Rochelle
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