The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Alicia Jamtaas
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
HOMECOMING
Cradling her infant son in her arms, Savannah’s heart swelled as her husband Emmet hammered the final nail into their cabin. After grueling weeks of travel in a covered wagon, she relished the warm Kansas breeze on her face.
Emmet walked backward to admire his handiwork. “It ain’t a palace, but it’s ours.”
The newborn squirmed and nuzzled Savannah’s breast. She gazed at his round bronze cheeks with pride.
“No more auction block of us, my little angel. We home now.”
“Freedom!” Encircling his arm around her, Emmet grinned. “Our own stores. Our own church. Our own town. Nicodemus, Kansas.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Home is where the heart is
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So true, Sadje. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome ☺️
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Nicely constructed 😉
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Many thanks, Mr. B. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The fire of freedom is lit again and again and again
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From every mountainside let freedom ring. Thank you, Neil.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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They knew what was important and had the courage to make it happen. Hard to imagine how that town must have felt for people coming from such a different life. Thanks for the link, I enjoyed reading more about it too.
Jen
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Dear Jen,
I’m sure the people welcomed them since the town was founded and governed by formerly enslaved people. It was a small town but it made a powerful impact. thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very heartwarming story, Rochelle. I can almost see them there. Nice detailing.
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Thank you for such a wonderful compliment, LIsa. Glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are very welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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It must have been quite a time to be alive, the thoughts and dreams of what may come and what may be possible.
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Dear Iain,
Possibilities and hardships, but at least they were free to build their own lives. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully told, Rochelle. Your story came alive; what an exhilarating and adventurous time for them!
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Dear Nancy.
What a lovely compliment. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My pleasure, Rochelle.
Peace
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I commented and moved on too quickly without clicking the infinity of buttons that WordPress requires to comment these days. So if this appears twice…
I enjoyed the story, the sense of new beginnings and the name Nicodemus brought back memories of my days in Sunday School.
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Dear Sandra,
No worries, your comment only came through once, so you must’ve done something right.
Interestingly, the jury’s out as to whether or not they named the town after the Bible character or someone else. At any rate, thank you for your comments and compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A great history lesson of brave souls carving out an uncertain future in an unknown land. Of course, this is the history of all pioneers. It takes a lot of faith and fortitude to proceed. The link gives a nice short history as well.
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Dear Jan,
Yes, all pioneers faced the same challenges. However these folks had a lot more baggage to unpack IMHO. Glad you enjoyed.
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I have to ask: Is this before or after John Brown and “Bleeding Kansas”? Or perhaps it’s in the links. It would make a difference in how difficult it may have been to establish such a town.
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This was from me, Granonine. Not anonymous 🙂
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Dear Linda
Thank you for identifying yourself. Yes, it is in the links. This takes place after the Civil War when formerly enslaved were allowed to own land. 😀 Nicodemus still exists after a fashion with a handful or residents descended from the founders.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I could feel their freedom,
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Thank you, whoever you are. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The stories of those who sought freedom wherever they could find it, no matter hardship. Because they deserved to be. People. Not property.
Well done!
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Na’ama Y’karah,
People. Not property. Well said. Thank you!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s a hell of a lot better to own than be owned.
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Dear Nobbi,
You got that right. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely turn at the end. Took me by surprise! Thank you!
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And, no, the above comment isn’t anonymous. It’s me. Lish.
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Dear Lish,
Thank you for identifying yourself. 😉 And thank you for the photo and the lovely comment on my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story, Rochelle. It always amazes me, the courage it took when people settled our country. You captured the essence of their resilience and motivation. -Angela
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Dear Angela,
Those pioneers were made of sterner stuff than the general population of today, weren’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well done. Another lesson learned.
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Thank you so much, Connie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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freedom always has a nice ring to it indeed. god bless to those pioneers.
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Dear Plaridel,
Let freedom ring! And these folks made it so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An uplifting end to a wonderful story. I followed the link and I’m so glad I did!
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Dear Keith,
Glad you enjoyed and followed the link. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It must have been a tough journey, but worth it for those people who made it and could claim a plot of land. Lizy
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Dear Lizy,
It shows what determined people can do. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So brave. That child will know true love from those parents. Freedom.
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Dear Laurie,
Freedom. They paid a high price for it, didn’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A wonderful story. I can imagine the joy these people must have felt, being finally free to own their own lives and futures, something that every human being should have. Thanks for the link, too. Fascinating history.
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Dear Margaret,
I do love the history behind this one. Happy to bring you along. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What a wonderful story you have shared. I love that they built themselves a whole town.
Shalom and lotsa free love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I’m glad you enjoyed the story. It shows what determined people can do. Thank you for coming along for the wagon ride. 😉
Shalom and lotsa freely-given hugs,
Rochelle
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You know it!
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Hi Rochelle! Does this need to be done on Friday only, or can I post one over the weekend?
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Hi Boz,
Welcome to Friday Fictioneers. The name of the challenge is a bit misleading. When it started most posted on Friday. Now, I post the prompt on Wednesday. It goes live at 2:30am CST. You may post your story anytime between Wednesday and the following Tuesday. The link closes at 7:00pm Tuesdays. Thank you for asking.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Historical fiction at its best. The pioneers and people of those days were a tough bunch with only their determination to succeed.
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The above from James. Hit the button too early.
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Dear James,
Those people were made of sterner stuff than most of us today, weren’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a heartwarming story, Rochelle. The vivid descriptions made it easy to picture all of it.
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Thank you for your lovely, affirming comment, Smitha.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I always learn something from your stories, both on writing and a bit of history. I can feel their pride and sense of security in this short piece.
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What a sweet thing to say, Michele. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a happy uplifting story.
A pleasant read.
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Thank you for the uplifting comment, Dawn.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aww how sweet. A home to call their own!
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