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 © Nancy Richy
PLANT-BASED REALITY?
I was nine years old when I saw Day of the Triffids, a movie about man-eating plants. They crashed through windows and chomped off heads of unsuspecting humans, engulfing the world in an avalanche of terror.
Eighteen years ago, after surgery, my husband was gifted with a houseplant. Pothos—known for its tenacity. It grew from one end of our living room to the other, until an accident broke off its long tendrils.
Still, it thrives.
Maybe it’s my wild imagination, but should I be concerned about those chomping noises I sometimes hear in the middle of the night?
Does anyone remember this?




I think there may be a few Triffid-like contributions this week, from those of us old enough to remember the series. Sunday nights were a nail-biting finale to the week, here in the UK. And yes, I had a Pothos too, though I think they were known as Scindapsus here. They really did grow as though they were possessed. Nicely done, Rochelle
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Dear Sandra,
Jan’s plant hasn’t quite gotten back to its original lengths, but she’s getting there. We’ve had that plant for over seventeen years. I have one that the girls in the floral department gave me as a birthday gift one year. I have it over my easel and now have battle leaves to do a painting.
Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Am I the only one that doesn’t see the photo prompt?
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…nor do I!
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Good, I thought I was crazy there for a moment.
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Sorry for the snafu, guys. Facillitator malfunction this morning. It’s there now.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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If you come back for another go, Keith, you’ll see the erstwhile photo. Mia culpa.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can only see it on Sandra’s post https://castelsarrasin.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/from-nancy-richy-002.jpeg
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The anonymous post above was me. Nicely done terror in the story, Rochelle
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Dear Neil,
Glad you liked my story. If you come back for another go, you’ll see the picture. Sorry about that.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve got one making its way across my room, it’s ofen refered to as a triffid by visitors. It’s looking at me now, I know how you feel!
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Dear Keith,
Those plants do tend to take over once they get to growing. Thank you for your patience with me this morning.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I liked the book better and there was a graphic novelization of the story in a 1970s science fiction magazine that was pretty good.
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Dear James,
I never read the book. The movie was enough. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve always been afraid of carnivorous plants, maybe this explains it. Chomp, chomp.
Tracey
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Dear Tracey,
Between the Triffids and Audrey 2 in Little Shop of Horrors, who wouldn’t be leary of carnivorous plants. 😉 Nice to see you here. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you. I can’t open the inlinkz to post my story. Everyone else must be able to open it. Can you post the link again in comments?
Tracey
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Hope this helps. If not, send me your URL and I can post it. https://fresh.inlinkz.com/party/dbee0f8b7d694fbda96eb1853d60765a
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My iPad is blocking it but I can’t access with my phone. Even my geek can’t figure it out.
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Ah, the problem with fantasy is our brains enjoy it a little too much!
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Dear Jen,
Of course our brains enjoy fantasy. We are writers afterall. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I’ve heard the title but not seen the film. Oh yes, you should be very worried! 😉
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Dear Lisa,
If it were a true story, I’d be getting rid of that plant. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you’re very welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Chomping in the middle of the night! perhaps it is someone raiding there fridge. Fun read. I have never seen the film, ‘The Day of the Triffids’, however I can imagine it was all the rage at the time.
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Dear James,
Some pretty awful horror films crossed our screens back in the day. And we paid to see them. LOL. Glad you liked my story and took the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i think it was just a figment of imagination. on the other hand, you just can’t be sure.
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Dear Plariedel,
When it comes to fiction, anything is possible. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I do not remember. However, if you have any fears about your plants, just send them to me. I have the world record on killing houseplants. I don’t TRY to do it. It just happens 🙂
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I am not anonymous. This is granonine.
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😱
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If she hears chomping noises in the night, I suggest she should take off running!
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Dear Lish,
That would be my cue to get outta Dodge, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Chomping sounds in the middle of the night are never a good thing. Be nervous! 🙂 I can’t say I remember this one, but I’ll have to watch it because I love old horror films. Fun story!
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Dear Brenda,
Fortunately the chomping part is fiction. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Chomping is always a good clue that something is amiss. Good writing, Rochelle.
Shalom!
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Thank you, A.M. Glad you liked. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I seriously think that one day, plants will take over the earth. Enjoyed the story, Rochelle.
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Dear Dahlia,
I think plants just might do a better job with the earth. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I second that Rochelle!
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Dear Rochelle,
We are old horror movie fans so we definitely saw this one.
I got a cutting of this plant from the plant lady at my doctor’s office. It will be interesting to see what develops but I’ll never let it get too leggy. We have too many plants to allow any one of them to takeover the room.
Yes, I’d be very afraid of those chomping sounds you’re hearing!
Shalom,
🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
I’m pleased to report that the only chomping sounds I’ve heard in the middle of the night is my husband raiding the refrigerator. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah! That’s a relief!
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It’s been a while since I participated. A little like the plant I wrote about … which, incidentally, does not necessarily offer real comfort for the worries raised about the one in yours … 😉 For if it is capable of joy, what else is it capable of? … 😉 May there be good tiding, and here’s to freedom to all who are coiled under ground, confined, hoping to breathe free air and see their loved ones and the sun … Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah
We hope and pray that next year’s seders include those underground. I’m so glad to see you back here in the FFFold.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Amen to that. And may it be well before the next Seder, for their time is running out, and as a humanity, we cannot afford this to be a tactic upon others.
And … glad to dabble a bit in FF again, my friend.
Na’ama
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Yes and yes. Haha
I read that book as a kid and it might have coloured my view of plants somewhat haha
And yep, your character here would be right to fear!
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Dear Laurie,
It’s true that after seeing that movie, I never quite looked at plants the same way. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t know. I might have some difficulty sleeping in the same house with it. heheheh
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Dear Violet,
If it were a true story, the plant would be outta here. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember long ago, a Twilight Zone episode I watched as a child about a man eating plant and then I visited my Grandmother where she had a Venus fly trap.
I wanted NOTHING to do with it!
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Dear Dawn,
I felt the same way about my Chatty Cathy after I saw the TZ episode “Living Doll.” “I’m Talking Tina and I’m going to kill you.” Scary biscuits when you’re a child.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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OMG…why were we allowed to watch that?
lol
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Lol Rochelle! I would be terrified watching that! I am easily spooked, what can I say! 😀
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Dear Carol Anne,
When I was nine I was scared of my own shadow, let alone horror flicks. 😉 Thanks for coming by to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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