Our gracious host, Rochelle, at Friday Fictioneers
asks us to use the photo below as inspiration
to write creatively in 100 words or less while
making every word count. This is my flash.
Sasha lived a life of dutiful compliance. Risk-taking and disobedience were taboo – long-established teachings instilled in her since infancy. For that, her parents were not sorry. As long as Sasha adhered to the doctrines of N.O.T. – No Original Thought – she and her family were safe.
The moment Sasha’s mother noticed the scribblings on her daughter’s dry-board should have been a heads-up, but she chose to ignore the strange words – “I’m not missing one moment of this; it’s the revolution” – and now they were under constant surveillance. Their world was about to crumble like blocks in a game of Jenga.
NAR©2025
100 Words
NB – For a bit of a challenge, I have worked into my story the quote by Sylvia Rivera written on the white board as well as the names of some of the games pictured in today’s photo prompt.
This is “Babel” by Mumford & Sons
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy’s Notes 🖊️🎶, The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk, The Rhythm Section, et al., and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Dear Nancy,
Subtley chilling story. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for such a great comment, Rochelle! I appreciate it.
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Clever story!
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Thanks, Dawn. I appreciate that!
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Very sinister. Very much so.
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And not that implausible. Thank you, Sandra.
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In the words of Kurt Vonnegut, “and so it goes.” Creative story, Nancy, and love the N.O.T. acronym. Maybe in this case it should be called acroynumb.
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Acroynumb! Clever you! Thanks, Lisa.
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You’re welcome!
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You got me at N.O.T! Nicely done.
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Appreciate your very kind comments, Dahlia. Thanks so much for reading!
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My pleasure!
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i suppose one can ignore only what’s happening in the world outside for so long. such is life.
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Exactly right, Plaridel.
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Yep, society has rules and most are there to hold some form of control over our lives and thoughts. How far do they go? Too far
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And sometimes, not far enough.
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I feel as if we might be headed in this direction, what with TSA and or ICE looking through people’s phones before they allow them to come into the country…..
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It’s an awful way to live, isn’t it!
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A very intriguing story
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Thank you, Sadje; I’m glad you think so.
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You’re most welcome
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Good story Nancy
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Thank you, Di. I was intrigued by writing on the board.
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It’s a good angle.
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I loved your story and the song was perfect.
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Thanks, Jim. So very nice of you to say so!
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Good writing. Powerful!
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Thank you, Susan. Very kind of you.
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Maybe Sasha’s mom was a silent rebel, too! 💙💚💙
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Perhaps a mother’s love to protect her daughter. Thanks, Liz.
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The parents don’t stand a chance! Love that you used the quote on the white board.
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It’s too late for them, I fear.
Thanks, D! I couldn’t resist!
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Go Sasha, Go! Break free!
Love this, Nancy. And plus Mumford & Sons…
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I wonder if she can? Mom’s protective love may have sealed the deal.
Glad you enjoyed the song, cara!
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She started small. It might take her longer. Mom’s protective love is suffocating!
That I did, cara mia!
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Sasha turned out to be a bit of a dasher … Love the Mumford and Sons song …
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Indeed, dear Ivor. Good song; I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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Love set Sasha going like a fat gold watch
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Nice nod to Plath, Neil. Thanks!
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ouch…a high price to pay to reach that freed from caged…
( i think it’s worth it 😬)
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As do I, Destiny. Thanks!
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