Our gracious host, Rochelle, encourages us
to be creative by writing a story in 100 words
or less using the photo prompt below. This is
Friday Fictioneers. Here’s where the photo took me.
It was the night of my 28th birthday; the patio was set for an intimate dinner with our closest friends. Normally I don’t celebrate my birthday but I was getting strong vibes from my beau that he was going to propose. I hoped to be married by 30; I had a great job, a beautiful apartment, and a terrific guy. Why not now? I was about to light the candles on my cake when I noticed my boyfriend slipping back onto the patio, followed closely by my best friend. They were flushed, disheveled and I was left with burned fingers.
NAR©2025
100 Words
This is “It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Sad for her for now, but better to know before marriage.
Good 100 words.
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Thanks much, Dawn. It’s always better to know, IMO.
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Dear Nancy,
Funny that song ran through my head as I read your story. Of course the girl in the song got Johnny back in Judy’s turn to cry. I don’t think this boyfriend is worthy of being taken back. But then, neither was Johnny. 😉 Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re right about that, Rochelle …. neither Johnny nor this schlemiel deserves a second chance. I hope my MC isn’t getting her advice for the lovelorn from Lesley Gore! 😂
Thanks very much.
Shalom,
🕊️
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Like in my story, it’s good she found out then, rather than later. I like how you used the burned fingers when just about to light the candles for what she hoped was going to be a happy occasion.
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Thanks very much, Lisa. I was delighted when I thought of burned fingers! 🤗
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You’re very welcome. It’s the details that make a good story.
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Aww shame… but I love that song!
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It’s a relic, isn’t it …. but a good old one! Thanks, Chris.
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Better to find out now than on the honeymoon! Clever, Nancy. And a fun song choice too.
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Thanks very much, Mitch; I agree completely. She’s well rid of the two-timing creep! He may have given her the best birthday present that night: the chance to find someone decent.
That Lesley Gore song is a classic and I was happy to use it.
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Oh, how sad, but in time she’ll see that knowing now will save her deeper heartache down the road. Well told, especially the last line. Perfect song, Nancy.
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It’s definitely a bitter pill, Brenda. Embarrassing, too, with her close friends there. Sometimes it’s best to just rip off the bandage very quickly and be done with it. It would be very cool if she could collect herself and say “I’d like to thank my boyfriend for giving me a priceless birthday present … the gift of seeing what a two-timing jerk he is! I can do so much better than him!”
Thank you for an excellent comment, Brenda. Happy weekend.
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Love the story love the song 💗💗💗
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Thanks, Sis! That song is a real classic!
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Fun story followed by the perfect song, Nancy.
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Thanks, Jim. It was nice to feature a real blast from the past for this one!
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Your song choice is perfect for your story, as always. What a no good scoundrel, her boyfriend is. Good thing she found out now. xoxo
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Thanks, Lisa! I can’t think of another song that would be a better match.
This guy’s a louse; show him the door!
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Ouch!
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Yeah …. this one stings!
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I think it was a close call!
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This guy’s a trouble-maker and a heart-breaker. Thanks, D.
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What a schmuck! And sadly, she did not get the vibes that all was not quite what she had imagined. Ciao, stronzo!
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Hahaha! Stronzo! 😂
What she felt was his pulse beating hard for her bff!
Great comment, cara mia!
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Thought you would appreciate that one 😉
Yeah, that was it… As for her friend, she ain’t no better, just sayin’!
Grazie 😉
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Prego, cara amica! Have a fab Friday and a great weekend!
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Why thank you. If I’m lucky, I’ll actually be able to take Monday (Labour Day here, too) off… fingers crossed.
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Nice! Nothing like a long weekend! Enjoy!
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Here’s hoping I brought my laptop for nothing!
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🤞🏼
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And I would guess a singed heart.
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Truly. Thanks, Jodi.
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I remember that old Lesley Gore song. Now it’s too old to be on the oldies radio stations anymore.
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It’s on the Older Than Dirt station these days!
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What he was proposing was not marriage, it seems
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No, he was not! Thanks, Neil.
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Oh dear, it seems we both had our fingers burned this week!
Great to hear that ole song again!
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Yes, I smiled knowingly when I read your story, dear Keith.
Truly, is there any more fitting song than this?
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Excellent story telling.
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Grazie, cara mia!
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You’re most welcome
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She really did get burned that night, both emotionally and literally.
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It wasn’t a great birthday, for sure. Thanks, Fan.
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A lucky escape.
A lovely build up with a unexpected turn that hurts in every way.
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Thanks very much for your gracious comments, James. She’ll come to realize she’s better off without him.
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