Mystery, Photo Prompt, Short Story

When The Fun Stopped

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Our gracious host, Rochelle, is asking us to get
creative in 100 words or less using the photo
seen below. Welcome to Friday Fictioneers.
This is where the prompt took me.

© Dale Rogerson

The carnival arrived on Tuesday. By Wednesday, the frivolity had stopped.

The Ferris wheel still turns, gondolas swaying empty against storm-bruised clouds. The Kamikaze tower stands watch over silent grounds, seats dangling like gallows. No laughter. No children. No vendors hawking their wares.

They say it happened during the three o’clock rotation. One moment, the fairgrounds pulsed with life. The next, nothing but wind whistling through abandoned tents.

The rides still operate on their timers, mechanical ghosts performing for an audience of shadows. If you listen closely, you can hear the echo of joy …. or something pretending to be.

NAR©2026
100 Words

This is “Living In A Ghost Town” by the Rolling Stones

23 January 2026

 All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

36 thoughts on “When The Fun Stopped”

  1. This was chilling and had one wondering – what happened? “nothing but wind whistling through abandoned tents”

    and thanks againf or another “new to me” song – it fit well and it also showed me more of the diversity from the Stones.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Yvette. I’m glad to know you enjoyed both the story and the song. This Stones’ song is relatively new, recorded during Covid-19 lockdown. When you know the background, it takes on a totally different meaning. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Much appreciated.

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      Reply

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