Our gracious host, Rochelle, is asking us to get
creative in 100 words or less using the photo
seen below. Welcome to Friday Fictioneers.
A red flare showed up where the map said nothing should. That’s usually how it starts; you realize you’re lost… not because the familiar road signs disappear, but because something unexpected makes its presence known.
You keep walking anyway, past all the sameness that offers no clues, no memory of which way you came. Every ordinary landmark stopped being a landmark miles back.
Then one strange thing appears, and you don’t know if it’s a sign or just something that doesn’t belong. Still, you follow it… not as a directional but because it’s proof you haven’t been going in circles.
NAR©2026
100 Words
This is “Going In Circles” by Friends of Distinction
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Dear Nancy,
Clever use of the prompt. At least she’s not going in circles, but then…where…? I’d forgotten the song. Nice to hear it again.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Rochelle. That song sure brought back some memories!
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I’m always relieved to know I haven’t been going in circles.
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Haha! That makes two of us! Thanks, Dawn. 😊
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past all the sameness that offers no clues ~ I love this line. So many times when I go into town these days everything looks the same: more condos, more cookie cutter houses. Progress? Neh
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I hear you, Alicia, and I really glad to know that line landed well. Thanks for a great comment and for sharing your thoughts.
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Most interesting and so well written, Nancy!
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Thanks very much, Chris; greatly appreciated.
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I love those times when a sign shows up and it keeps you going. A wonderful, thought-provoking piece, Nancy!
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Thanks for your lovely comments, Brenda. The signs are out there; we just need to be open to them. ☺️
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I would like to think it’s a sign of something positive and good. Very well written Nancy. Philosophical too.
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Thank you, Geeta. I like your way of thinking! 😎
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“You think that’s a sign?” I love those moments in life- and you captured them so well here…
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Yes, I think life is one continuous stream of signs and it’s up to us to interpret them and act accordingly …. easier said than done, ya know?
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That lone flower sure caused a lot of havoc. Great story, Nancy.
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Haha! Thanks for a great comment, Jim. I’m pleased to know you enjoyed my story.
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when I travel abroad, i oftentimes get lost. i don’t mind it at all. there’s a chance i’ll find something interesting. 🙂
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Fabulous attitude and way to approach what could be an annoying development. Thanks, plaridel!
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I love this! Especially the proof you haven’t been going in circles, from one who gets lost quite easily, even when I’m not really lost.
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Isn’t that one of the worst feelings? Thanks much, D!
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There have been so many times I’ve thought I was lost, when I was actually on the right path after all.
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Better than the other way around! 😂
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A great allegory of general mundane life. Sometimes, you just have to follow a chance since standing still is not an option.
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Absolutely right, James; that is not an option. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
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You really got inside my head with this one, Nancy. Doesn’t everyone think this way? 🤨
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Bingo, Lois! Exactly the reaction I was going for. Thanks for reassuring me that I didn’t miss the mark completely! 😃
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I once spotted a tophat on a deserted highway guardrail and even though I wasn’t sure how far I still had to go, I knew I wasn’t lost…
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Love this comment, Ron; I hope you wrote about this experience!
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What a fabulous and original take on the prompt, bella! Love this.
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Thanks for your fab comments, cara, and for this very cool photo! ☺️
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My pleasure for both amica cara!
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Some people say they know when God answers their prayers because the answer comes in a way they totally didn’t expect.
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That’s an interesting thought, one I’m not familiar with. Thanks for sharing, James.
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Brilliant write Nance it flows so well- and great track too🙌
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Thanks so much, Ange! I haven’t heard that song in ages; so glad you enjoyed it ✨
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That first sentence is so powerful to begin a sad journey, I love it. The whole piece flows and the video adds to the atmosphere perfectly, Great write Nancy🙏👍🏆
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Fabulously gracious comments, Ernie! Thank you; they are greatly appreciated! ☺️
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Oh I like what you did with the flower and where it took you
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Thanks, Neil. Much appreciated!
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Good take Nancy
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Thanks so much, Sis!
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You’re very welcome
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