Tag: Friday Fictioneers

Flash

Bumble, Mumble

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers where Rochelle
encourages us to get creative in 100 words or less
using the photo below for inspiration. Here’s my story.

Triplet bumblebees Bizz, Bozz, and Buzz loved to bob from plant to flower to vine in the neighborhood alley. It was so bucolic, even the occasional visitor didn’t bother them.

Being such busy bees, they barely noticed the giant structure by the entrance.

“What’s that thing?” they asked in unison.

“Keep back! It’s a trap” warned Groucho the Grasshopper. “People say bad ideas are inside, dangerous goings-on about a Very Hungry Caterpillar, an Ant Bully and Bug Muldoon.”

The terrified triplets trembled, their little knees knocking.

 â€œBugger off now, boys! You don’t wanna be here when the soldier bees arrive!”

NAR©2024
100 Words

28 June 2023

This is “Sons of 1984” by Todd Rundgren

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Feeling The Burn

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers where we are
encouraged to get creative by writing a story
of no more than 100 words using this photo
as our inspiration. Here is my 100 word story.

© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

It was the summer of ’59 and I was going to spend July and August with my cousins at the shore. I’d been packing since my last day of school, finishing two days before taking off.

The following morning I awoke with fever, sore throat, bumpy tongue and a facial rash. Scarlet fever, the doctor said. The disease was highly contagious. I was prescribed antibiotics and my parents were warned to keep me home.

My summer plans were abruptly cancelled; I was dejected. All I could do was watch my friends playing, my nose pressed up against the window screen.

NAR©2024
100 Words

21 June 2024

This is “Fever” by Little Willie John

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Warts and All

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers where we are
encouraged to write a story in 100 words or less
using this photo for inspiration. Here is my story.

Photo Prompt © Lisa Fox

There was a boy named Danny who sat directly in front of me in 5th grade. He had a perpetual case of ringworm which fascinated and repulsed me at the same time.

His beautiful black hair had been shaved to expose the circular rash on the back of his head. I imagined microscopic critters chasing each other around that stubbly maze.

The theory was that Danny caught the fungus while hunting frogs in the boggy bullrushes; somehow that didn’t make it any less gross.

I never could understand boys and their frog fetishes. Everyone knows that’s where warts come from!

NAR©2024
100 Words

14 June 2024

This is “Hop Frog” by Lou Reed featuring David Bowie

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Of Memories And Dreams

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers where our gracious host, Rochelle,
encourages us to get creative in 100 words or less using this photo
as our inspiration. Here is my 100-word photo-inspired story.

© Roger Bultot

Funny thing about dreams and memories; sometimes it’s difficult to tell them apart. Sometimes I just don’t want to.

That summer 
. after the breakup 
. I needed to be alone …. to think 
. to put the hurt behind me. A few days at that motel on the beach seemed like a good idea at the time. 

Everywhere I walked 
. everything I saw 
. reminded me of you. The scent of salt water. Scattered shells and seaweed. That song. Hot summer nights. Stars so close you could touch them.

Memories and dreams of you 
. they’re funny that way.

NAR©2024
100 Words

7 June 2024

This is “In Dreams” by Roy Orbison

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Uncle Bobby And The Spiders From Mars

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers where we are
encouraged to write something creative in
100 words or less using the photo below as
inspiration. This is my 100-word story.

Photo © Mr. Binks

Uncle Bobby had this irrational fear of spiders. Well, it was irrational to his family; for him it was very real.

So when the new amusement park ride Spiders From Mars opened, Uncle Bobby wouldn’t go near it.

Everyone tried convincing him the ride wasn’t jinxed or dangerous but he wasn’t buying it. All their urging and encouragement fell on deaf ears. Uncle Bobby watched from the shadows as his nieces and nephews went for a spin.

That night the ride malfunctioned; several family members were killed, unceremoniously hurled out of the park.

Guess Uncle Bobby’s fear wasn’t so irrational. đŸ•·ïž

NAR©2024
100 Words

31 May 2024

This is “Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Carla’s Big Night

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers where we’re given a photo
and asked to let it inspire us to create something magical
in 100 words or less. This is my 100-word inspired creation.

© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

“Ungrateful 
 bastard 
 son-of-a-bitch 
 always telling me what to do 
 when to do it 
 waiting on him like a motherless child 
 picking up after him 
 cooking three meals a day 
 seven days a week 
 cleaning 
 cleaning 
 cleaning 
 and what’s my reward 
 an unwelcome fuck at 3 AM 
 pig 
 I 
 have 
 had 
 enough!”

Carla’s thoughts raced through her head like a locomotive engulfed in flames.

“You gonna cook that pizza or beat it to death?’ he snarled.

He died instantly. Death by rolling pin.

NAR©2024
100 Words

24 May 2024

This is a live acoustic cover of The Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post” performed by Matie Cummings and Jeremy Edge

Another muse: my usually stoic mother
making an attempt at humor. Circa 1965.

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Short Story

And Then He Knows – Revisited

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for The Unicorn Challenge
(with a timely lead-in from yesterday’s
Friday Fictioneers). Here we are challenged
to be creative in 250 words or less
using the photo below. This is my story.

© Ayr/Gray
‘Domestic animals, even on leads, are banned from the beach from 6am – 9pm’

He walked on the beach with his dog just as he always did. He saw the sign but ignored it, happy to see someone had vandalized it. Damn rules!

He threw the ball but when the dog returned, he had a purse hanging from his mouth. He dropped the purse and ran back to where he found it.

Looking in the purse, the man saw a cell phone. Hers. Last call was to him. Chasing the dog, he saw a body sprawled on the rocks near the water.

And before he got any closer, he knew it was his wife.

A flood of questions hit him like a tsunami. What happened? Why didn’t he get her call? What was she doing here 
. not just here on the beach .
 here in Cannes?

She was supposed to be in Lyon finalizing the sale of her late mother’s apartment. Her mother died five years ago and for reasons only she could explain but never did, she refused to get rid of the place.

He quickened his pace to the body. The dog kept nudging her head and running around wildly on the deserted beach. The man looked at her phone again; there were numerous calls to someone named Roman. An unfamiliar name.

He heard a voice. “Monsieur! You are not supposed to be here with that dog! There are rules.” The local gendarmerie. Then louder, more urgently – â€œWhat have you done, monsieur? Do not move! Ici! DĂ©pĂȘchez-vous!”

And the whistles blew.

NAR©2024
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-17/05/24

This is “Who Let The Dogs Out” by Baha Men. Hey, hippie-ye-yo!

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

And Then He Knows

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers where we are asked to
write something creative in 100 words or less using
the photo below as inspiration. This is my story.

He walks on the beach with his dog, just as he always does. They have a routine. He tosses the ball, the dog brings it back. It’s all very natural and civilized.

Except for this night.

When the dog returns, he has a purse hanging from his mouth. He drops the purse and runs back to where he found it.

Looking in the purse, he sees a cell phone. Hers. The last call dialed was to him. He chases the dog; there’s a body sprawled on the rocks near the water.

And before he sees her, he knows who it is.

NAR©2024
100 Words

17 May 2024

This is “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Silent Labors

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers where we are
challenged to write something creative in
100 words or less using the photo below.
This is my story in 100 words.

They walk five miles to work every other day, softly conversing in Italian. They unlock the side door and go directly to the closet. Dragging out their supplies, they stop talking and address their task.

Kerchiefs holding back their hair, hands protected by rubber gloves, they uncap their jars of Murphy’s Oil Soap and add a small amount to their buckets of water. It doesn’t take much of the lemon-scented solution to polish every pew.

These are the church ladies. They labor silently for three hours. When done, they leave the church in darkness except for the luminous bell tower.

NAR©2024
100 Words

17 May 2024

This is “The Bells ~ I. Allegro Ma Non Tanto by Sergei Rachmaninoff

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Love Bites

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers where we are asked to get
creative in 100 words or less using this photo as inspiration.
Here is my story.

Photo Prompt © Lisa Fox

Locking eyes across the room, Jaclyn and Mark gave each other the signal. A discreet nod toward the door meant it was time to bail on the noisy frat party. Clutching each other’s hands, the teens bounded down the stairs and ran across the yard until they reached the thick grove of tall maple trees.

Fiercely kissing, they fell to the ground, groping and tearing at their clothes.

“Mark, my hair is stuck in some sticky glop” Jaclyn protested, then screamed as she spied the enormous web suspended over them.

Too late, Mark felt the agonizing sting of giant toxic pincers.

NAR©2024

10 May 2024

This is “Love Bites” by Def Leppard

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

The Girlfriend

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers where we are challenged
to be creative in 100 words or less using this image as inspiration.

 © Ted Strutz

“Gee, the house sure is quiet. I wonder where everybody’s gone. Bobby’s been a little distant lately and that makes me sad. I mean, we’ve been best buds ever since he was a little guy. We did everything together and he wouldn’t go anywhere without me. And he gave the best hugs at night. Shh! Here he comes now! Bobby! I just knew you wouldn’t leave without me. What’re we doing today?”

“I’m watching TV with Becky …. alone.”

“Gosh, Bobby. You’re my bestie. Who’s this Becky chick?”

“My girlfriend. Adios, Mr. Bill!”

“Ooh nooooo! Come back, Bobby ….

you little shit!”

NAR©2024
100 Words

3 May 2024

This is Connie Francis with “Who’s Sorry Now”

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Secret Stash

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers where we are asked to get creative
in 100 words or less using this image for inspiration. Here’s my story.

© Fleur Lind

In the middle of a field there stands a great big tree and at the base of the tree’s very broad trunk is a miniature door with a little knob. Beyond that miniature door is the most dizzying of spiral staircases intricately woven together with twigs and seeds, licked-clean popsicle sticks and discarded toothpicks. Each landing of the staircase leads to a cluster of tiny rooms .
 storage rooms, dining rooms, play rooms, sun rooms and hibernating rooms. Inside those tiny rooms are the giddiest chipmunks busy storing, dining, playing, sunning and, when the wintry snowflakes bluster about, snugly hibernating. đŸżïž

NAR©2024
100 Words

26 April 2024

This is “Twigs and Seeds” by Jesse Winchester

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Traditions

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers, using the photo below for inspiration;
the challenge is to write something creative in 100 words or less.

© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

There’s something very comforting about Montauk; it’s steeped in tradition, averse to change.

Case in point: the Montauk Shirt Shop which never changed its inventory 
. and that was just fine. People popped in to get their mandatory summer vacation t-shirt …. not the latest fashion craze.

Things just weren’t the same after the familiar shop was renovated featuring a new step-up, almost exclusive section with high-end merchandise and souvenirs no one wanted. We looked around the new area once; it was overpriced and a bit too chi-chi for the sleepy fishing village.

Sometimes all you want is a damn t-shirt.

NAR©2024
100 Words

19 April 2024

This is the Stones with “Memory Motel”,  located on 27 East in Montauk, NY right across the street from the old diner and the t-shirt store. In my younger days I’d go to the bar at the Memory Motel and may or may not have caught a glimpse of Mick and Keith mingling very comfortably with the locals. It was a simpler time, no big deal, ya know?

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Halcyon Days

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers.
The challenge: to write a story of 100 words or less,
as inspired by the photo prompt below. Here is my story.

Photo Prompt © Susan Rouchard

After the wake, a few of us went back to our sister-in-law’s house. A question tap-danced in my brain: now that my husband’s brother was dead, was his widow still our sister-in-law or will she eventually be erased from the familial slate, ties severed, connections lost?

The room which they call ‘the office’ was a confusion of books, photo albums and memorabilia piled high like Babel.

Flipping through yellowed snapshots, we spotted her, the widow, in every image 
. halcyon days when we all spoke the language of youth and happiness 
. and my question was answered.

She is family.

NAR©2024
100 Words

12 April 2024

This is Jim Capaldi with “Old Photographs”

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Ponte dei Sospiri

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Friday Fictioneers. Greetings, friends. Some of you know, others do not. We had a death in the family last week 
 my husband’s twin brother passed away on Tuesday. I’ve taken some time off from writing but now I’m ready to return. You may read about our loss here if you are so inclined. Thank you for your thoughts. This is my story today.

© Sandra Crook

It wasn’t in the evening when a calm tide rolls out, nor in the early morning as the glorious sun rises but rather in the middle of the day, just after noon when he crossed the bridge and left us stunned and lost. One minute he was with us 
. happy, strong and alive. The next he was gone, in an instant, in the blink of an eye, he crossed the bridge and slipped away. We had no time to prepare, no time to say “Goodbye and fare thee well, brother”. He was just gone, peacefully and silently across the bridge.

NAR©2024

5 April 2024

This is “Bridge of Sighs” by Robin Trower

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Rite Of Passage

The Sicilian Storyteller

Our gracious host Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers
is encouraging us to get creative in 100 words or less
using this photo as our inspiration. This is my story.

© Dale Rogerson

In the 7th grade, ballroom dance class was a rite of passage – a Friday night event that lasted six months, culminating in a semiformal dinner-dance. The boys wore ties and jackets, the girls in party dresses and white gloves. It was not mandatory but if you didn’t sign up, you were snubbed. It was the highlight of the year 
. not for the 12-year-old students but rather for their moms.

My son balked but signed up.

“You’ll never regret knowing how to dance”, I told him.

Since then, I’ve seen him dance on two occasions – his wedding and his brother’s.

NAR©2024
100 Words

29 March 2024

This is “Ballroom Dancing”  by Paul McCartney

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Park Avenue

The Sicilian Storyteller

Our delightful host Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers
has offered this challenge: to write creatively in
100 words or less in response to this photo.
Here is my story in 100 words.

Photo Prompt © Roger Bultot

Each morning they would incline their respective hospital beds, draw back their curtains an inch and raise binoculars to their eyes. They would wave, smile radiantly and lift a hand-written note which read “Wanna blow this joint?”

A different note followed at noon and 9PM. And they’d laugh!

They found each other by accident, two teenage girls occupying apartments diagonally across Park Avenue. Each was bedridden with the ubiquitous daily flow of boring people in and out of their rooms 
. parents, nurses, doctors.

It was indescribably joyful to have a secret friend.

These were the highlights of their days.

NAR©2024
100 Words

22 March 2024

This is Bette Midler with “Friends”

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Frosted Flakes

The Sicilian Storyteller

Our lovely host, Rochelle, at Friday Fictioneers
has offered up this photo prompt to inspire us
to write creatively using 100 words or less.
This is my 100-word story from days in Montauk.

© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

“Surf rods are the heaviest and longest rods you can get. They’re designed to cast very far distances and pull in heavier fish from breaking waves. Depending on which bait you’re using – worms, squid, bunker – you’ll need to choose the right rig.”

Bill quietly explained to our pre-school boys, blissfully ignoring the fact that the rods were four times taller than them.

“This is a science, boys. You have to be patient and psyche out the fish.” The kiddos were gleefully lost in their mini boxes of Frosted Flakes.

Bill was content; this was cherished father/son time. Pivotal first steps.

NAR©2024
100 Words

15 March 2024

This is “Just Fishing” by Trace Adkins

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Old Glory

The Sicilian Storyteller

The gracious Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers
is challenging us to write something creative
in 100 words or less to go with this photo.
This is my response to that challenge.

Photo Prompt © Rowena Curtin

I’ve been married so long, Betsy Ross was my maid of honor!

Our first house was an impressive five-bedroom Colonial with loads of property. Fifty-two years ago it cost $68,000; today that money can buy a car.

The house was white with navy blue trim and a red door. As an excited new homeowner and proud American, I planted red and white impatiens and coral red begonias in all the window boxes.

There was no white picket fence but we did have a proper flagpole and hoisted Old Glory every morning …. much to the chagrin of my communist next-door neighbor.

NAR©2024
100 Words

8 March 2024

This is “Our House” by Crosby, Stills & Nash

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Working Man

The Sicilian Storyteller

Our gracious host Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers
has another intriguing photo for us to reflect on
and create something clever in 100 words or less.
In 100 words, this is what the photo said to me.

PHOTO PROMPT © Fleur Lind

Gary finished heating up his Hungry Man TV dinner 
. fried chicken with a side of mash, corn and a big honking brownie for dessert. His stomach grumbled at the aroma of that juicy breast still sizzling hot from the oven.

“Man, this is the life!” Gary thought. He plopped down onto his beloved Barca-Lounger and popped open a Mountain Dew, swigging half the bottle in three huge gulps followed by an explosive burp.

Every weekday mopping floors at the local elementary school, decorating his trailer with cool stuff from Lost and Found.

“Fuckin’ A! It’s a freakin’ ‘Monk’ marathon!”

NAR©2023
100 Words

1 March 2024

This is Loverboy with “Working For The Weekend”

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Flash

Remains Of The Day

The Sicilian Storyteller

Rochelle, our gracious host at Friday Fictioneers,
has challenged us to write a story of 100 words or less,
using the photo below as inspiration. This is my story.

Photo Copyright Alicia Jamtaas

Too many arguments, too many years of spiteful words. She’d had enough.

He walked into their bedroom where she was packing. “How can you do this, like it was nothing?”

“Like it was nothing? Do you really think this is easy, like tossing out yesterday’s leftovers?”

“Twenty-three years, Beth. You can’t throw that away.”

“Would you just let it be, Sam, and go to work.”

“I’ll see you when I get home, Beth.”

“Oblivious” she murmured.

Of course she was gone when he returned. Nothing left but remains of the day.

And he didn’t have a clue what to do.

NAR©2024
100 Words

23 February 2024

This is Steve Tyrell with “A House Is Not A Home”

All text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

Flash

Endless Love – Part 2

The Sicilian Storyteller

It’s time for Friday Fictioneers Fun with Rochelle! Here’s something different for you today. I wrote Part 2 to Dale Rogerson’s terrific story,  Endless Love and piggy backed my story onto hers. Here’s the link to Dale’s site; please read her story before mine. Thanks to our host Rochelle and my friend Dale for a fun read and a great photo!

Endless Love – Friday Fictioneers
© Dale Rogerson

Aw, do you love me, Baby?

Oh, Honey, you know I do.

Then come and show me, Baby.

Now, Sugar Cookie, what if I slip and hurt something important?

I’ll give you my very special TLC, Baby.

Really, Sweet Pea?  What kind of TLC?

Why, I’d give you some hugging, Baby.

Then what, Munchkin?

Some squeezing, Baby.

Ooh, then what, Turtle Dove?

Some kissing, Baby.

Oh, Sugar Lips, I do love your hugging and squeezing and kissing.

You coming over tonight, Baby?

Aw, Honey Pie. It’s freezing outside.

But it’s sizzling in here, Baby.

Mmm, Sweetness! Nothing’s gonna stop me!

16 February 2024

This is Mickey and Sylvia with “Lover Boy”

NAR©2024
100 Words

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

Flash

Revenge Bill

The Sicilian Storyteller

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers has challenged us
once again to create something amazing
in 100 words or less to go with the photo prompt below.
Here is my 100-word response to that challenge.

© Peter Abbey

“What are they looking at, Bob.”

“Something rather barbaric, Ellen. I think we should just move along.”

“What do you mean ‘barbaric’? Now I’m feeling both disturbed and curious.”

“It’s an execution, Ellen.”

“An execution? Here 
. out in the open? When did that become legal?”

“Last week. It’s the “Revenge Bill”. Convicted murderers can be executed the same way they killed their victims. In the cage is the “Bathtub Murderer”. He’ll be lowered into the water and kept there until he drowns. These people watching are the victim’s family members.”

“OMG! That’s dreadful!”

“An eye for an eye, Ellen.”

NAR©2024
100 Words

NB: This is a fiction piece and must be regarded as such. My beliefs regarding capital punishment or my political/religions/humanitarian leanings are strictly personal and are not up for discussion on a public forum such as WordPress unless I specifically choose to do so.

9 February 2024

This is Unkle with “Eye For An Eye”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

Flash

Until Now

The Sicilian Storyteller

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers
has challenged us to respond to this photo
in 100 words or less. Here is my story.

Photo Prompt © Susan Rouchard

Hard to imagine life without her. When the hell did everything start to unravel?

He sat alone in the shell of their apartment nursing his second Dewars. Once upon a time this place was alive with people enjoying one of their famous dinner parties. He could hear the sound of her spirited laugh when someone told a dirty joke. 

They were the perfect couple, the envy of all their friends. Theirs was an easy, comfortable marriage. They were in sync in their choices of restaurants, paint colors and the biggest decision of all .
 neither one wanted kids.

Until now.

NAR©2024
100 Words

2 February 2024

This is Landon Austin with “Blindsided”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

Flash

Pennies From Heaven

The Sicilian Storyteller

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers has
challenged us with this photo prompt.
Here is my 100-word response.

Photo Prompt © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Sunny Hill Farm. The name alone made me smile.

We never went on vacation when I was a kid; that was for “rich people”.

You can imagine my unbearable glee when it was decided in the summer of ’59 that we would leave The Bronx for five glorious days in a place called Sunny Hill Farm.

Looking at the brochure we declared it to be “perfect” with lush rolling hills, horses, swimming, picnics, barbecues, fresh air and sunshine everywhere.

We loaded up the car, singing all the way to our vacation nirvana 
. where it poured and poured for days.

NAR©2024
100 Words

26 January 2024

This is “Pennies From Heaven” by Billie Holiday

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

Flash

Wildflowers

The Sicilian Storyteller

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers has
challenged us with this photo prompt.
Here is my 100-word response.

Photo Prompt © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

“Good morning, Sunshine! Did you notice the wildflowers? It’s like they sprang up overnight. It’s awfully stuffy in here, don’t you think, Charlie? I’ll open the window a crack for some air if you promise to behave. One little yell from you and I’ll be forced to put your gag back in. Do you want that, Charlie? Ah, that’s a lovely breeze, isn’t it. Oh, now Charlie! You really shouldn’t have hollered like that! Just when I was gonna untie you. Why can’t you follow orders? That makes me angry. You remember what happens when I’m angry, don’t you, Charlie?” 

NAR©2024
100 Words

26 January 2024

This is Tom Petty and “Wildflowers”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

Flash

Thin Skin

The Sicilian Storyteller

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers has prepared for us
another prompt with the intriguing image below.
This is my 100-word response to her challenge.
đŸ„¶

Photo Prompt © Jennifer Pendergast

It’s been dreadfully cold lately; I seem to get a chill much easier now that I’m older. Maybe my “Senile Under-Skin Bleeding” is a direct result.

I spoke to my dermatologist about the thinning, drying and bruising skin on my lower legs; she suggested sauna bathing. The benefits include detoxification, increased metabolism, weight loss, increased blood circulation, pain reduction, anti-aging, skin rejuvenation, improved cardiovascular function, improved sleep, stress management and relaxation.

What could possibly go wrong?

I located a spa with a sauna. My glasses steamed up, I tripped and bumped into the frozen water bucket.

Lovely! Another fucking bruise!

NAR©2024
100 Words

✩ Authors Note: “Senile Under-Skin Bleeding”, also known as “Senile Purpura”, occurs when the skin and blood vessels become more fragile as people age, making it easier for the skin to bruise from minor trauma. While it is mostly associated with older people, it is a common problem among those in their 30s and 40s. This frustrating and painful skin issue with a very ugly name can be improved slowly following a dedicated regimen of gentle exfoliation, daily Vitamin D and a skin lotion rich in Vitamin C. Staying out of the sun and wearing sunscreen, keeping hydrated and eating fruits and leafy greens are also extremely important and helpful.

19 January 2024

This is Brian Chevalier with “Thin Skinned”. Relax to this bluesy sound.

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

Short Story

As He’d Hoped

The Sicilian Storyteller

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers
has challenged us to write a 100-word
story prompted by the photo below.
Incorporating prompts from
Weekly Prompts Wednesday and
FOWC with Fandango,
this is my response to Rochelle’s challenge.

Photo Prompt © Susan Rouchard

How many years does someone need to spend in a loveless marriage before the word divorce is mentioned?

That was Barbara’s regrettable life. When her husband finally approached her, she didn’t hesitate; she knew she couldn’t love him as he’d hoped.

Their split was swift and formal.

Now Barbara walked out of the Prada shop in Salamanca and, with thrilling expectation, waved when she saw Evelyn across the street.

Their pace quickened and they embraced passionately, unafraid and unashamed to show their love for each other.

They walked off, hand in hand, toward a romantic outdoor café.

Happy at last.

NAR©2024
100 Words

12 January 2024
Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Divorce
FOWC with Fandango — Expectation

This is Elbow with “Grounds For Divorce”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

Flash

Chosen

The Sicilian Storyteller

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers
is hosting another photo prompt.
Here’s the photo followed by
my 100-word response.

Photo © Dale Rogerson

Leyland spoke softly as he comforted his weeping wife, Willow.

“Hush, darling. Another season has come and gone and I’m still here to protect you and the children. I realize I had a couple of close calls but so far, so good. I never thought I’d say this but I’m thankful for my disfigurement; it’s kept me from being selected and close to you.”

Willow sighed. “I feel terribly guilty. There’s no chance I will ever be chosen and I fear for our friends and family.”

“I know, darling. I’ll check on Douglas today. Pray the family is all safe.”  

NAR©2024
100 Words

Author’s Note: Leyland and Douglas are very popular evergreens sold as Christmas trees. One of the saddest things is seeing all the dead and forgotten Christmas trees discarded by the curb after the season. Next time you go looking for a Christmas tree, consider buying one with its root ball intact instead of one that’s been chopped down; you can replant it in your yard or place it in a pot. Your tree gave you so much joy during the holidays; why not give it a chance to keep living? And BTW, artificial doesn’t need to have a negative connotation!

5 January 2024

This is the one and only Frank Sinatra with “Willow Weep For Me”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

Uncategorized

APPLE BLOSSOM TIME

The Sicilian Storyteller

Rochelle from Friday Fictioneers
gave us the photo below while
Denise from Six Sentence Stories
provided the prompt word “jingle”.
This is my response, a union of two prompts,
in a 100-word, six-sentence story.*

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

The year was 1939; they were a happy couple.

When she became pregnant the following year, they were ecstatic; their son was born in 1941, the most beautiful baby anyone ever saw – golden curls, plump cheeks as rosy as apple blossoms.

He was a delightful child who brought incredible joy into their lives.

In 1942 the baby was diagnosed with nephritis; incurable, the doctor said and they were left heartbroken.

In the blink of an eye between Jingle Bells and Auld Lang Syne, their baby silently passed away.

The young couple was devastated; they never celebrated new year’s eve again.

NAR © 2023
100 Words
6 Sentences

*This story is true; the young mother and father were my parents, their baby boy was the brother I never knew. Six weeks after their baby died, my father was drafted and spent his entire tour of duty fighting in Europe during WWII while my mother was left alone without a husband, without a baby. It was many years before I understood the ineffable emotional toll this had on their lives and why we never celebrated New Year’s Eve.

29 December 2023
Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt!

This is The Andrews Sisters singing “Apple Blossom Time”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.