PHOTO PROMPT © Lisa Fox
The Empty Campground
Marilyn shivered. “Where is everyone?” She’d booked the popular campsite six months ahead for this particular weekend. She wanted to hear other people’s friends and grandkids laughing; none of her own had bothered to come. Excuse after excuse. But this silence.
Suddenly, a chill shot down her spine. Through the blood pounding in her ears, Marilyn thought she heard footsteps. Run! But she froze as a cloth was looped over her eyes.
“Don’t try anything funny.”
She gasped. The voice was—.
“Steven?”
He released the blindfold as friends and family rushed out from behind rocks and trees.
“Surprise!” “Happy birthday!”
As always, many thanks for Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! Stop over and read a wonderful array of 100-word-fiction pieces based on this photo prompt!
Angela Writes... 
that was quite a surprise. i love a happy ending. 🙂
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It was a bit of an abrupt change, but I wasn’t in the mood for a sad ending! Thank you for reading and commenting!
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Lots of tension on the build up. A very satisfactory ending.
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James, I’m so glad you thought the ending was satisfactory! Thank you!
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How cute! So glad it was a happy ending…the exact opposite of another post for this photo!
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I just read the other post! Yes, I went the opposite direction. This was probably a surprise party taken way too far, but it all worked out in the end!
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I hope she forgives them the prank
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Frankly, I’m not sure I’d be able to if it was me! But she did get her birthday wish in the end :). Thank you for reading!
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I think I would have been instantly angry, settled down then enjoyed teh delightful surprise. Well done.
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Alicia, I agree completely! I’d be furious then thrilled :).
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Aw, what a lovely ending. I was so sorry for her, you described her disappointment and loneliness so well.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the ending! And thank you!
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Took me through a twist I didn’t expect at all! I liked the happy ending.
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Michael, thank you! I thought it might be too forced, but wanted it to end happily :).
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Oh! Nice turnaround. And a wonderful surprise for the birthday girl 🙂
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Thank you! I’m sure she was thrilled, after the initial shock.
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Oh I thought this was going another way! Yay for a happy end. Poor thing thinking no one wanted to go. Well done with that twist
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Thank you! That would be the worst part, mulling over the fact that nobody cared. I’m glad they surprised her!
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Wonderful. I love it!
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Dawn, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you :).
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Angela you told that just right.
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Thank you! I’m glad it hit the proper notes.
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You’re very welcome.
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Very good!
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Thank you!
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Phew. I’m relieved for her. That was a scary moment. Great buildup of tension, and release at the end.
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I’m not sure I’d want this to happen to me, but it sure would be memorable :). Thank you so much for your wonderful comment!
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Oh, I loved this. A very sweet ending.
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Brenda, thank you!
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Dear Angela,
Tense and frightening buildup to a sweet, happy ending. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thank you!
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