Tag: growing up

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

Grandma’s Shells

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Jennifer clutched the vase of shells and looked over the ocean. 

“Don’t they miss the water, Gamma?”

“These shells like to travel, Jenny-bean! Most shells stay in the ocean, but adventurous ones come on shore to meet people. To live a new life!”

“Maybe they miss home.”

“If they stay in this jar, they’ll live forever.” Grandma was quiet. She took Jenny’s tiny hand. “They’re my special memories. But will you take them back home someday?”

Jenny nodded.

Scattering the shells, Jennifer whispered through tears, “Goodbye, Grandma.”

Wandering toward the car, she paused, chuckled, and picked up a calico scallop.

As always, many thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! Stop over and read a wonderful array of 100-word-fiction pieces based on this photo prompt!

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

Everything Old…

PHOTO PROMPT © Lori Wilson

The door chimed, and before Dottie looked up from arranging old cookbooks, a shrill voice filled her antique shop.

“You’re rebranding? It’s bad enough you didn’t sell when Dad died.”

“Good morning to you, too.”

Francine rolled her eyes. “You’re aging. You won’t find anyone to help you—.”

“This community is growing. People are moving back.” 

“Really?” Francine crossed her arms.

A figure stepped from behind a display. “Really.”

“Mercy?” Francine’s voice cracked.

Mercy smiled and rubbed her round belly. “It’s a great place to raise kids, Mom. Matt’s working downtown and online antique sales are hopping. We love Elmsdale.”

As always, many thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! Stop over and read a wonderful array of 100-word-fiction pieces based on this photo prompt!

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

Goodbye

PHOTO PROMPT © David Stewart

Goodbye

Sierra waited until her mother’s back spun into view. Then she swallowed hard and ventured cautiously, “Will we ever come back?” 

Mama’s shoulders froze, then drooped. She’d been whirling around all morning, like the wooden top Sierra had lovingly packed in a box labeled Knickknacks, but now Mama pivoted slowly, wobbling slightly.

“Here’s hoping! We never know, do we?”

Sierra stared at her, trying to decipher the message beneath the stubborn optimism in her mother’s eyes. Finally, Mama sighed, sank to the floor, and clasped her legs to her chest. “I doubt it.”

“It’s okay, Mama. That’s what I thought.”

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!

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

What to Serve with Pie?

PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz

“Pie? Again?” Janie leaned on her elbows and scanned the kitchen. “Every night, the same. Pie. And nothing to show for it except dirty dishes and messy counters. Ugh. I could make cookies, macaroons, truffles, crème brûlée! But nooooooo. Pie. Pie. Pie.”

“Uh, Janie?” Sharon glanced up from her rolling pin. “You ever think of getting a different job?”

The younger girl shrugged. 

“I don’t think you’re gonna cut it here—unless we start serving whine with our pies.”

“Ohhhhh! That’s an idea! I love wine.”

Sharon popped a pie into the oven. “You certainly do, hun. You certainly do.”

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!

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

Life on a Spit

This week one of our dogs decided it would be fun to jump through a window (yes, it was closed) and slice open her leg (in two places), and then eat out the suture glue (twice). Now she’s downstairs crying because she hates the cone of shame. Maybe Papaw (story below) has some advice for me? Hmmmmm…

PHOTO PROMPT © Mr. Binks

Life on a Spit

“Here, Papaw? Seriously?” Rose moaned.

“Rosie! It’s the best chicken in town!”

Reluctantly pushing open the car door, she eyed the dark clouds. “I wanted a burger.”

“Yummmmm.” Grandpa inhaled, pointing through the glass. “See how the chicken spins around that heater?”

“Yeah. So?”

“Life’s kinda like that. By the time you’re old, you’ll have spent plenty of time in the fire, but it isn’t so bad. Gives you lots of…flavor.”

“Ewwwww. Flavor? Seriously?”

Papaw laughed and squeezed her hand. “It hurts now, but you’ll survive.

Rosie cracked a smile. “I guess chicken doesn’t sound all that bad.”

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!

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

Making a Break

PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson

Making a Break

Alissa always imitated the neighbor kids. She liked what they liked and played what they played.

When the tiny library appeared, they wandered over and she followed. Turning pages, Alissa felt like heaven had opened. They would come here every afternoon from here on out. How could they not?

But the next day the kids voted to play soccer. Soccer. For the first time in her life, Alissa was torn. She trudged after her friends, paused, peered backward, then made her decision.

“Hey, Alissa! Where ya goin’?”

Sprinting toward the library she shouted over her shoulder. “I’ve gotta read!” 

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!

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

Seeing Red

PHOTO PROMPT © Mr. Binks

Seeing Red

“You wanna ride that?” Mercy shuddered.

Dean squared his shoulders. “Definitely.” 

He and Rusty had discussed it the night before. “If you don’t ride The Lightening Bolt, she’ll think you’re a coward,” Rusty had insisted, spiking his red hair with his fingers. 

“Suit yourself,” Mercy shrugged. “Rollercoasters terrify me.”

She’ll be so impressed, Dean thought, waiting his turn. The line moved more like a lethargic slug than lightening. 

After the ride, Dean rushed through the gate.

“Did you see me? Hey, Mercy?”

“Lookin’ for that cute blond?” A ride worker asked. “Saw her headin’ thata way with some redheaded feller.”

As always, many thanks for Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! Stop over and read more 100-word-fiction pieces based on this photo prompt!

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

Across the Generations

PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz

Across the Generations

“I WON’T sleep! Never. Not without DEAR Mr. Bear.” Penny dropped her flushed cheek against the rough quilt and wailed.

“We forgot to pack him, hun. You’ll have to manage.”

“I WANTED to go back. He’ll NEVER forgive me! Oh, Mr. BEAR.”

Mother’s lips danced and she quickly looked away. 

Grandma’s silhouette filled the doorway. “Like mother, like daughter.” 

“Hmmm.” Mother stood and poked her head into the closet. 

“Mr. Rabbit has sat here alone for 20 years, Pen.”

“Whoaaaaa. That’s forEVER.” She exhaled loudly. ”Okay. I’ll take him.”

“You’re a trooper.” Mother kissed Penny’s cheek. “You, too, Mr. Rabbit.”

To read more 100 word stories based on this photo prompt, hop over to Friday Fictioneers, hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

A Past Time

PHOTO PROMPT © Fleur Lind

It’s been so many years. Will he even recognize me? 

Pretending to yawn and stretch, Andie peered over each shoulder. The coast was clear. She knelt on the withered grass. I won’t knock, she reasoned, just take a closer look. The door seemed smaller now that she’d quadrupled in age and size. Leave childhood memories where they belong, the grownup voice nagged: In your imagination. 

But Andie’s hand shot forward unbidden, armed with the secret knock. Tappitty, tap. Tap.

As the door opened, an unfamiliar face appeared. “Who are—?” Then he gasped. “Where’s Daniel? What have you done with him?”

Once again, many thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting! Check out Friday Fictioneers for more 100 word stories based on this photo prompt.

Posted on in Uncategorized

The Rusty Bridge

PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook

The Rusty Bridge

Bridges always make me think of Rusty. 

He sent letters til I was 10, telling of his adventures.  I kept a list back then, updating it every time he wrote. When I turned 18, I would follow in his footsteps. Yellowstone Natural Bridge was the last place he mentioned before we got the life-shattering call. 

I ended my list, put it in a tin can deep in my closet, and decided to take a safe path instead. 

Yesterday, I found the list.

“I lost my life in a different way, Big Brother,” I moaned.

This evening, I bought a backpack.

Many thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! One photo, 100 words… Why not join us?

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