Category: Microfiction

FF: Autumn Years

Hello! Welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers a story in 100 words inspired by the photo provided this week by Ted Strutz. Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo.

Photo Prompt © Ted Strutz

Autumn Years

Words 100

All those road trips, the singing, the food and best of all, the laughter. Where had it all gone?

Even the leaves had fallen and life looked bleak and barren. Nothing to do but wait for death. Wasn’t it?

Perhaps for you, a branch swayed in the breeze, I am waiting for spring. What has gone will come back. There will be new leaves, sprouts, flowers, fragrance, birds and bees…

But what about me, the old abandoned car wailed.

Well for starters, you can stop crying. And wait for spring too. You can offer solace and be home to many.

***

Thank you for reading. Have a great week. And if you have time (and the inclination) why don’t you drop in here for the now completed short story:- Some Sugar & Spice. Or if you prefer poems, have a peek here

FF: Crossroads

Hello! Happy to be able to participate, even if a late for Rochelle’s weekly party – Friday Fictioneers, a story in 100 words based on a photo prompt kindly provided by Lisa Fox this fox. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt and join the fun, click here.

Photo Prompt © Lisa Fox

Crossroads

Words 100

“Rohan?” Sohini stopped short. He was working as a driver?

“Hi.” His embarrassment was evident.

“Bye.” Turning, she hesitated. “I still hate you. Especially the way you dumped me. I was barely 18, you could have been kinder.” She gave him a faint smile. “That said, I know it was the best thing that could have happened to me. It woke me up and made me stronger. I am in a happy place now.”

“Good for you.”

“You need to come out of your self-absorbed misery and introspect how this could be the best thing that happened to you. Goodbye.”

***

Thanks for visiting, looking forward to reading your stories. Have a great weekend.

For those who are reading, Some Sugar & Spice — Chapter 35 is up.

FF: Of Endings

Hello! Hope you are having a lovely weekend. I believe it’s unexpectedly hot these days at several places. In Delhi, though it’s not raining as much but pretty overcast and terribly humid. But i guess that’s to be expected for the next two months or so. Sigh.

Moving on, it’s time for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less based on a photo prompt kindly provided this week by J Hardy Carroll. If you wish to join the challenge or read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here. Off we go!

Photo Prompt © J Hardy Carroll

Of Endings

Words 100

After the cremation, the men returned home. The son, with his head shorn wore white unstitched garments. Several rituals still remained. A stream of visitors dropped in to pay their respects.

“I suppose your mother will shift to Delhi now?” A family friend asked.

“We don’t know yet. She is quite independent and attached to this house.”

“But surely she cannot stay alone?”

The son shrugged. “I don’t know. There hasn’t been a chance to discuss any of the practicalities.”

“Yes of course. Of course. But, in case you, decide to sell this house, I would like to purchase it.”

***

Thank you for visiting, have a great week ahead.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

FF: Hunger Games

Hello hope you all are having a lovely weekend. Happy Rakshabandhan to everybody. In Delhi, it’s been raining almost non-stop for the past 12 hours so. Finally the deluge has let up a bit. Hope it stays that way to allow the brothers and sisters to meet without any stress.

It’s past Friday and time for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less based on a photo prompt kindly provided this week by Jen Pendergast. If you wish to join the challenge or read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here. Off we go!

Photo Prompt © Jen Pendergast

Hunger Games

Words 100

“Not well?” Tilak asked.

“A bad headache.” Nita said.

“Take a paracetamol and lie down.”

“But dinner?”

“Relax. I can manage.”

 “Thanks. There’s leftover rice and dal in the fridge. If you could make okra and perhaps eggs…?”

“Sure.”

An hour later, Nita woke up to find her four year old daughter breathing into her face. “What’s the matter, darling? Had your dinner?”

She nodded. “Mamma, are you going to die?”

“No! Why do you ask.”

“I don’t like onions in my omelette.” She started bawling.

“And,” her six-year-old had joined them, “he put potatoes in okra. Who does that?!”

***

Were or are your children fussy about food? Do share your experiences in the comment section. Thank you for visiting, i too shall be blog hopping in a bit. See you soon.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

FF: Up in Flames

Hello! Hope you are having a restful weekend. Welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words based on the photo prompt kindly provided by Marie Gail Stratford this week. If you wish to read the other stories inspired by this prompt or join the party, click here.

Photo Prompt © Marie Gail Stratford

Up in Flames

Words 100

Bunty stumbled and flopped down on the couch. “What’s for dinner? Never mind. Let’s go out.” He switched on the television.

Rani gave a resigned look. “Been drinking again?”

“Let’s go!” He grinned, fanning himself with a wad of cash.

“Where did you get that from?”

“Call the boys.”

“They aren’t home yet.”

“Why not?”

“The school has taken them for an educational trip.”

“Where?”

“To the science fair.”

“What!?” He sat up.

“Why? What happened?”

The TV blared in the background.

Breaking News: A bomb blast occurred a few minutes ago at the city’s ongoing science fair. Details awaited.

***

Thank you for reading and leaving me a note. I will be along in a bit. Have a super weekend.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice the next chapter is up.

FF: Of Endings

Hello! I loved the photo shared by Dale for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers and couldnt resist posting another story. Hope you like! Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo.

Photo Prompt © Dale Rogerson

Of Endings

Words 100

“Nani!” Shiuli came running, “You are missing all the excitement.” She dragged her granny to the balcony. A crowd had gathered below.

“Oh! Where’s the pipal?”

“Remember that sound during the storm? It was the pipal toppling over.”

Granny gave a sigh. “I will miss that tree.”

“Look at the damage Nani! Lata Auntie’s balcony is smashed. Three cars crushed and the tree is hanging on the electric cables. The pole too is nearly uprooted. Now, there will be no electricity or internet.” Shiuli moaned.

Granny gave another sigh. “When it’s my time, I hope I can slip away quietly.

***

Thank you for reading my second submission to this prompt. Have a great weekend. And if you have time (and the inclination) why don’t you drop in here for Some Sugar & Spice. For those already reading, the next chapter is up but no promises on stress relief! 😀

FF: Reflections

Hello! Welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers a story in 100 words inspired by the lovely photo provided this week by Dale. Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo.

Photo Prompt © Dale Rogerson

Reflections

Words 100

“Wh…at?”

“Let’s end this.” Sahas’ voice was flat.

“Why? You were so happy on our 25th anniversary…”

“After Tara’s marriage, I felt it was my last obligation.”

“Did I do something wrong? I will be better. I swear.”

He shook his head. “I want out.”

“Is there someone else?”

“Does it matter?”

“What will everyone say?” Sheeta pleaded.

“Tara’s fine.”

“What about the others!” She screamed.

He shrugged.

Two decades later, Sheeta sent a text to Sahas.

Dinner? My treat.

What’s the occasion? Another promotion?

A thank you for releasing me from a prison I didn’t know I was in.

***

Thank you for reading. Have a great weekend. And if you have time (and the inclination) why don’t you drop in here for Some Sugar & Spice. For those already reading, the next chapter is up. 🙂

FF: Be the Light

Hello and welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s weekly challenge of Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words. This week the photo is kindly provided by Sandra Crook. If you would like to join the challenge or read the other stories inspired by this photo, click here. Off we go!

Photo Prompt © Sandra Crook

Be the Light

Words 100

Be the Light

Words 100

She woke with a feeling of being trapped.

A heart attack?

Whom could she call at this hour of the night?

An ambulance?

But somebody would be needed for the paperwork.

How had she been reduced to this?

Once surrounded by a full family, today, there was no one.

“Dear God, is there not a single person who is mine? Am I that bad?”

A blinding light enfolded her even as a voice boomed.

Even in this life you didn’t learn what I sent you here for – no one belongs to you. You belong to none. You belong to Light.

***

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Looking forward to visiting your blog. Have a lovely weekend.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next two chapters are up.

FF: Fireworks

Another weekend and time for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words based on a photo prompt, kindly provided this week by Roger Bultot. If you too would like to join the challenge or read the other stories inspired by this photo, click here.

Photo Prompt © Roger Bultot

Fireworks

Words 100

Nita breathed in the sea air. “A long drive to show off your new car!”

“It’s been weeks since we met. Even the car’s a month old. Do you even care?” Rohit huffed.

“Sorry, this month was crazy.”

“Mine’s next month.” He tucked a strand behind her ear. “Should we…do you think…will you marry me?” he was on his knees, holding out a ring. “I know it’s not much of a proposal. I thought of fireworks but they cause pollution…”

“That clinches it!” she held out her hand. “As a child, I was forced to work in a firecracker factory.”

***

Thank you for visiting. Hope you have a great weekend.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

FF: A World of her Own

Hello everyone! We meet again for another edition of Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words hosted by Rochelle. The photo this week is kindly provided by David Stewart. If you would like to read the other stories inspired by this photo, click here

Photo Prompt © David Stewart

A World of her Own

Words 100

They banged the door, rang the bell but to no avail. She stayed locked in her tower.

How did she manage?

Food and other necessities were just a phone call away. When they came, she would drop the basket down. Once in a while, she would tiptoe out at night to take care of the garbage.

What about money?

She paid for them with her stories and articles. Internet data was affordable enough for her drama fix.

But why?

She didn’t want anything to do with people.

People who threw acid on her or the others who averted their eyes.

***

Thank you for visiting and i will be along in a bit. Have a super weekend.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.