The Cabin in the Woods

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 18 June 2021

Photo Credit: Alicia Jamtaas

 
It was the cabin in the woods that my high school buddies and I used to hang out.

Coming home from overseas, I decided to go there and reunite with them for old times’ sake. But only Jose was around to join me.

After graduation from high school, we went our separate ways. I went to college while Jose and the others stayed to work on their family farm.

After all these years, I noticed that Jose had changed and so did I. It must be true for the others too. We had nothing left in common but the memories.

Mistaken Identity

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 11 June 2021

Photo Credit: Dale Rogerson

 
While standing in line at the fast food joint, I heard somebody yelling.

“Roobbeerrttoo!“

Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I turned around, I saw him.

‘I’m sorry,’ he apologized, a tone of disappointment in his voice. “I thought you were my friend back home.”

I felt a connection to him right away. He reminded me of myself during my early days in America.

I’d like to buy him lunch and maybe give some pointers on adjusting to the new life. But before I could utter a word, he made an about-face and disappeared in the crowd.

Love Story

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 4 June 2021

Photo Credit: Liz Young

 
It was one of those lazy summer day.

Rachel was watching Love Story, totally engrossed, wiping her tears with a tissue.

Suddenly, she heard a loud noise outside. When she went out looking, she saw her husband’s car crashed into the fence.

It appeared that Jeffrey accidentally released the parking brake while pretending to drive. Fortunately, he wasn’t hurt.

“I’m so sorry, mom,” he said. “I didn’t mean to do it.”

“Love means never to say you’re sorry.”

Jeffrey felt relieved, if only for a moment.

“But wait until you hear from your dad,” she continued. “He’ll be home shortly.”

If Only the Dead Could Speak

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 28 May 2021

Photo Credit: Miles Rost

 
Nicholas was haunted by the supposedly alien specie roaming the nearby woods.

He spent days in pursuit, hiding behind the bushes, finger on the trigger and ready to shoot at a moment’s notice.

The object of his obsession remained elusive until it finally showed up. From a colorful fairy-like creature, it morphed into a monster, and attacked him with all its might. Armed with only a camera, Nicholas was doomed.

His bloody carcass or whatever remained of it was later found. All indications had suggested that Nicholas was mauled by a bear. But darn, if only the dead could speak.

Lost a Friend Today

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 21 May 2021

Photo Credit: Na’ama Yehuda

 
I lost a friend today. Our paths crossed when he joined our team. Yesterday, his contract ended. I’ll miss him.

He came to the U.S. from China to study. After completing his graduate studies, he chose to stay. I don’t blame him as I’m an immigrant myself. The opportunities here are much better.

Asked what he’s going to do, he said, he’ll take a long vacation in China where he and his wife bought a condo close to the beach.

Sometimes it’s better when a friendship ends before it gets boring.

With a handshake and a hug, we said goodbye.