Free at Last

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 27 March 2020

Photo Credit: Jeff Arnold

 
After school, Tommy went to visit his grandfather at the nursing home.

As soon as he saw him, he grabbed his shirt not wanting to let go.

“Take me out of here,” he begged. “It feels like prison.”

As a roving journalist, he traveled the world over. But getting old wasn’t very kind. His playground started to shrink as age and health issues took their toll.

“Grandpa, I’ll let mom know,” Tommy said.

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

A week later his grandfather passed away peacefully while asleep.

Tommy imagined him walking excitedly outside without his walker. He was free at last.

Spring Break

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 20 March 2020

Photo Credit: J. Hardy Carroll

 
Ashley was cleaning out her dorm when her best friend stopped by.

“We’re having a spring break party at the diner,” she said. “I want you to come.”

“I thought we’re told to practice social distancing.”

“Don’t be a party pooper. This pandemic can’t stop us from partying.”

Reluctantly, Ashley joined and didn’t regret it. She had a lot of fun.

Upon arriving home, Ashley was excited to see her grandmother again. “I miss you, Nana,” she said and gave her a big hug.

A few days later, Nana was rushed to the hospital when she started developing pneumonia-like symptoms.

Sacrifice

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 13 March 2020

Photo Credit: C.E.Ayr

 
Elena sat alone in the park on her free day holding a cellphone which served as her lifeline to loved ones she left behind.

She was a domestic helper in a country whose culture was different from her own.

Her husband said she was fortunate to travel and provide for the family.

As soon as she started sending money, her husband quit driving a rickshaw. He said the daily grind was too much for his health.

Elena wanted to go home. But she found herself in a bind since her husband and kids had become totally dependent on her income.
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Decision Time

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 6 March 2020

Photo Credit: Roger Bultot

 
As coronavirus continued to spread, villagers were ordered to stay home. Panic buying at local stores ensued causing empty shelves of food and other necessities.

“Mommy, I’m hungry,” little Enya cried. It broke Sara’s heart. It was something that a mother didn’t want to hear.

For a while now, they had subsisted on dried fruits and potatoes that ultimately ran out.

Looking outside, Sara saw her daughter’s pet chicken roaming in the yard with nary a care in the world.

Will it save the day for her family? Sara asked herself. It was a question she needed to settle soon.

The Kickoff Party

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 28 February 2020

Photo Credit: Dale Rogerson

 
Version One
 
Six months after he was replaced, David was still pining for his role in the Broadway musical.

Consequently, he couldn’t contain his excitement when he told his wife that he was invited to the kickoff party for the coming season.

“Have fun,” she said.

At the party, he was greeted warmly. And yet, something wasn’t quite right. He felt out of place.

It became more clear when it was over. He walked alone to the subway station while the rest went back to work. By now, he realized it was time to move on and let go of the past.

Version Two
 
Six months after he was replaced, David was still pining for his role in the Broadway musical.

Consequently, he couldn’t contain his excitement when he was invited to the kickoff party for the coming season. He was hoping to get a shot as an alternate.

At the party, he was greeted warmly by his fellow actors, but sadly no offer was made. As it went on, he became more ill at ease and felt he didn’t belong.

It became more apparent when the party was over. He walked alone to the subway station while the rest went back to work.