Betrothed

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 9 December 2022

Photo Credit: Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

 
It was still summer heading to fall but winter had already set in his heart.

Austin remembered that particular moment when he found Layla reading alone in the library. Sitting beside her, he couldn’t help but reveal his true feelings for her.

“I love you,” he said.

Layla was taken aback. “I just want us to be friends,” she frowned as she momentarily fixed her hijab.

Shortly after graduation from high school, they parted ways. He went to college and learned she was betrothed to her distant cousin.

“Fight for her,” his best friend advised. “Don’t give up that easily.”
 

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A Bridge He Couldn’t Cross

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 2 December 2022

Photo Credit: Roger Bultot

 
The teacher introduced her as their new classmate. She looked weird wearing a hijab, but he felt a connection right away.

In school, Austin and Layla became fast friends. Introverts at heart, they were often seen in the library sharing their love of poetry and literature.

One day, Austin asked her to be his prom date. “Are you serious?” Layla replied. “You know, my parents wouldn’t approve of it.”

From then on, he realized that falling in love with her was a bridge he couldn’t cross. So be it. He knew she belonged to a culture different than his own.
 

He Did It

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 25 November 2022

Photo Credit: Sandra Crook

 
It was early morning when the tour group arrived in the Doolin village. The plan was to hike the Cliffs of Moher.

Knowing his fear of heights, Erin gave her boyfriend a choice.

“You can join us or stay in one of the pubs until we come back,” she said.

Not wanting to be left alone, Jason summoned his courage and decided to go with them.

Panting for breath on occasion and slipping twice on muddy slopes, he finally made it to the top.

“You did it,” Erin said.

“Just barely.”

“Next time, we’ll go skydiving.”

“Don’t push your luck.”

 

It’s Finders Keepers

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 18 November 2022

Photo Credit: Starsinclayjars

 
It was amazing what one could find walking around the neighborhood. The other day, Sam picked up a wallet that he mailed to the owner using the address on the driver’s license found inside. This time around, it was a medical walking boot lying abandoned on the sidewalk. It was still in good shape. He thought of looking for the owner but then changed his mind. He reasoned that the owner must have gotten rid of it in exultation because he didn’t need it anymore. Besides, it was finders keepers. He could sell it on eBay for a good price.
 

He Owes Her Big Time

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 11 November 2022

Photo Credit: Dale Rogerson

 
Laila was staring through the window like a miserable puppy. Her step mom punished her after half-sister Mia complained that she ate her Halloween candies. Laila saw her dad did it, too, but she didn’t say a word. Only the thought of monsters lurking behind the trees prevented her from running away.

As dusk settled in, her dad interceded on Laila’s behalf. After asking his wife’s permission, he opened the door and let his favorite daughter in.

“Thank you for not being a tattle-tale,” he said. “I owe you.”

“You owe me big time, Dad, I can’t wait for Christmas.“