First Encounter

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 30 October 2020

Photo Credit: J. Hardy Carroll

 
In a rush to find her locker, Ella slipped and dropped her backpack scattering the contents on the floor.

“It looks like you need help.” Ella heard a voice as she gathered her stuff.

She turned and saw this nerdy looking boy in thick glasses.

Before she could say anything, he was already on his knees helping out.

“I’m John,” he said. “And you are?”

“Ella, my name’s Ella.”

Twenty years later and happily married, they still got a kick out of the first time they met.

“I slipped and you fell for me,” Ella said with a hearty laugh.

He Survived

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 9 October 2020

Photo Credit: Sandra Crook

 
It was early evening. Sitting on the back porch, Marge reminisced about the time her husband left for the Amazon in search of the last uncontacted tribe.

“I promise I’d be back,” Homer said. But just in case, remember that I’ll always love you.”

Ten years passed since he went missing and presumed dead. The memory still haunted her.

Suddenly, the door opened and the lights went on.

“What are you doing in the dark?” her husband asked.

“Thinking about the reckless trip you took when you were having a midlife crisis.”

“I survived, didn’t I?”

“Thank God for that.”

Recycling Time

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 18 September 2020

Photo Credit: Roger Bultot

 
“Billy, make sure to clean up your drawers. Curbside textile recycling is scheduled in our neighborhood this weekend.”

“OK, Mom.”

Billy started with his underwear collection. Most were suffering from waistband-fatigue. Some had holes that were getting bigger due to neglect and too much scratching while watching TV alone and undisturbed. Sometimes they’d make do when he was desperate, but it was definitely no boost to his self-esteem.

After tossing out the ones that couldn’t be salvaged anymore, Billy had determined he needed a dozen pair of new ones.

But would his mom go for it? That was the question.

Unfinished Business

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 11 September 2020

Photo Credit: Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

 
While visiting the old neighborhood, Adrian decided to stop by the store where he used to work as a kid.

“May I help you?”

“Mrs. Robinson, it’s me.”

“Adrian, is that really you?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Oh my, how you have grown,” she exclaimed looking at him from head to foot.

“I just wanted to thank you for giving me a chance in life. I don’t think I’d ever make it in this country without your generosity.”

“You’re much welcome, Adrian. Now, we’ve got unfinished business to take care of.”

Mrs. Robinson then put the ‘Closed’ sign and locked the door.

Meeting Someone

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 21 Auguest 2020

Photo Credit: J Hardy Carroll

 
Jonathan went to watch his little sister performed in a play and found himself seated next to a gorgeous girl.

He smiled at her when their eyes met. She smiled back.

“I’m Jonathan.”

“I’m Delores.”

“Quite an unusual name.”

“You’re telling me.”

“How about giving me your phone number? Maybe we can have coffee sometime.”

“Sure.”

On the subway home, Jonathan couldn’t take Delores out of his mind.

“The horoscope was right,” he thought. “I’d meet someone special today.”

Right after dinner, he gave her a call, eager to hear her voice again.

“Delores?“

“Sorry, you’ve reached the wrong number.“