Image courtesy Roger Bultot
‘They were such a lovely couple, I can’t quite believe it’s happened’ says the woman wrapping her arms around herself as if she is cold, although this is the warmest March on record for years. At the side of the kerb, as close as the emergency services will allow, friends and neighbours huddle together. The sight of their shocked faces, tissues dabbing at tears, is such a contrast to the neat borders bursting with snowdrops and the reporter thinks they would make a great shot. The joy of Spring tempered by tragedy. New life highlighting the rawness of loss.
Apologies – I admit I’ve cheated a little this week as I’ve today written the above for my WIP but when I checked out the prompt it fitted perfectly. Friday Fictioneers is a weekly 100 word photo challenge inspired by a photo prompt. Hop over to host Rochelle’s blog to read the other entries or join in yourself.
fabricating fiction 
It’s a good story, Louise, but extracts from longer works always have the feel of missing information
I shall hopefully find out that information when I write again tomorrow.
It does leave me with question about what happened.
I’ll leave that to your imagination, for now…
I enjoyed this, I think it works! Bleary tale though.
Thanks – it’s not very cheery!
Dear Louise,
Never apologize. It’s your work. It’s 100 words and beautiful writing. That’s not cheating in my book. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
That’s what counts in my book. Thank you!
i surmise the couple jumped to their death? perfect description of the scene. you just showed me how to write long sentences in a clear and effective way.
That’s good – thank you.
No apologies are necessary here, Louise! It does stand alone and it does leave us questions… which is more than okay! It’s nice when the reader can fill in the blanks as she chooses..
Thanks Dale. My imagination has been running in overdrive on this one. So many possibilities.
Lovely though tragic tale. At least the Press have found a silver lining 🙂
Oh they are right in there!
I like the reporter’s clinical evalution of the potential in the situation. Nicely done.
Thanks Sandra. I wonder if you do become unmoved by things, the more you see.
One life ends another begins. Such is life. A perfect short story.
My story is called Stardust
Thanks for reading Keith. What a lovely story Stardust is and I love what you did to the photo!
So many questions! Good job for leaving the reader wondering what happened and not really liking the reporter very much (at least THIS reader didn’t.)
neat borders bursting with snowdrops – love this line.
We had a neighbor once, years ago when we were first married, who told us that she could tell a couple was happy by how well they kept their yard. I think she was hinting that we needed to rake the leaves off our lawn. Funny story.
You caught the attitude of the reporter perfectly!
Smug and heartless!
The suspense is built in only 100 words–– oh, another thriller to wait for. 😉 Nice job, Louise!
You’ll be seeing it sooner rather than later I hope!
Although, there’s some strategy in building up sales and success for The Sister and The Gift for now, and then getting folks excited about the new one… when they come out too close together, sometimes readers drift away. I’m sure there’s a concrete marketing approach! Clearly I’m not an expert. 😉
I have to say it works for me as a story… a tragedy that you feel is told… does it really matter (though I guess a murder suicide)
Thanks. An accident perhaps (or was it…)
A tragedy amid everyday life. And the nosey-parker photographer.
Indeed. Thanks for reading Patrick.
I think 100 word stories always have more to them than their 100 words. Imagination is key.
Thank you Dawn! I did hope so.
Great writing, I’m sure your third novel is going to be as superb as the previous two.
A great excerpt, Louise, but it begs the question, What happened? 🙂 — Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne – I shall look forward to nearing the end and find out what happened myself!