Friday Fictioneers – Mrs Jacobs

Posted on by
Jean L Hays

Photo prompt @ Jean L Hays

Three times today I passed this gate and the waiting package.

The first, during my morning jog. Registering the box, and the times we live in.

Shrugging off that initial concern, I went about my day.

The second was after work. My house, across the street.

It was unusual. Mrs Jacobs at 4376 was usually more onto things.

Taking Buddy for his walk made it three times, and I was concerned.

Approaching the gate, I punched the intercom.

Buzzed twice, three times. No answer.

Buddy tugged impatiently, slobbering, as I pulled my phone and called 911.

Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here.

32 thoughts on “Friday Fictioneers – Mrs Jacobs”

  2. This is a good story to remind people that neighbors are still people, like us, who deserve being cared about. Nicely told! I must say that it does reflect a lot of what I’ve been seeing, even in this big City that is often seen by others as impersonal, between neighbors. Here’s to caring, and to whining pooches giving us confirmation that something is amiss. Na’ama

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  4. It is rare, in today’s society, that neighbours feel they can look out for each other – unless they actually frequent each other on a regular basis. Everyone usually keeps their nose to themselves and don’t interfere. I loved this story, Trish.

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  24. I once called a member of my elderly Polish neighbours’ family when they hadn’t surfaced by noon. Turned out they had participated in a Slivovitch-fest the night before and were sleeping it off, but fortunately they were not offended and tagged me with ‘a heart of gold’ until I eventually moved away. Your protagonist will hopefully meet the same reaction.

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