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.
RANDOM THOUGHTS by Trish 
Oh my, your story is an absolute possibility. Good to know that there are neighbours who watch and care. Good story!
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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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I wonder if Buddy suspects something and wants to get out of there. It takes courage sometimes to do the right thing, possibly risking irritation at being disturbed. Nice neighbor!
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Thanks Brenda 🙂
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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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Thanks Dale
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Excellent – sobering and excellent.
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A heart attack? Or just an overnight trip? I guess she did right calling 911.
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She did the right thing calling the authorities.
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Oh dear, I fear for Ms Jacobs.
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911? What happened to “000”? I think you have been ‘Trumped’
Good work!
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I smell trouble coming up!
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Hopefully she’s just gone out (though that’s not very wise these days). Great story!
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I enjoyed your story and want to know more.
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Great! The mystery remains unsolved.
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Oh dear, hope it turns out well. She’s a good neighbour.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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If Buddy had started sniffing the box they’d have been even more concerned! An intriguing tale.
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Thanks Keith
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That’s a nice concerned neighbour.
Hope all is well.
Usually, people don’t have time for such things.
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Or don’t take the time? 😉
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Riveting. We just had a similar experience. It didn’t turn out well.
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I’ve read three stories so far, each one full of goose bumps. That package is raising a lot of creepy stories, I’m thinking 🙂
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Actions could backfire on the protagonist, or they might be doing the right thing. All depends on how well the neighbours know each other.
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Nah, she wasn’t looking well, Mrs Jacobs, I think she’s a gone cookie.
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😁😅
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Now I am curious about the contents lying inside. Can’t wait for 911 to appear 🙂
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Dear Trish,
Mrs. Jacobs is lucky to have such an astute and concerned neighbor. Hope she’s okay in the end.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nicely written.
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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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I hope Mrs Jacobs was just having a lazy day and nothing more serious! Good story for our times.
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A good neighbour
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Need them. But it can be tricky making that approach. Sometimes, neighbours don’t appreciate the intrusion!
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