Twice a year I take this road trip
1,634km of bituminized road between Hedland and Perth.
And again, I find myself stuck at a railway crossing;
with a 2.4km ore train meandering along.
I stare into the horizon, eyes unfocussed; the landscape a blur.
Dubba dup. Dubba dup. Dubba dup.
Drowsiness overtakes me. Eyes droop.
Suddenly, the door alarm!
Ping. Ping. Ping.
Awareness returns. Adrenaline surges.
The stranger reaches in; grabs my throat.
My hands claw his face. He lands a punch.
Black spots, as the horizon fades.
Middle of nowhere. So unexpected.

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

Photo prompt @ Jean L Hays

I watch the sun catcher, as memories rush me.
In that garden, kids play tag.
Drinks in hand, Mum chats with friends.
Glasses clink. Laughter explodes. Delight screams.
Nose twitching, I even smell, barbeque and beer.
It’s all fun and games.
Unless it isn’t.
Darkness bleeds through memory. Joy dims as delight turns sinister.
I turn into the house; splashback tiles catch the movement.
Reflect the blue glass, as they did every time he touched me.
While others laugh and play. I am silent. Passive.
I dream of swimming with dolphins.
And resurface, all smiles. Hot dog in hand.

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

Photo prompt @ Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

The house was dilapidated. On the market for a quick sale.

Deceased estate.

I wandered through, nudging trash along the ground.

Crinkling my face. A hand over my nose and mouth.

The smell!

Beautiful bones to this place. Ceiling roses and architraves.

Stunning wood features.

I imagined generations of a loving family. Good times and bad.

Nobody left. Everything of value removed.

The empty palette catches my eye.

There’d been a painter in the family.

I wondered whether their work was known.

And if I’d recognise the name.

Something other than debris.

I hoped so! (95 words)

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