Photo prompt by Roger Bultot

I dreamed when I was young of exploring the world. Top of the list was the Trans-Siberian Railway.

I’d imagine being a brave young woman travelling the Far East in the late 1800s or 1920s.

I love to travel, but in the end I’m not that adventurous.

I long for the escape, breathe deep (and perhaps cough) exotic air, touch gently the people and places entrenched in ancient cultures, who smile with grace but wish I’d leave.

Fat wallet in hand, and friendly guide.

Dream in clean sheets at the end of the day. [94 words]

Thank you Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for continuing to set this 100 word or less challenge. It is certainly a commitment appreciated by many. Other 100 word stories can be read here.

Photo prompt from Na’ama Yehuda

Oppression

desperation

claustrophobic disintegration.

I look up and see blue

flossy, puppy clouds

sunny side up

In the glass, reflected back

a total darkness

the oily snake of depression

The world is bleak

people hate-speak

children closet-weep

Darkness speaks.

walls bleed

they weep.

Inside my head

I wail

I flail, dispirited. (51 words)

Thank you Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for continuing to set this 100 word or less challenge. It is certainly a commitment appreciated by many. Other 100 word stories can be read here.

AND since I forgot about word count, because I was so excited to be in the Top 10 contributors … here it is again, under 100 words 😁

Photo Prompt @ Roger Bultot

My grandkids miss so much, faces pressed to devices.

In my favourite recce spot, I wait for mine.

Then, look down.

What’s the time, weather, shipping schedule?

Can you fish here? Where can I eat? Kids on their way?

Look down.

I hear, “Hi Grandad.”

Look up.

“Hello son.”

“Great weather,” he says.

Look up.

“Oh! Yes, it is.”

“Great fishing,” says the grandson.

” I was wondering …” I reply.

“I’d love a burger. Nathans do great food, ” he says.

Look up.

“Right. I was wondering ….”

Cop onto yourself, old man.

Look up! You’re missing out.

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 @ Roger Bultot

My grandchildren spend a lot of time on their devices.

I often think they miss so much of life, with their faces pressed to a screen.

I’m waiting for them now, sitting here in one of my favourite places.

I’ve always loved watching ships come and go, imagining where they’ve been; where they’re off to.

I wonder what time it is … look down.

I wonder what the weather … look down.

What ship is due … look down.

What fish can you catch … look down.

I’d love a burger … look down.

Are the kids on their way … look down. I can’t see a text message.

“Hi Grandad,” I hear. Look up.

“Oh, hello son.”

“Great weather,” he says. Look up.

“Oh, yes, it is.”

“Great fishing. I caught a blue whaler here once,” says the grandson.

“That’s nice. I was wondering about fish,” I reply.

“I’d love a burger Grandad. They do a smashing one here at Nathans,” he says, helping me to stand. Look up.

“Oh, right. I was wondering about dinner.”

Cop onto yourself, old man. Who is really disconnected here? Look up, or you’re missing out.

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.