Tonight in a town square lit by the moon, the Friday Fictioneers gather to write 100-word stories. Thanks, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields and Dale Rogerson for this thought provoking photo.
The day had been too long, hours creeping by with the slow tock, tock, tock of her heart. Lizbeth owned no watch, nor could she read the shadows of the sun’s passing. Although she had promised, Mother hadn’t taken time to teach the meaning of shifting winds. And after saying, “You’ll learn to read the waters,” Father disappeared. When brother Paul kissed her, saying, “I’ll return for you,” she believed him, too. Six-year-olds trust so easily.
The day had been full of screams. Now, hidden in the shadows, Lizbeth does her best to interpret the silence crawling across the night.
Up From the Ashes 
I don’t know what’s going on here, but I know I want to know.
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Thanks, Neil.
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In the end, there can be only one. Nice job.
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Thanks! I hope she finds another.
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That last bit puts everything in a very ominous light, oh my! Great take on the prompt.
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Thanks so very much, Joy. I appreciate your reading and leaving a comment. This started out at 110 words – chippy chop. Glad it worked for you.
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Mine started out at 157 – ouch!
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Yoiks!
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Poor thing… I know not what is before her but man… she didn’t get the stuff she needed in time!
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Exactly! Thanks for seeing that! Cheers!
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Soon someone will make her tock (sorry couldn’t resist). Very ominous and mysterious story.
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Ha! One can always hope. Thank you.
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oh my, alone, she has to rely on her own wits to survive. i wish her luck.
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Yes, and she wasn’t left with much to work with. Thanks, as always.
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It seems like a lot of people let her down. I hope her future is better.
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Thanks! Me too. Glad you stopped by.
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Creepy. It sounds like she’s always effectively been on her own. Lots of broken promises.
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You’re right. Disappointment follows her everywhere. So perhaps she’s more prepared to be on her own than she thinks. She doesn’t expect much.
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oh, the unspoken horrors. My mind is envisioning too too many wars with this one. Great write!
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Thank you very much, Jellico.
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Dear Lish,
I felt the disappointment left her by those she cared about most. Wonderfully set scene.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, kind lady, I appreciate your always stopping by and leaving a comment.
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Poor little girl. What a scary situation to be in.
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I would think so. Thanks for reading and commenting
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You’re welcome.
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I hope her brother do return… but when and where, I think she will make it.
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Thanks, Bjorn. Fingers crossed.
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Poor vulnerable little thing. I guess her fate depends upon which adult she encounters next — family, friend, or foe.
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Exactly. Hopefully one of the first two. Thanks, Sarah.
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Spooky. This will not end well.
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I don’t think so. This tale must have bubbled up out of all the news about Syria, the movie The Promise, bombings….so many war stories. Perhaps I need to quit listening to the news. Thanks for reading and commenting, James.
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Sad and mysterious. You write the child’s voice/POV very convincingly.
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Gives me the shivers. Poor little girl, hiding and terrified.
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Then I’ve done my job. Thanks so much for reading and leaving a reply.
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Wow what a dark tragic tale. Great writing.
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Thanks so very much! Alicia
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My heart breaks for her. I hope she makes it (but I am fearful for her).
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Looks pretty gloomy for our little gal. Thanks.
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The prompt photo has an edge which your writing portrayed really well.
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Thanks so very much, Michael.
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Such tension. I hope Lizbeth is able to interpret the silence correctly and survive. She has lost so much already.
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Thanks, Sarah Ann. I always appreciate it when you read my work. Alicia
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This reads like the start of a longer story – one I’d like to read.
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What a lovely thing to say. Thanks.
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Intriguing, sounds like she’s been let down by absolutely everyone but surely not intentionally, something is very wrong here. Great cliff hanger
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I think so, too, Michael, although I’m not quite sure what … That’s what happens on Wednesday mornings when you only have 1/2 hour to write a 100-word story before running off for the day! Glad you stopped by.
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I could sense her panic by her lack of skills. Your words took me to her fear and vulnerability.
Heart-rending, yet, poignant considering the world we live in today. Beautifully done, Alicia.
Isadora 😎
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I can’t imagine what’s happening to the children in our world. Thanks, Isadora.
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How frightening for a 6-year-old who can only hide and listen. It sounds like a war or ethnic cleansing of some type. Good writing Alicia. —- Suzanne
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Thank you very much.
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“Six-year-olds trust so easily”..that line ‘bout broke my heart.
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And they do, too. Thanks for reading, Dawn.
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Eerie. Good atmosphere. I don’t really get what all is happening here, but it still makes a terrific read. Thanks, Alicia.
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Thanks a bunch. I’m not sure I know what’s going on either….
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Hahaha! Well, hey. When it’s cool to read, it’s worth it. Content can be determined later, just get me in the experience of the story. 🙂
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Thanks for seeing it that way!
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Terrifying to be small and alone, but her experiences have prepared her well. Her previous loss, her mother’s wise words. I think this girl is a survivor. She’ll come away scarred but alive. Really nicely written Alicia
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Thanks, as always, Lynn.
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