Here is this week’s offering for Friday Fictioneers.
The challenge as always is to write a 100-word story based on a photo prompt which this week comes from ©Sean Fallon.
To find out how to get involved, click here
To read other contributions, click on the blue froggy.
copyright Sean Fallon
Bombardment
Huddled in her living room corner, Eithne braced herself for the next explosion.
‘Be brave,’ she told herself. ‘Don’t let the children see your fear.’
But at the tell-tale whistle of a falling shell she screamed.
Through her confusion Eithne heard her grandson giggle nervously.
That night her daughter-in-law Sally came into her bedroom and sighed.
‘For God’s sake, Eithne,’ said Sally. ‘There’s no point in taking the batteries from the XBox remotes. They’ll only get more from somewhere else. And anyway, you’re over-reacting. It’s just a kids’ video game.’
‘That,’ whispered Eithne, ‘is what frightens me most of all.’
©Siobhán McNamara
This is a complex condition. Suffice to say, I can relate to all generations highlighted within your story. One of fear, the other of frustrated acceptance (and, perhaps, naivety) and the youngsters who see only fun and a modern day pastime. A well constructed piece..
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They certainly mean different things to different people. Thanks for reading
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A great take on the prompt. Well done.
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Thank you 🙂
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Frightens me too, Siobhan. Truly.
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Thanks for reading, Sandra.
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You put your finger on the scariest of all.. truly a very well written story.
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Thanks Björn
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A poignant story! And I really like the way you presented both perspectives, and at the same time directed the readers’ sympathy towards Eithne.
Beautifully narrated.
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Thank you, I’m glad it worked
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My pleasure, and it did! 🙂
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Super story, Siobhan! I sometimes wonder if our kids really understand the gravity of combat.
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Thank you. I would wonder also about some of our decision-makers too. I fear it’s all a game to some people …
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It’s one thing to be frightened but when others do not “get it”, that is the most frightening of all.
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Great story! Unique theme.
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the lady has a point. 🙂
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Nice twist at the end, and I like the difference between the different generations’ reaction to a violent video game.
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Dear Siobhán,
The backstory in your well-layered piece shines forth. It’s what you don’t say that packs a wallop. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Can’t help but chuckle a little at that. Ohhhh that I could snitch the batteries from the neighbor’s remotes for their video games.
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Great story, Eithne’s fear is palpable. Sometimes playing and enjoying destruction and suffering in games seems perverted, but is it really worse than reading and writing about it?
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Your story raises so many ideas, as can be seen in the comments so far. It’s a truly thought-provoking piece that left me pondering. Great.
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This one really packs a punch, Siobhán! I kept many of the out of our home, for a long time… but they are insidious! Love the way our approached this.
Hope you are well. xox
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