The picture prompt below for this week’s Friday Fictioneers 1oo-word story challenge comes courtesy of ©Jennifer Pendergast
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To read other responses to the prompt, click on the Blue Froggy
Grinding Halt
In the discount supermarket, Liam trembled in giddy anticipation from the booze aisle to the checkout.
The other early morning shoppers whispered: “He had a good job ‘til he nearly killed a wee girl coming out of school. Imagine, driving in that state in the middle of the afternoon.”
Shame burned; another tool of the cruel and unrelenting master that made Liam feel like a helpless child.
Then one morning, he met a man who’d been dry for seven years.
Liam asked him: ‘How?’
The man took him to a cafe and began to talk. Liam listened, and felt his master’s grip weaken.
©Siobhán McNamara
siobhanmcnamara 
If only all met that one person who made a difference…
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Indeed, and if only all were as ready to listen …
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I like where you took us, away from the obvious. Great title!
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Thank you 🙂
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It’s all a matter of choosing the right master.
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It sure is, and about learning to be master of one’s own destiny
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A nice ray of hope at the end, hopefully redemption is in sight. Well done.
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Hopefully. At least he has seen the light at the end of the tunnel
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A different take on the prompt. Well done.
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Thank you Sandra 🙂
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This is an uplifting tale. Addiction is hard to battle. Welldone.
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Thank you Tamal, he certainly has a tough road ahead but at least he has taken the first step
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Very creative! Loved the metaphor.
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Thank you Jade 🙂
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Sometimes all what’s needed is the right mentor. Great take on the story.
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Thank you 🙂
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A terrible tale that shows the beginning of something new and promising. I love that. Redemption is not an easy thing to find, especially when the “master” in question is involved.
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Thank you for your lovely comment 🙂
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How horrible for all. Wishing him luck.
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I think he’s going to be ok!
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Dear Siobhán,
So much story in few words. I love that he felt the master’s grip weaken. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle 🙂
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For some alcohol can be a disaster. A killer in so many ways – as you so well illustrated
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Thanks Michael, some people really do get caught in its clutches
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Lovely ray of hope towards the end.
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And one that he was brave enough to face towards ..
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There is a lot of great writing in this short story. I really like the line “Shame burned; another tool of the cruel and unrelenting master that made Liam feel like a helpless child.” and the fact that the master’s grip only loosened.
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Thank you for your lovely comment. Hopefully Liam and all those who walk that path can eventually learn to become master of their own destiny
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Wonderful! Begins with hopelessness but ends with hope!
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Thank you! There’s a lot to be said for a little ray of hope 🙂
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It maybe little, but hope is all that we need today!💐
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Love the way your words paint a graphic picture!
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Great reading! Thank you!
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Thank you 🙂
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Very realistic story. Those folks responsible for such DUI accidents never forget — as one dear relative told me. I’m glad to see he’s listening — that’s the first step.
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Thank you Christine. I report on courts for a local paper and see a lot of heartache but also a lot of remorse. That first step certainly takes a lot of courage.
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I really like this one. It depicts a truth but gives us hope.
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Thank you Dawn 🙂
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Wow, you packed a lot into 100 words! I’d love to know those words of the man who took Liam to the cafe…but that’s another story!
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Thank you Rebecca. I thought a lot about what to include and what to leave out. In the end, I figured it was the listening that really mattered. But, yes, it must have been some conversation!
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If only it were like that for everyone like Liam… what a blessing that would be! Amazing story, in 100 words, Siobhan!
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Thanks Dawn 🙂
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