WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!
THE CHALLENGE:
Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going over or under the word count.)
THE KEY:
Make every word count.
THE RULES:
- Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
- MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH FICTION. (Should you find that you’ve made an error you can delete by clicking the little red ‘x’ that should appear under your icon. Then re-enter your URL. (If there’s no red x email me at Runtshell@aol.com. I can delete the wrong link for you).Thanks to Blogspot bloggers for disabling their CAPTCHAs.
- Make note in your blog if you’d prefer not to have constructive criticism.
- REMINDER:
- This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**
Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
***************
My story will follow the prompt for those who might be distracted by reading a story before writing their own . I enjoy your comments.
copyright-David Stewart
Genre: Literary Fiction
Word Count: 100
A little background music 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9bYnzs7Zaw
DMZ
Two months after my father’s death he received an invitation from my Uncle Yee in Uigeongbu. Was this the same Uncle Yee who threatened to drown me?
My parents met in a MASH unit in 1953. She was a surgical nurse. He was a wounded soldier in Syngman Rhee’s army.
Never accepted anywhere. I still hear the taunts.
“Black and yellow Jell-O. Slanty eyes. Nappy head.”
I traveled in Appa’s place to tell his evil twin how much I hated him.
Instead, upon my arrival in Panmunjom, a shriveled old man bowed and wept. “Forgive me, Tamika Ahn. Welcome home.”
This will probably be the most ridiculous ? ever asked is the story to be about the pic?
Hi. The picture is a prompt – what does it make you think of? What impression does it give you? What came to your mind when you saw it? Or, if you tend to be literal like me, what do you think is happening in the picture?
Good answer, Abraham. Thank you.
Thank you Abraham, as much as I would love to enter, the link in regulations have me baffled. I’m not tech savvy and it’s a little daunting.
The link thingie should not stop you
Write your story, post it on your blog, then I’m sure you can be helped from that point 
I look forward to reading your story!
Thank you so much Abraham very much – appreciated
This should be interesting! (Not that the others are not)
I think I just answered myself…yes
I have also ventured an answer
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer.
Dear Rambling,
Your story should be whatever the picture speaks to you. Use your imagination. The prompt’s not meant to be an illustration although it can be.
Thank you Rochelle, I shall try – I just have trouble with the linking..I believe not to use the link in my edit page for that won’t work? This is the trouble I had last time.
Can it be prose?
A story is prose. If you mean can it be a poem, the answer is yes. We have a few poets in the group. The main challenge is to keep it within a hundred words or close to it.
Onward and upward… Thank you Rochelle.
I have completed and think I linked – but I cannot see it?
You’re there. You’ve successfully linked. I’ll read once I have a story to post. Hope you’ll come back and read.
Where does it get linked to Rochelle? I am so hopeless at this! Yes I will be back definitely, thank you again for your help and Abrahams.
Thanks for choosing my picture, Rochelle. Now I’ve got to think of a good story for it. You’d think I would have had one ready.
Fascinating shot, David. I rarely have a story in mind when I choose the prompt. Keeps the playing field level. I’m sure you’ll come up with something. Thanks for sharing the photo.
Interesting photo David I hope I have done it justice!
I like your story, Great Leader.
Some situations melt our anger and bitterness.
Thank you, Abraham. Would that it were true in all families.
this prompt was so darn tough! but you managed to create a beautiful, brilliant, heartwarming tale about it.. just.. wow.
Thanks for your heartwarming comment kz. I look forward too seeing you each week.
Where was this photo taken? Great shot!
Great story too as always
Thank you, jenn
Very sweet, Rochelle.
That was beautiful and I loved all the historical and Korean details. Have you been to Korea before? You write about it fairly knowledgeably. They do have a place in Panmunjeom for separated family members to meet, although they don’t use it much.
Dear David,
I love it when I find out there’s more fact in a story I wrote than I knew. The closest I’ve come to Korea was being an avid MASH fan and even that was filmed in California.
I knew the signs were Korean. I don’t read it but it’s very distinctive. The rest I researched. Google is my friend.
Shalom, 평화 (pyonghwa)
Rochelle
I do love Google. The ultimate research tool. It’s hard to imagine having to go to a library or encyclopedia to do research now.
I love your historical posts. They remind me of my favorite author Ken Follet.
One of my closest friends is a huge Ken Follet fan. I’ve never read him, but it looks like I’m going to have to. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Hi Rochelle, Such a sweet and heartwarming story you’ve written from the photo prompt which was so tough (although it’s an excellent shot!).. Phew!
Oh, l love the photo this week! And great story, Rochelle!!
Rochelle, I can always see and feel the time you put into the backgrounds of your stories, especially the historical ones. Perhaps the highest praise I can give is that I think Jan Morrill would like it. Lovely rendering of suffering, hate and forgiveness.
janet
Thanks, Janet.
Stories that make me research and learn are my favorites. The more the digging the greater the satisfaction. Perhaps I’ll read it for open mic this weekend at OWL so Jan can hear it. Thank you for your words of praise.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I wish I could be there, both for the learning and to hear you read it. I think you should and let us know how it went.
Jan stopped by the shop today on her way to OWL. Janet is right, Jan would love this. It addresses some of the same conflicts as her novel, The Red Kimono. Wish I could be there this weekend. I would love to hear you read, but I will try to make the May meeting.
Dear Russell,
I’m so disappointed you won’t be there. Most likely I won’ be able to make the May meeting.
I did read the story. Jan loved it.
A very heartwarming story, Rochelle. In such few words you have said a great deal. And one little kernel of truth planted releases an abundant harvest of the same. You have done a great job of pointing out the need for and the power of forgiveness — also the plight of interracial children everywhere because of their rejection by so many people.
I was also touched by how you and Abraham gently and patiently helped the newest contributor. That’s so important on sites like these. People who do not understand the technical equipment or the jargon get lost in the shuffle so often, and then their talent gets lost too. So I add my thanks to you and Abraham for being so kind.
Dear Sandra,
Thank you for your kind words that warm my heart.
I can’t right the worlds wrongs but maybe I can make a difference by writing them.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Rochelle, I can always count on you for an emotional ride. this was a beautiful story.
Thank you and welcome aboard.
I’m really enjoying this weekly exercise. It is addictive, you were right!
Great! Looks like that “back knowledge” came in handy.
Super job!
Back knowledge? I have back knowledge? Ah yes, it was Leviticus on the 10th I believe. There’s no film…”
Great story, Rochelle. Incredibly creative.
Denmother
Glad you liked it!
i melt to the floor when love triumphs in that moment when ego is dropped and the fragile heart opens itself to ask for sincere forgiveness. beautiful writing. <3
Dear Sunshine,
I melt with comments such as yours. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I like the way the story ends with a demilitarized zone in the family!
You’re an astute reader, Sharon. Thank you.
You said, “Tamika”. That’s my cat’s name.
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/02/13/3734/
a lesson on how time and age can heal anger and change perceptions..beautiful story..
I’d like to think so, Night.
A beautiful story Rochelle, and a wise choice of prompt photo (thanks David). The pace on the story was just right for the scenario. Well done.
I’m happy you thought so, Sandra. Coming from you it means a lot.
Dear Rochelle,
I like how you take a sixty year old story that spans two continents and encompasses many lives and condense it into 100 words without losing anything of the emotion, key story elements and character arcs. You are good.
Aloha,
Doug
감사합니다 Gamsahbnida, thank you, Doug.
Such a lovely story… Recognisable in some ways because I have recently come to understand just a very little what it is like not to be respected because of your background. Thank you for the positive closure.
Thank you, Iris for your positive comments. I’m pleased that it struck a chord of truth for you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Rochelle, you are so good at saying much with few words, giving a brief glimpse of history along with the character’s background. The ending took away some of the pain I felt was coming.
Dear Dee,
Thanks so much for the compliments. I love weaving history into the warp and woof of a story. I usually learn much in the process.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Nothing like a good happy ending on Valentines Day…I feel so lazy when I show up here. Great work.
Tom
Dear Tom,
Contrary to what I sometimes write, i do love a happy ending. For me the “work” is ultimate play. The process is exciting. Thanks for stopping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
A happy ending to what sounds like a lifetime grudge–not always the way family feuds end. Great interpretation of a great prompt,Rochelle.
Dear VB,
Unfortunately family grudges are too often a fact of life. Thanks for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
You raised a serious issue about children from different ethnic backgrounds….the ending….that could make a long discussion…to forgive….not totally sure..very tough one!
Dear Managua,
No pat answers are there?
Shalom,
Rochelle
You set a high bar for this group, Rochelle.
Happy Valentine’s Day… ❤
How sweet of you to say so, Ted. Deflating my head now.
Ah time sometimes makes on wiser. Nice story as usual.
We can only hope. Thanks, Jackie
I like your take on the picture and great photo choice.
Thanks, Neens. Glad you liked both. Choosing a prompt can be as challenging as writing a story to go with it. Rarely do I have a story in mind when I post the prompt. If I have a problem with it I have no one to blame but myself.
Dear Mrs. Wisoff-Fields
Time is a balm for even the most grievous of wounds. Your story has hidden depth and bears us back to a time the wounding was cruel, the partings long and the scars abundant. Korea, 1950-1953? Sounds as though the events of that time resonate in your life. Bell tones echo through your well researched and written story.
Sincerely,
C. Hase
Dear Mr. Hase,
You compliments warm me. The human condition in all cultures fascinates me. What resonates with me is the cruelty at that time in the name of racial purity. Research is a passion of mine. Thanks for liking and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Anger…redemption…acceptance. The full circuit in only 100 words. Well done.
감사합니다 Gamsahbnida, thank you, Erin.
Yet again Rochelle, you show us how to tell a whole story in few words without losing any flow. I think this is an outstanding story (and far truer to the prompt than mine).
Dear Anne,
Thank you for your sweet comment. I wouldn’t invalidate your story, though. Anything well written with a hint of connection is true to the prompt.
shalom,
Rochelle
I am at a complete and total loss for words Rochelle. There’s some powerful feelings going into this story and I am just verklempt.
Dear Atiya,
You make me all shpilkhes with your comment. Nothing thrills me more as a I writer to read comments like yours.
shalom,
Rochelle
An interesting story you have told Rochelle..definitely the beginning, the middle the end.. The hate, the misjudgement and the forgiveness. Very well done Rochelle, all of this captured in a hundred words.
Thanks Rambling. You’ll be surprised, pleasantly I hope, how this exercise in word conservation can revolutionize your writing. Glad you liked my story.
shalom,
Rochelle
Agree with all of the above.
Thank you, Petruj.
Wonderful story on forgiveness.
You’re very kind, Celestine.
Forgiveness is so powerful. I love that you used this story to show that. You are a ‘must read’ every time we take part!
“Must read”? Wow. You just hit the top of my comment chart, Joanna. Thank you.
A poignant depiction of a panoply of emotional situations–and a happy ending to boot. I worked with a woman whose parents were an African-American soldier and his Korean wife, and you’ve captured her emotions perfectly, though, unfortunately, her Korean family didn’t come around. Wonderful story, and so stirring on many levels.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/suzuki-method/
Thank you, Maggie. I’m glad my story resonated and rang true for you.
As one half of a ‘mixed marriage’ the story rings true. Except for the last line. Death/terminal illness sometimes shakes people to their senses. Not in my case, but sometimes. I loved MASH! Thanks for the music link! Ann
Dear Ann,
I’m a dyed in the wool MASH fan. I couldn’t resist including the theme song. Glad the story rang true for you…hopefully one day the forgiveness will as well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I believe in miracles, but I have my limits!
Rochelle, interesting how whatever actually happened is left to the imagination and yet the impact of family, social, and political issues upon the characters is unmistakable. Great job, and no Plastic Man anywhere to be seen!
Dear Perry,
Thanks for your insightful comments. Glad you liked it.
shalom,
Rochelle
All the bitterness that accumulated through the years is distinguished by the humble heart of the one who wanted absolution. Such a rich story Rochelle. What a great take on the prompt.
http://hagiographic.com/2013/02/15/friday-fictioneer-let-me-be-frank/
Heres mine! Yaaaayyy first timeee!!!
Hi Rochelle
Another great story this week – I had to google DMZ which helped me to understand the setting of your story. A great piece of historical fiction – and a happy ending to boot
Good story Rochelle. Isn’t it funny how being asked for forgiveness can soften our steely resolve?
Dear Renee,
Forgiveness is what brings healing to all concerned.
It most certainly does.
Emotionally packed piece Rochelle. The lead up of her resentment takes us up a ladder to an expected outcome, which shrivels in his presence. Fantastic!
Great details all through your story. It’s funny how taunting like that can still echo in our minds years later. I like how we don’t know whether or not he’ll be forgiven.
Beautiful story, and Impressive how you tied it to Korea.
I must admit, Rochelle, this wasn’t my favourite of your stories. I feel like the story needed more space to really flourish. It’s a great idea though, and given the 100 word limitations, I think you did a good job with it.
Dear Jen,
Since commenting isn’t mandatory I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts. Who knows? This might be fodder for a longer work. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I love the story, but I was a little unclear on who Appa is?
Dear Bee,
I’m happy you liked my story. Appa is Korean for Papa.
Rochelle,
Wow, I am always inspired by your stories and your unexpected twists. This is no exception! it encompasses so many things…as Doug said. Hopefully, time will soothe old wounds. Very well done!
We often forget that with time as we grow old, others grow older too.
People change with every passing moment, every new experience.. just like us.
Very real to life story of how diminutive and powerless ghosts of childhood can look after growing up.
I really liked it.. but then I like them every week!
reconciliation always starts with an outstretched hand
Dear Bill,
Funny, I didn’t really have the statue or its outstretched hand in mind at all. You just added a new dimension to my story. Thanks.
Shalom,
Rochelle
is it possible that this line: “I traveled in Appa’s place to…” should it be “to” instead of “in”? traveled “in” seems to meaning traveling around but all within appa’s place. if that’s what you mean, then please ignore this comment. of course that one word doesn’t change how well done it is.
“I traveled IN Appa’s place…meaning “I accepted my uncle’s invitation in my father’s absence or in place of…” Glad you liked the story, in any case, Rich.
oh stupid me. that’s what i get for not seeing the forest through the trees. thanks for the smack in the head.
Love this story and its heartwarming ending. Really well done
A really moving story Rochelle. A whole history in only 100 words. Wow.
I’m new and have yet to try posting here. I think I’ll watch for a little while and then jump in a week or two from now. This is a great place to develop flash fiction. Thank you for facilitating it.
Mindy