Well, another week has rolled around, and that means another Friday Fictioneers 100-word story challenge. This whole week, the number 1 has not worked on my computer keyboard. I have to take special pains to get it to type onto the page. So I got to thinking that perhaps I could use that as an excuse to say I’m going to have to do a 2 hundred word story instead – because my number 2 works just fine. However, I decided that even Rochelle, with her merciful attitude toward our rather liberal use of the term ‘100,’ would not be inclined to agree. So I bit the bullet and forced my keyboard to type the number 1 against its will.
This week’s prompt photo comes from Danny Bowman. However, due to the nature of my story, I needed to use a totally different photo at the story’s beginning. You will find Danny’s picture at the end, and the reasons will be self-explanatory.
To join the fun, visit Rochelle at her site:
http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/7-march-2014/
YOU CAN’T GO HOME AGAIN
“What are you looking at, Kor?”
“Hmm? Oh, this photograph of Kate’s homeland. She’s kept it over her bed these 12 years that she’s worked at the space station.”
“My, what serene beauty. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”
“Yes, she grew up on that mountain, and her greatest delight is the thought of returning tomorrow.”
“But … what if …?”
“I know. I reminded her that earth has experienced a decade of atomic warfare. Much of it is beyond repair”
“And …?”
“She insists her mountain will be unchanged … but I … I fear for her a broken heart.”
~~~
The Happy Wordcrafter 
Excellent before and after, darling! Well-written, too.
Thank you very much.
Good idea, nicely executed.
Thank you, Sandra.
Oof, that extra “before” picture packed a punch with the story. Unfortunately it’s a tale all-too-familiar and happening as we speak. Nothing atomic yet, of course, but it might as well be…
As soon as I saw the prompt photo, I thought of this first one. I just couldn’t get away from the idea of a story that presented them as before and after.
I hope she can handle what she finds there.
She certainly has faith.. prefer the before photo. 😉
I prefer the first as well. In fact, I really do love that photo.
Really poignant Sandra.
Thank you, Gilly. The idea just grabbed me and wouldn’t go away.
Ah, great use of both photos. Lovely story.
Thank you.
That worked just fine, Sandra. Good use of the photos.
janet
Thanks, Janet.
Dear Sandra,
My “caps lock” and my “D” key don’t work well. It’s what I get for eating crumbly things while writing. You’re right, just as I didn’t write “ear Sanra” your excuse wouldn’t work with me. 😉
Your story, on the other hand, works very well. I love your use of the two photos. Perfectly legal as long as you use the prompt. I enjoyed this.
Shalom and long life,
Rochelle
Thanks, Rochelle. As soon as I saw that prompt, I was reminded so forcefully of the other picture. Perhaps because it is one of my favorite pictures. There’s something about it that has always sort of “called” to me.
And I do appreciate your blessings at the close of your comments. There is great power in our words of blessing to others. I do indeed receive them and agree that I will live long, in peace, and in prosperity, thanks to our loving Lord.
P.S. I too eat crumbly things when I write. Maybe that’s what happened. I wonder if I just turn my keyboard upside down and shake it hard if that will help.
A cool take on the prompt-loved the idea and the story:-)
Thank you very much.
🙂
Wonderful!
Thanks a lot.
Nice, a unique take on the prompt, turning into a before and after.
Thank you, and thanks for letting me know.
A good story that was well written. Very creative idea to use the two photos. Lets hope the whole earth never looks like the prompt.
Thank you. And thanks for taking the time to read it and let me know.
Ah yes the before and after.. what a devastating change.. it will crush her heart.
The prompt photo brought the other one to mind, and I just couldn’t get away from the idea that they made a perfect “before and after” story.
The use of before and after posters adds a serious punch to the story.
Is the first pic Benbulben by any chance?
Yes, it is. I have it (happily) because it is part of a group of public domain photographs that are available for use in graphic and art projects.
I can see this mountain from my house Sandra (at some distance – its across the bay) and it is very beautiful in real life too
Oh that’s lovely! What a great view to have every day. I have always loved this picture.
** I don’t know why I typed posters, I of course meant pictures!
This is brilliant in its simplicity. Excellent.
Thank you very much. It was just an idea I couldn’t seem to get away from when I saw that prompt.
This is so logical. I am still wondering why nobody thought about this perspective. 🙂
Love this!
Thank you very much.
This is clever. And let’s hope it remains fiction.
Thank you. And I hope with you.