I haven’t had opportunity to take part in Friday Fictioneers for a while, so I’m enjoying getting back into the swing of things this week. The photo is courtesy of Peter Abbey To take part in the 100-word story challenge visit Rochelle here. My story is below the picture.
A HOUSE DIVIDED
The lush Georgia countryside stretched and drowsed along the river. Union troops who had crossed the enclosed bridge lay behind trees and bushes, rifles ready. Their informant had guaranteed the Rebs would be hauling cannon and ammunition across the bridge just before sundown.
Bennett tasted bile; his heart pounded. From the time he’d made his choice, he’d known this moment was bound to come, but he wasn’t ready. Men and wagons approached the bridge, unaware, steadily making their way across. Leading the contingent was the younger brother he’d helped raise. Tears traced Bennett’s dirty cheeks as he aimed his rifle.
~~~
The Happy Wordcrafter 
You did well, Sandra. Can feel and taste the story and the conflict!
Thank you so much. For some reason, this picture just kept prompting civil war thoughts in my mind, and I just couldn’t go any other direction with it.
An extremely appropriate title. I particularly love the first line!
Thank you very much. I sort of liked that first line myself. I often read something written by someone else and think, ‘boy, I wish I’d written that.’ This time I’m just glad I did.
Brilliant story, encapsulates the tragedy of a civil war, and great tension for the battle to come. Excellent.
Thank you so much. I appreciate your stopping by and reading.
Dear Sandra,
The Civil War is one of the biggest blots of American history. You captured the tension and tragedy in a hundred words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS It’s great to see you back. 😀
I was glad I could be involved this week. Some weeks there’s just too much drain on the creative juices to squeeze out even another hundred words. But I know you know how that is.
‘stretched and drowsed’ – lovely image, to be replaced far too soon by a dreadful dilemma.
Yes. I was hoping the juxtaposition of those two opposite moods would stand out. Thanks for stopping by and reading.
Ouch! You really caught the house divided. I can’t imagine how many men and boys went through this. Well done.
Thank you. It was a horrific time in our history, and it probably does us good to stop and think about it once in a while.
Aptly titled and nicely done.
Thanks, Sandra
Very moving story. The first line was beautifully done and was a stark contrast to the bleakness and hardship of war.
Thank you. I appreciate your taking the time to visit and read it.
it looks like the story would a sad ending. sometimes, you have to live and die for your beliefs.
Oh… I so remember watching North and South where the two best friends must fight each other. Could not imagine how much harder it would be brother against brother. So well done, Sandra
Thank you very much.
Nicely written, civil war is the worst. It splits families and friends remorselessly
Thank you, Michael.
You describe expertly the futility and stupidity of war.
Well told story and the last line is heartbreaking.
Thank you. And, yes, the whole experience is heartbreaking, and even more so when we realize it was a reality for so many people in the 1800’s