Back at FridayFictioneers after ages and it feels wonderful to write another piece of flash fiction! For those new to #FF—it is a weekly challenge set by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a #100wordstory in response to a photo prompt.
Photo prompt this week: ©Na’ama Yehuda
THE QUEUE
At the Jobcentre, the queue was long. As he stood with a few hundred before him, he was struggling to hold himself together.
Occasionally, he’d slip in and out of reverie, thinking of the eighteen years in prison and how it had left him penniless and broken. He so desperately needed this second chance, now.
“Could you step back into the line, please?” —someone said.
He followed.
“Hey! It’s you! What’s up?”
He froze, hearing the voice. His past might have caught up with him but this time, he knew he wasn’t running away any more. His time had come.
**********
Linking this with #FridayFictioneers, where you will find an amazing bunch of bloggers bringing you a variety of narratives and storylines, inspired by the photo prompt. Do join here, if you’re keen to participate.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Good story.
His reaction to the voice suggests his problems are not yet over.
You have a point there! Yes, these things are not easy to get rid of.
I’m hoping he will be given a second chance. Nice take.
Thanks for that view, Dale. Yes, he ought to have another chance.
You did a great job of setting up a world and ending on a cliffhanger. Not easy to do in 100 words or less!
Glad you think so! Some stories are best left to be interpreted by the readers, don’t you think?
Yes.
I really hope that his second chance comes through. I loved how hopeful and determined he appears, Esha. I will try to join FF over the weekend. ❤️
Thank you so much, dear Vinitha! So glad to have you stop by and share these encouraging words! Please do give #FF a try. You are going to love it.
A good return to FF, I’m glad his second chance has come. 🙂
Thank you Iain! Happy to see you stop by the blog today!
We all deserve second chances. And he deserves it more than any one else. The universe will conspire to make it happen, now that his determination is resolute.
Lovely spin to the tale, Esha.
Keep writing. ✨💕
Isn’t that wonderful when you say that the Universe will conspire to make it happen? Thank you so much, dear Natasha! So glad you gave me the push to try my (rusty) hand at flash fiction even when I’d almost given up the idea for good!
Big hugs
<3
Dear Esha,
You leave me feeling hopeful for him. He sounds determined. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you so much, dear Rochelle! So glad you found it hopeful. Your appreciation truly means a lot.
Warm regards
Esha
Let’s hope they don’t hold his past against him. A great take Esha.
That’s a tough fight he has ahead of him! Thank you for stopping by, Keith!
Full of hazard and hope
Bit like life, Neil. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. 🙂
We all make mistakes, everybody should be given a second-chance. Hope he got his too. A fab take on the prompt, Esha!
Nobody is infallible but that’s also what makes us human. Thanks for stopping by and appreciating, Shilpa. 🙂
His time had come. For a second chance in life, or prison? 🙂
Life, of course. He’s done his time in prison already. Thanks for visiting, Reena.
Very intriguing Esha. Love it.
Thank you so much, Shelley! So glad to see you stop by. 🙂