Phillipe felt alive as his hand flew over the page, copying the manuscript by candlelight. He invited others to the Abbey to help copy texts that would be shared with the masses. Savoring the moment, he raised his face toward the brilliant stars peeking through the skylight. Stars made brighter by the absence of man-made light.
After the Event, the world dimmed and a quietness replaced the constant noise. There would be no more staring at screens. The deed done, people would never know he was the cause. Phillipe didn’t mind, the world was as it should be.
~~
“Friday Fictioneers” is a weekly challenge hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields, to write a story using only 100 words in response to a photo prompt. This week’s photo was provided by Roger Bultot. For nearly a year now, I have enjoyed starting off my weekend by writing a story. If you would like to join in with this encouraging group of writers or read their stories from this week, click HERE.
Part of me wants Phillipe to exist and do this – but of course chaos would ensue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean, I am of two polar opposite views. I enjoy the technology but also am weary of it at the same time. At this point in history, the chaos would be extreme. Most of us have forgotten (or never knew) how to survive off the land, growing our own food, etc.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Books, of course, are technology too
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm…good point! =) (I’m not sure why, but this comment went to my Spam. I just saw it this evening.)
LikeLike
Good little story highlighting today’s problems with technology. Nicely done.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Susan. Everyone looking at screens is a problem. =)
LikeLike
Ooh, he’s gone to great lengths to secure his little slice of heaven on Earth. Nice one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, he just wanted life to be simple, so he made it simple for everyone. =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Technology it is a two edged sword, that causes distress which ever way it swings. Yet without technology more people would died of dreadful illnesses. If technology could be harnessed for good only, perhaps we would fear it less.
LikeLike
That’s very true, technology has wonderful uses, but there’s a downside to most everything. We humans tend to be overindulgent and easily addicted. =)
LikeLike
Brenda, the world needs a wake-up call. We’re just too divorced from each other. Well portrayed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s certainly true and thanks so much for commenting!
LikeLike
You have created a peaceful world in 100-words. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish it were that easy (hehe). Thanks so much for commenting! 🙂
LikeLike
i know it’s just a matter of time. perhaps we can turn off all these gadgets once in a while and practice talking to each other again as it used to be. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a terrible issue here in Hong Kong, people walking the crowded streets with their hands in the air watching their screens. I know it’s not just here. I do think people are beginning to think about the negative effects of constantly looking into a screen and not communicating with each other face to face (or hopefully so).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very peaceful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Peaceful on his terms. I do have a secret wish for the world to be more peaceful as well. =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
There was something special about doing things by hand…
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s very true. I took shorthand in high school and really enjoyed it. I still use it and have sort of made up my own version, a little bit loopier than the original. I like using my hands.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It feels real when we use our hands…
LikeLiked by 1 person
ooh a technological apocalypse. This is right up my street. Great story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jennifer. I could write a 100 word story about a technological apocalypse because I’m not very tech savey, so much longer would only sound ridiculous. I’m actually writing a larger post apocalyptic story where a virus and the events that followed wipe out most of humanity. It’s been fun to write (a little depressing to think about … haha).
LikeLike
That sounds so good! I am constantly mulling over post-apocalyptic novel ideas but have yet to write one. I like writing shorts about it for now though. ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep writing shorts and I’m sure you’ll come across an idea that grows. =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will do! ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d love it if we could have an Event, but maybe only temporary. I do like my screens 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You and me both, I am of two mindsets as well. Thank you for stopping by. =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m amazed that Phillipe caused the Event single-handedly without anyone knowing what he was doing. He must be extremely intelligent and resourceful. I love the description of the brilliant stars peeking through the skylight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Intelligent, resourceful, and sneaky too! =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clever misdirection in this one, that’s a wicked twist in the end. But does this mean Phillipe did not post a selfie – “About to end social media”?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha … thank you for commenting! I’m sorry I missed this last week. =)
LikeLike
Philippe really has plunged the world back into the Middle Ages and I love your oblique reference to this with the copying of the manuscripts. I worry what he’s copying, what a man like that would feel is appropriate to share with the ‘masses’. Personally, I hope we can keep the lights on a while longer and wind technology down gradually rather than it vanishing with a big bang many of us would not survive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comments! He definitely had a plan including what he deemed important for the masses to know. Though I grow weary of the importance of technology in our lives, I do appreciate the benefits it affords. I am currently writing a post-apocalyptic piece so my mind goes there often. I know this genre is in vogue, personally, I’m just enjoying the process of creating a different sort of world. Thank you again for reading my story and commenting! =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure Brenda and good luck with the writing project
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Brenda,
I still enjoy sending letters the old fashion way. There’s something about a person that you get to know by reading handwritten letters. Love this thought provoking piece.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I agree with you. I wrote a letter this evening to a good friend. =)
LikeLike
I was rooting for Philippe which, since he is actually destroying most of what I am familiar with, says a lot for the way you wrote him. Well done!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your comment about the writing is very encouraging. Thank you so much, Jilly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I sometimes dream of a simple words like this… but of course I would have to be the librarian…
I think your character reminds me a bit of Jorge from the name of the rose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A simple world would be lovely, but I do enjoy the benefits of technology as well. I suppose striving for balance is best. I looked up Jorge, he sounds like an interesting character, but not as interesting as the Librarian of course.
LikeLike
Well written, Brenda. I’m glad Phillippe was sufficiently tech savvy to only end man’s harnessing of electric power. If he’d ended electricity altogether the universe would have come to an abrupt end!
I must say that I don’t at all wish to give up the benefits of technology!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Penny, for commenting. I always enjoy hearing from you. I’m sorry for not responding until now, I had a rough week with the stomach flu. Anyway, cheers to you!!
LikeLike
Great piece, Brenda. Technology is good and very convenient but a lot of times it takes up too much of our time. I’m guilty of sometimes spending too much time on the computer and not enough time with my family. And like Rochelle mentioned, it’s nice sending letters the old fashioned way. I still remember the days when I used to look out for letters in the mail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree completely. I certainly wouldn’t want to be “disconnected.” I remember the day in the late ’80’s and early ’90’s waiting for a correspondence turnaround of more than a month when living in Asia. Email was awesome. But, I also know there has been too high a price for so much technology. Thanks so much for commenting!
LikeLike