I run through the maze of the narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways, hemmed in by stone facades and boarded up store fronts. With dead ends and wrong turns, how do I find my way out? Terror shivers down my spine. It whispers at my back.
I wake with a start. Cowering in an abandoned doorway, the fear finds me. It was not a dream after-all. I peer around the corner. Stumbling from my hiding place, I enter the maze and once again run. Straining forward in hope that the terror will fade and a way of escape will be found.
~~
I’m not sure how it happened, but this is where my muse led and is my contribution to “Friday Fictioneers,” a weekly challenge hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields. With the help of a photo prompt to inspire, we’re to write a 100-word story. The photo this week was provided by our host, Rochelle.
If you would like to join in with this encouraging group of writers or read their stories from this week, visit here.
The terror is well-described
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Thanks so much, Neil!
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I could sense the panic and claustrophobia. I’ve visited a few towns like this, but the one that I really got lost in was Venice – impossible to follow any map and a complete maze – with added water! Good story.
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Thanks, Iain! My family and I visited Venice this past January and I certainly agree, it is a maze, but also amazing. =) Also, living in Asia, I’ve gotten lost in narrow really crowded streets a time or two.
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Sounds like some dreams I’ve had, or variations of it. Very frustrating! Good writing.
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Thank you so much for the compliment on the writing! These nightmares are certainly frustrating and it’s a relief to wake up. =)
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You’re very welcome and yes!
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The fear is superbly depicted, Brenda, and I think most of us have felt this at some time.
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That is high praise, C.E. Very true, most of us have felt that awful hemmed in or trapped feeling at one time or another.
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Oooo I love the labyrinth feeling. You tapped into something primal!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the story! Thanks for letting me know. =)
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Dear Brenda,
Now there’s a story that sends shivers down my spine along with rivers of cold sweat. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m glad you felt the fear – I think – well from the writing point of view. Thank you, Rochelle, for letting me know. Hope you have a nice weekend!
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The feeling of terror is palpable through your words. What a disturbing situation.
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A nightmare situation for sure. Thank you, Keith, for encouraging comment on the writing. =)
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As everyone has said you did a fabulous job in making us feel her terror. Those windy streets are disconcerting, to say the least. I totally got lost in Siena because of them!
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Thank you so much, Dale. Siena is definitely on my list of places to see. It looks so intriguing!
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Oh yes. On my return to list!!
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Terrifying to wake up and find a bad dream has become a worse reality. Well done.
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It certainly would be, but maybe a nightmare in a nightmare? Thanks for commenting, Linda.
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A very interesting take on the photo. I can see it…
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I’m so glad it was vivid and you could see it happening. Thanks for letting me know! =)
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Ooooo run!
I love a good action sequence. Hope she escapes.
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Yes, keep running! =) Thanks for stopping by, Laurie.
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it seems like a nightmare turning into a reality. i could feel the anxiety and the tension. it’s an experience i won’t wish on anyone.
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For sure, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone either. I’m glad you could feel the tension from the story. Take care, Plaridel!
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Great to have so many comments on your writing, Brenda. Hope that you are getting used to it that people like it:):)
When I was a teen this was a fear all too familiar, when I got lost, but I have learned to talk myself out of it. Am realizing that to write well, you must be able to pinpoint many feelings well, otherwise it becomes a one-tone story/book.
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I also employ the self-talk method of calming myself from time to time. =) The group I join in writing these short fiction stories is called “Friday Fictioneers” and they are incredibly encouraging. You should try some time. It is a lot of fun. I hope you are doing well, Jesh!
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That was so realistic, Brenda! We’ve all be lost and afraid at some time.
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Very true. It is a common feeling for us all. Partly, the story was born from a feeling of being hemmed in I’ve felt lately. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Ann. Take care!
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It looks like a good to place yourself in, anyway. Lots of nooks and crannies!
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Well, that’s clever and very true. Lots of places to hide! Thanks for commenting, Ali! =)
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That’s just the worst isn’t it… to wake from a nightmare to find it really wasn’t a dream after all. Sometimes waking up goes through stages like that… Well captured, Brenda.
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Thanks so much, Sandra! It certainly would be terrifying to realize that nightmare you were experiencing was real and not something you could wake up from.
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Thanks to your descriptions, I can easily envision the terror.Nicely done, Brenda.
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I’m glad you could envision it from a writing standpoint, but sorry for the terror. Thanks, Dora, for reading and commenting. =)
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A sense of panic we feel when we get lost in the old town of a large city. Who do you trust to ask the way out?
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That’s very true. Thanks, James, for stopping by!
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Creepy! There is so much more to this story that could mean so many things. Well told.
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I’m so glad I left you intrigued! Thanks so much, Anne.
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The sense of panic and urgency comes through strongly. Time is running out!
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It really is! I’m glad you felt the urgency. Thanks so much, Magarisa!
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You’re welcome, Brenda.
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oh the fear. it makes me cringe… nice one! 🙂
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Thanks so much, Wi, for letting me know though I’m sorry to make your cringe. =)
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