The day began with her daughter’s screams. The little girl writhed back and forth atop the stained mattress.
“Why her?” Matilin asked the dark as she made her way to her daughter.
The dreaded nightmares of a Seer should have been passed down to Matilin instead of Royanna. For months, they had fled from one hiding place to another because of what her daughter had seen. It was a curse, but also a blessing.
Matilin held her daughter close until her shaking ceased. Royanna’s eyes opened slowly. Her expression was that of an ancient one.
She whispered. “They are coming.”
I’m not sure how I got here from the interesting photo prompt this week. My muse and I did a dance and this is where I ended up. The story 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 was provided by Ted Strutz.
If you would like to join in with this encouraging group of writers or read their stories from this week, visit here.
Thank you for stopping by! Stay safe, stay well.
Thoughts of a Wanderer 
Wow. So much more to this story. It would be a great concept for a novel. I like where your muse took it.
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I’m very glad you enjoyed the story. I do look forward to enlarging it. Thanks so much for your encouraging comments, T!
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Haunting story.
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I like that comment. Thanks so much, James. =)
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This is a really promising idea. Loved it.
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Your comment made me smile. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Sandra. I look forward to growing it. =)
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Perfectly formed
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Well, that was a very encouraging comment, Neil. Thanks so much!
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Dear Brenda,
Pretty far afield of the prompt. This is not a bad thing in my eyes. ;.) Would love to see where a longer story would go from here. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Haha. Pretty far indeed. The characters are already growing in my mind and so too the story. Thanks so much, Rochelle. =)
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I always think the prompt is just that: something to prompt your writer brain into working. You’ve done a great job of following where your thoughts led, and I too think it sounds like the start of a great suspense novel.
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I usually don’t go so far away, but the story was waiting to be told I suppose (haha). Thanks, Eugenia, for your encouraging comments. I look forward to seeing where the story takes me. =)
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I would love to know the thought process that got you here from the prompt, something about moving houses! 🙂 A haunting story, expertly written.
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It started out more modern day. Moving. Mother and daughter running. Add some fantasy. It was surprising but fun. Your last comment made me smile, Iain! =)
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So many possible paths in your 100 words. I agree with the others, this would make a great longer story.
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Thanks so much for your encouraging comments, Gabi. One-hundred words is truly a challenge and I look forward to expanding the story. =)
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Bit of a scary story here. I love the name Royanna too! NIce one!
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I’m glad you found it so. =) Thanks so much, Mason!
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You’re welcome.
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Wow. I like the story. And as was said above, it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t appear to match the photo, it matters that you were prompted, and wrote! Maybe it’s that they were always on the move and that they both bore heavy loads.
Stay on good terms with your muse! Maybe we’ll get more of this story.
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Oh, I like that interpretation. =) Thanks so much for your encouragement. I truly hope to write more on this one.
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Well, your muse took us on a wild ride. You get points for originality. Great mysterious, ominous tone, Mason. Oops! I mean Brenda.
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Haha. I deserved that! =) My muse certainly took me into unexpected territory and maybe I’ll wander further down the path to see where the story leads. Thanks much for your kind comments.
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Chilling. You’ve left us all wanting more Brenda.
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I’m so happy about that! Thanks much, Keith. =)
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So many possibilities, come from this simple beginning. Nicely done Brenda
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We’ll see where it goes, Michael. Thanks so much! =)
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Not the foreseeing someone on the run wants to hear 😮 Nice one!
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Certainly not!! Thanks so much, Ali. =)
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Brenda,
I could see this happening, it’s so well written! I wonder who “THEY” are. The social media mob perhaps? Today, all too likely.
∼🕊Dora
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Well, that made me smile. Thank you for that encouragement, Dora. Hmm. Perhaps. I’m not sure yet who “they” are (haha).
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a curse and a blessing. hope daughter is strong enough to tame it.
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Yes, let’s hope so. Thanks for commenting, Plaridel!
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Well written, Brenda. You really drew me in with this little story.
It’s a simple plot; mother hears daughter crying in the night and comforts her. But in the course of that, you outline a terrifying situation, provide some good sensory description, and give the reader two characters for whom we already feel sympathy. Excellent!
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Reading your kind and encouraging comments was a very nice way to start my Saturday. My day began with a smile. Thanks you so much, Penny!
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Oh my! There’s so much tension and mystery in this story. ‘Her expression was that of an ancient one.’ Wow! You’ve managed to include so much in so few words. And to send my imagination off on an adventure. I wonder if you’ll write any more to this? It’s great.
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I am so happy to send your imagination out on an adventure, a lovely way to put it. I’m smiling still at your encouraging and wonderful comments, Jenne. Since writing it, and with encouraging comments like yours, I’ve been adding to the story bit by bit. We’ll see where Matilin and Royanna go from here. Thank you very much!! =)
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Scary story, well written, Brenda. Curious minds want to know who “they” are.
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Thanks so much! I’m glad to make you wonder. =)
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You’re welcome 🙂
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Brenda that one had icy fingers crawling up my spine. I feel bad for Royanna being so young, but if it skipped Matilan it’s good someone still has it. Sounds like they live in a situation where danger is everywhere 😦 Good luck to them. Good writing!
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Oh, I like your first comment. Success! =) Thanks so much, Lisa.
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You’re very welcome, Brenda.
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Wow! Fascinating tale. I want to know more
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I’m so glad you found it fascinating and want to know more. Thanks much, Laurie, for commenting and letting me know. =)
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It isn’t nice to leave us hanging like that :). Really good writing.
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Haha. I have to admit to being glad the story piqued your curiosity. Thanks so much, Linda! =)
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