The Friday Fictioneer Challenge: Write a 100-word story based on the photo.

Photo copyright Marie Gail Stratford

Why Do I Even Bother?

The signal changed from yellow to red for the gazillionth time. “People jaywalk, drivers ignore me.” The traffic signal grumbled under its breath, “Why do I even bother?”

Deciding to share its misery with the humans who made its life miserable, the signal changed its timing, making the long wait times even longer during the rush hour.

Then it saw a young girl holding her mother’s hand, waiting patiently to cross. Finding someone who paid attention cheered up the signal to no end. It changed to green in their direction, winking at the girl as she stepped off the curb.

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You can check out Marie Gail Stratford’s blog here.

To read other Friday Fictioneer stories based on this photo, select the smiley blue frog.

The Friday Fictioneer Challenge: Write a 100-word story based on the photo.

Photo copyright Sandra Crook

Just Returning the Favor

Senior opened another whiskey bottle. “You were wild, needed discipline. I did you a favor.” That’s how Senior always rationalized dragging Chuck to the tree for a whipping. His father’s drinking and his belt were a dangerous combination for Chuck. It was years ago, but his emotional scars still matched his physical ones.

With research, Chuck discovered humans could die in three days without water. High temperatures and alcohol could shorten that timeline.

In the August heat, Chuck drove away from the deserted farm, leaving drunken Senior under the tree with his memories and whiskey. Just returning the favor, Dad.

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The photographer, Sandra Crook, is also a Friday Fictioneer author. Check out Sandra’s story here.

To read other Friday Fictioneer stories based on this photo, select the smiley blue frog.