As much fun and as much as I learned at the American Writers and Writing Program Conference last week, I really missed doing my 100-word story for Friday Fictioneers. Moreover I couldn’t wait until Wednesday rolled around to see the picture, and, wow, the story popped right into my head. I almost couldn’t wait until Friday.
For a review of a chapbook I purchased at the conference click on: Book Review – Betty Superman.
Here’s the inspiration photo from Madison Woods:
The following story is dedicated to friends who served in Vietnam. By the way, in the story I use a term which some may find offensive, but it is a historically accurate term used by U.S. soldiers in that war.
Reluctant Sojourn
I never liked working on the plumbing in an older house. The cellars and crawlspaces were damp; their fetid smell stirred memories best kept hidden. I needed this job, so I went in.
The day was cold. Fear made me sweat, and the corrugated ceiling put me back in the box where Charlie kept me during my reluctant sojourn in the Hanoi Hilton, the old one, not the Hanoi Hilton Opera there now, a real hotel.
I kept my eyes away from the air hole. If I looked, Charlie would be looking back, like he does in my dreams.
———
For more 100-word stories by Friday Fictioneers, go to Madison Woods’ blog and have a read.
unexpectedpaths.com 
Very atmospheric. The piece really reflected the uneasiness of the MC. Well done.
http://castelsarrasin.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/the-thief-of-time-friday-fictioneers-9th-march-2012/
Very nice! I like how you conveyed the unstable mental state of the man….
http://susielindau.com/2012/03/09/a-sexercise-for-my-book-125-word-flash-fiction/
Powerful and beautifully written, Maggie. I was there with your narrator. Well done.
Here’s mine if you’re interested:
http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.com/2012/03/at-gates-100words-for-fridayfictioneers.html
Siobhan
Maggie, This was poetic in it’s beauty. As Siobhan said–“Powerful and beautifully written.” Excellent story.
Mine: http://www.vlgregory-circa1800.vpweb.com/blog.html.
Thank you very much.
Beautifully written. How could he not remember the past as he entered in to the cellar? I really like how you crafted this–for a short piece is was mighty powerful.
Here is mine:
http://thewriternubbin.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/photo-prompt-for-100-word-flash-fridayfictioneers-moving-on/
Very nice description of the fear this person felt.