Friday Fictioneers – Roof
I barely know what day it is this week. I was off work from Monday to Wednesday, which always throws me and confuses my internal calendar. Plus I stayed up till 5.30AM to watch the election on TV so much of Wednesday was a blur. Back to work on Thursday, complete with that “how do I do my job again?” feeling that I always get after a break.
Luckily, there is the metronome-like consistency of Rochelle‘s prompt email, the constant around which the week takes shape, to remind me of the day. This week’s pic
comes from FriFic regular and ace photographer Sandra Crook.
More writers participate in this weekly challenge than in any other online pic-based flash fiction prompt in the world (probably) and you can read the results here in what I’m sure the Spanish would call Ranaterra.
And just a little further down the page – in the next paragraph in fact – you can read my 100 words. Go on, give it a wee read, see what you think, and if you feel so inclined, leave a comment.
“I trust you enjoyed your visit to The Great Leader’s estate?” my guide asked, leading me through the grounds.
“His invitation was the greatest honour,” I replied, “and His audience a pleasure beyond compare.”
We both paused, reflected on His Glory.
I indicated a tower in front of us. “His talent and taste are peerless,” I said, “A single coloured roof amongst those of black reflects His unparalleled Majesty.”
“There is no coloured roof,” my guide said carefully, “The Great Leader would not allow such a thing.”
I looked again, saw black roofs. “Humblest apologies,” I said, “I was mistaken.”
Hmmmm what is reality? Did he see it or not. Intriguing.
Hi Laurie, Thanks for reading. What is real and what he sees may not be the same thing
What a clever piece!
Thanks Neil
That has a puzzling and slightly sinister ring to it. Good one!
Thanks Sandra.
We see what we think we should see. Nicely done and very topical
Thanks Mike, yep that’s what I was aiming for. He sees what he is told to see
Dear RG,
I guess Thoreau was right, “It’s not what you’re looking at that matters, it’s what you see.” 😉 Intriguing piece and, as always, I look forward to your intros as much as I do your stories. I’m not disappointed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks for your kind words Rochelle, and I’m glad I don’t disappoint!
Must agree with Rochelle; your intros are most entertaining!
And this story leaves us pondering, which is a good thing!
Well done, sir!
Thanks very much Dale. I try to entertain
That’s slightly creepy and provokes a whole host of questions!
Then I achieved the effect I was after! Thanks Clare
Sounds like The Great Leader will decide what we see!
How very true. History is what the winner writes, and what you see is what your leader wants you to see. At least when you value your eye-sight. Great story, and I also enjoy your intros.
Your story leaves me feeling slightly unbalanced – in a good way. Your intros are always a great part of your submissions. Keep it up.
Yes, very clever.
Thanks Dawn
That is strange and wonderful at the same time. It leaves us intrigued as to what the truth is and why he’s seeing a different coloured roof
Thanks Micheal. I think the roof really is that different colour but his devotion to the Great Leader is such that if he is told the roof is black, he believes it is black
Nice bit of twisted psychology here. It’s amazing what we can convince ourselves we haven’t seen when we have a Great Leader breathing down our necks. Hints of Big Brother – and Chairman Mao for me for some reason. Very smart and nicely told 🙂
Thanks for dropping by and commenting. Well spotted – i had Big Brother in mind with this one
That level of psychological control is terrifying, isn’t it? And yet all you have to do is look around the world and you’ll find it. Nice write
Another good intro. I guess in some places a person wouldn’t dare admit to seeing something forbidden. Wise move. Good writing, RG. 🙂 — Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne