Friday Fictioneers is hosted by the wonderful Rochelle, the undisputed master of what I call Sound Bite Fiction.
She sets the weekly challenge, the standard, and the prompt photo.
The idea, as always, is to write a story of around 100 words based on the picture below, which this week is supplied by Dale Rogerson.
Click here to hear the author read his words:
The Targe
I slump into my chair.
Another long day in the fields, with little to show for it.
The ground is frozen, stony, infertile.
I stare at my plate.
Porridge.
For dinner.
She’s all apologies but I don’t blame her.
Three bairns, one on her hip, and we all need to eat.
I’m not providing.
On the wall, not quite covering the worst damp patch, hangs my targe.
I see the signs of battle upon it.
I remember the glory days.
I remember the day I sold my claymore.
The day I became a crofter.
The day I stopped being a man.