PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll
See that window up there on the left? That’s the bedroom I shared with my sister.
Every day after school, we’d stop to watch boxers duking it out before we reluctantly trudged upstairs to do homework. I was always fascinated by the boxers’ fancy-stepped dancing—the weaving in and out that almost always saved them from the “hit.”
But, my sister loved the fight. She’d watch, studying wide-eyed and unblinking as a gloved-hand slammed into a scrunched-up face. Sometimes, her hand mimicked the boxer’s, swaying through the air, ready to duke it out.
Guess who had fewer black eyes?
THE END
Friday Fictioneers is a compilation of writers from around the world who gather online weekly, guided by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The challenge? To write a story in 100 words or less based on a new photo prompt.
To read more stories in an online flash fiction anthology by Friday Fictioneer authors, click:
Thank you for another great photo prompt, J. Hardy Carroll. It inspired me to write this little “creative non-fiction.” 🙂
I liked the two personality types you created here
Thank you, Neil. They are very “loosely” based on two characters I know very well. 🙂
Dear Jan,
As always you are a master at characterization. In a few words I would know which sister was which. Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I’m glad you “got” it, Rochelle. That morning, as I was leaving, Steve said, “Hope you don’t get any black eyes today.” I said, “Huh? I’m not the one getting the black eyes!” 🙂 So I wasn’t sure if that was clear. Thank you!
Excellent, there’s more than one way to win a fight 🙂
True, Iain! If you didn’t know, the dancer is based on my tendency to avoid conflicts at all costs. It keeps me from getting black eyes. 🙂
The one who can bob and weave the best 🙂 Loved the characters.
Thank you, Linda. I’m a bobber and weaver myself. 🙂
Good characterisation, and fluently written.
Thank you, Penny!
Those who don’t want black eyes better stay out of the ring.
Very true, Alice! Dancing is so much better than “duking.” In my humble opinion. 🙂
I love the two different characters. So often the case in families, eh?
Isn’t that the truth, Dale? I’m amazed how differently we can all turn out, even with the same parents. 🙂
Great witty take on the prompt. Very enjoyable to read.
Thank you, Jilly! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Ouch. Doesn’t sound like a fair exchange.
I suppose it all depends on how well one dances or dukes. 🙂 Thanks, Sascha!
Ha ha ha. A great story on perspectives.
Thank you, Anurag! A perspective can change the way we live our lives. 🙂
Ah… the dancing is always the better option in my mind.
I loved the reality of Dancers and Dukers. When finished I had to scroll up and find the window up on the left. Dunno why,,,, I just did.