Just off the path, in the underbrush, two small faces stared out at me—a paired deity, carved in springstone. I had to be close! Kneeling, I caressed the effigy, the rock cool in the morning air and smoothed by the careful intricacy of the sculptor’s art. A tiny breeze lifted my hair and kissed my brow.
Up and up, through the trees I sprang towards the hilltop village. Would they know me here? By the first hut, a carved ancestor with the head of a bird nodded gravely to me. A small child examined me and ran screaming.
.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
Dear Neil,
Well, y’know, our motto is “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” 😉 Lovely bit of atmospheric fantasy.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, Rochelle
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Time to employ a mirror perhaps? It sounds like he’s coming home to not much of a welcome.
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He’s certainly got some grounds for trepidation
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Sounds like he might have been better staying away.
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Maybe, but it’s jst one child so far
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What did the deity do to you, to make the child scream🙂
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Perhaps the child had just never seen a stranger before
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I love that shift in perspective that comes with the last line. It’s the sort of story that would be hard in film, I’m guessing. Reminds me of the Lovecraft story The Outsider.
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Thanks so much, David
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Children are often frightened by the unexpected, especially if they’ve been pumped full of fear about “stranger danger.” Maybe that’s all this was.
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Maybe. Thanks, Linda
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Thought provoking. Well done Neil.
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Thanks so much, Andrea
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I like this. I wonder what will happen next.
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Thanks so much
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An interesting narrative, Neil. Or a strange series of dreams with connected parts.
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Coming home can feel like that
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It seems he experienced some sort of mystical change. Children are very intuitive. Intriguing tale, Neil.
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Thanks so much, Brenda
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You got my curiosity going on this, Neil. What does he look like and how is it he isn’t sure this is his home? Mysterious and spine-tingling.
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Thanks so much, Jade
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You’re welcome.
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I enjoyed the images created and the build up leaving me wanting more.
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Thanks so much, Dahlia
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Coming home after a life time and expecting a welcome just isn’t happening here. I like the nostalgia around the carved stones.
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Half the people he knew may be dead
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Ooh. Intriguing and mysterious. He must have been gone a long while.
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Not a good start to his journey!
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It may get better if he doesn’t run
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I love the details and the ‘intricacy” in your story.
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Thanks so much
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The kids definitely don’t recognise him.
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He’s hoping the older folk may
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Interesting. I want to know the reason behind it.
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He’s been away a long time. Much has changed
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Okay. Thanks for explaining.
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Atmospheric and a little chilling! Nice.
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Thanks so much
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