Friday Fictioneers – Moment of Decision

~ neilmacdon
PHOTO PROMPT © Lisa Fox

Everything about Bennington House screamed institution, from the serried ranks of windows, stiff as soldiers on a parade ground, to the stern matron waiting at the door in her starched apron and cap,

“A prison? You brought me to a prison?” I lunged and tore free of Beadle’s loose grip, but he caught my arm before I could run.

“A place where they’ll care for you and make you well again, lad,” he said. Though his voice was soft, kindly, I recognised teeth behind the mask.

These people meant to destroy me unless I could escape.

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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

54 thoughts on “Friday Fictioneers – Moment of Decision”

  6. A few years back, I wrote a short story called “That Which Burns” about a teenage girl who was a “firestarter” in an institution in the 1950s. Alas her doctor took a personal interest in her and things didn’t end very well. Your tale reminds me of it a bit.

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  19. I have a feeling the young lad is enterprising enough to get away. Great line: “Though his voice was soft, kindly, I recognised teeth behind the mask.” FYI, this place did serve as part of the prison system after the Felt’s left. It was also an orphanage. Good vibing on the building, Neil!

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  21. I really like that we can’t be sure if the narrator’s perspective can be trusted – is he right about the place and the people? Or is he in the throes of mental illness, and seeing things that aren’t there? Really nicely done.

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  24. Oooooo this has great tension in it. A simple scene but there is so much here. Are they ill or a criminal? From his point of view, obviously not, but I sense the scene has more going on in it than we know. Clever.

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