I am afraid. Not of poison—the salad, drizzled in olive oil, is delicious. But I am terrified of what the dish means. The message could not be more obvious: blood orange and red onion salad. This is a screaming scarlet warning.
“Run” this meal is saying,” and never look back.”
I had thought Jan my dear friend, but what I see on the plate tells me otherwise. Waiting for dessert would be foolish.
.
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 
Perhaps, food is not the way to win his confidence. I suspect the dessert of strawberry and raspberry fool would give him a fit. The adage; a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach does not apply in this case.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for making me laugh, James!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He does have a suspicious nature
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel sorry for Jan. She’s innocently served her dinner guest a plateful of paranoia. Or has she?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Coup de Grace for dessert? Ominous or needlessly paranoid – I guess it depends on what sort of person Jan is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan is not entirely trustworthy either
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neil,
He seems to be reading a lot into that meal. Served with scary biscuits?
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
He sees pattern where others see only randomness. Thanks, Rochelle
LikeLike
Run!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks
LikeLike
Never eat at my house, my colorful plant meals would always keep you guessing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the warning
LikeLike
I don’t know what he’d make of some of the meals I prepare!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No fava beans I hope
LikeLike
I feel the MC is not quite right in the head. And it’s interesting that you don’t let us know if the story teller is male or female.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The gender ambiguity of Jan was intentional too
LikeLike
Either that person knows something I don’t or they are batsh*t crazy. Fun story either way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the thing. We’re usually never sure which of those possibilities is the truth
LikeLiked by 1 person
You mean like “it’s only paranoia if they aren’t out to get you”?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Drizzled with a little paranoia, as well? Intriguing take on the prompt, Neil. You and Iain both took it to a dark place!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Linda
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that the salad is the message, or the protagonist thinks the salad is a message. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLike
Wait until the Devil’s Food Cake comes out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That will scare the bejeezus oiut of him
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good. It’s important to get all the bejeezus out before bed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
he’s got a full plate already. no more room for dessert. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exsanguination for the sanguine? It is quite possible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
THat is his fear
LikeLike
Well, you know what they say, “just because your paranoid doesn’t mean they are not out to get you”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s just a little cautious
LikeLiked by 1 person
A whole new meaning to eat and run…
LikeLiked by 1 person
The secret language of food
LikeLiked by 1 person
Could he simply be paranoid? Cabbage is just cabbage!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can never be too careful
LikeLike
Ooooo yeah, I’m thinking he’s right… better run.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing lost if he’s wrong and runs. But if he’s right and doesn’t run ….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I agree, best not to wait for the dessert. I doubt it’ll end in his favour. Nice one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks that made me smile 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
My work here is done, then
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan sounds like a mentalist, best get out
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think he’s going
LikeLike
As soon as you know, take no chances and get out, that’s what I think. Mysterious tale!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By that time, it may be too late. Thanks. Brenda
LikeLike