There was no need to ever be yourself here. That’s why he liked the place. Brash, garish, and full of performative affection, Rebounders offered endless second chances to make a first impression.
The girl had smoky eyes and purple hair which matched the bar’s décor. “What’s a nice place like this doing in a girl like you?” he quipped. This made no sense—it didn’t have to, so long as it sounded engaging.
She replied something that sounded like “Pastermoolies.” Good enough, he decided. The main thing was to avoid having to sleep alone tonight.
.
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,
The last line explains it all. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, Rochelle
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There is a tone of desperation here, perhaps the smokey eyes is a warning. There is a strong sense of atmosphere with a common purpose.
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Thanks so much, James
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Need knows no boundaries.
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Indeed
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He’d best take care. He could end up being bounced right out of her bed 🙂
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I don’t think he’s in a mood to be careful
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Probly not. Maybe SHE is the one who needs to be careful 🙂
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Wonderfully vivid and clever descriptions with a pointed message at the end. Some people will do anything to avoid being alone.
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Thanks so much. Lisa
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You’re very welcome. I like the title which is the opposite of “Cheers” if you remember that show.
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Very much an ice in the heart piece. I got it!
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Thanks so much, Jilly
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she sounds ominous. he’d better watch his wallet… or his life. 🙂
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She may feel the same
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In such a dive, I’d say that was a certainty, yes
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Appropriately sleezy.
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Thanks so much, Dawn
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That’s tonight sorted. Next…
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One night at a time
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Excellent mix of humor (in a girl like you… ha) with the deep message about how empty some people still are and how places like this is where they go to fill up (albeit not a long term fix)
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Thanks so much, Prior
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🙂
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Aha! Well he knows what he’s after. She sounds kinda cool though. I wonder why this is what she needs too? Interesting characters. I was left wanting more.
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Ah, the problems with a 100 word limit. Thanks so much, Laurie
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I looked up “Pastermoolies” and Google could come up with only one – yours. How cool is that!!!
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Very cool indeed
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A wonderfully descriptive story. It’s awful to feel lonely.
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Thanks so much. Brenda
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