Eunice adjusted the cap to cover his face.
He was dressed in the same clothes he wore when he left but his once-bright yellow cardigan was brown-smudged and soiled.
Shame is a strange thing. He couldn’t be blamed for what happened to his mother, but he hadn’t done anything to protect her from the rage of his father.
Ridden with guilt he just slithered away to hide in sewers and alleys.
He was ten and it had to end.
He entered the house welcomed by whiffs of vodka and grease.
He pulled the knife from his pocket.
‘Father, I’m back’.
I had to think about what Nope meant. I guess for my protagonist the day had come to stand up to his abusive father… basically saying Nope.
Friday fictioneers really starts on Wednesday when Rochelle publishes her new story and the picture we all tries to find a story in.
September 9, 2020
Björn Rudbergs writings 
That is one heck of a story, Bjorn. You covered a lot of turf here in the history, the colors, the smells, the feelings, and finally the accounting. Where did you find that red-eyed froggy with the knife? Wonderful accent!
The knife may be a mistake
Strong story. I’m afraid for ten year old to pull a knife on a violent adult is a very bad idea, though…
it might be worth a try, but the odds are against him pulling it off.
Well-crafted story! And great word-pictures. Who knows, his father might have a change of heart 🙂
Ominous and chilling.
Dear Björn,
A sad story, vividly told.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Makes me wonder if the brown stains are dried blood. You lay out the child’s logic and we watch in agony. I can only hope someone or something intervenes.
If only he knew! He had less guilt on his hands than the adults in his world.
I was intrigued by your story. Well done.
Chilling stuff, so much said in so few words, this is why I read these stories! Brilliant
So many things revealed in so few words. Nicely done.
Such a sad story. Really well written.
It seems he’s about to commit a crime that’s both understandable and forgivable. A terrific little tale.
Here’s mine!
Poor kid. Time to put an end to it once and for all.
Well told story, Björn. I fear for the child, however.
Powerful storyline. I’m not sure this ends well. Enjoyed your descriptive writing style 😊
Man, this story packs a real punch. I hope the kid is okay. Well-written regardless.
I resonated with this, long story, powerful for me.
A tragic story of the power of guilt with no good ending for the child. Excellent writing.
This was a good use of that word nope.
You covered a lot of ground with this story. All of it tragic.
I very striking collection of words. Sparse but full of meaning. Nicely done.
A chilling story and a stage set for tragedy.
Reached the end of his tether. Sounds like he made a choice at last. The father more than deserves it I say. I hope he wins this fight. Well done
Wow! That’s a lot to put on a 10-year-old. Haunting tale. Well told.