The Friday Fictioneers is a writing challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The task of the challenge is to write a story in 100 words or less. You can find all the Fictioneers’ stories when you click on the little frog.
Still Waters
Few things are more relaxing than canoeing with close friends in early fall. The powder-blue sky is never wider; the fiery reds and yellows of late flowers temper the ochres and browns left from summer’s scorching heat. The air is fresh and still warm. The general mood is optimistic in a melancholy way.
I take a deep breath and lean back, letting the gentle flow move the canoe around the bend and onto the lake.
Where is everyone? I wasn’t that far behind. Are they hiding? And why is there so much foam on the water?
Why is it red?
(100 words)
Write already! 
I liked optimistic in a melancholy way
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Thank you.
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How to ruin a perfectly good float!!
Well done, you..
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Blub, blub. 😉 Thank you.
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Tee hee… My pleasure.
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Well there’s a twist in that tail. You led us along so peacefully.
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Hehe. Thank you!
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All good things must come to an end
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Very true. Thank you.
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Haha! Great turn..
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I’m glad you like it. Thank you.
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So many questions, better call the detective. Well done, GH.
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Or maybe paddle away as fast as she can… Thank you.
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Yeah thats a good plan too!
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Lovely prose with jolting finish. Being an optimist, I hope her friends are ok.
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😀 Maybe they just pranked her. Thank you.
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May be! You’re welcome 🙂
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Gabi,
Piranhas, or something more sinister? I have to say you’re a champion at lulling us into a false sense of security before socking it to us!! Brilliantly done.
pax,
dora
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Who knows, who knows… 😉 I love a little twist in the end, this is, IMO, unique for flash fic and makes it part of the fun. Thank you.
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Oh boy, that was a body blow! Well done, Gabi – you took me completely by surprise. I think it was the high quality of your prose that lulled me into a false sense of security!
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Thanks for the beautiful picture, it conveys such a sense of peace, I almost feel guilty. 😀 I’m glad you liked the twist, thank you.
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Dear Gabi,
You started this with all that lovely calm and then BLAM! Very clever.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m glad you felt the BLAM, Rochelle. 🙂 Thank you.
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Now there’s a masterful change of mood and pace right at the end. Well done.
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Your comment made my day. Thank you Sandra.
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It was all going so well! Nice one.
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Disturbing the peace luckily isn’t a crime in fiction. 😉 Thank you.
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Oh no, that turned nasty in an instant 😮
Nice one!
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It’s all in the imagination. 😉 Thank you.
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A sudden change from a colourful literary prose to a horror or mystery.
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Thank you. I’m glad you liked the prose.
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I don’t see a good ending to this one at all. Very well written.
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Maybe it’s just a prank… up to your imagination. 🙂 Thank you.
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Ooooooooo
I loved the peaceful warmth of the trip downriver and then, you nail us with that last creepy line! What the heck is in the water with them!
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Thank you. I’d like to know that, too. 🙂
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Dear me, things changed quite quickly. Love the tale.
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I’m glad you do. Thank you!
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Nothing like red water to kill the mood. Something about horror occurring in paradise that’s oddly appealing.
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Stories with a paradise traditionally don’t end well. 😉 Thank you.
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Uh-oh! WWDD(What Would Dori Do? “Just keep floating “, “Just keep floating “….
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Thank you. Yes, and paddle faster… 🙂
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Here I was thinking it was a lovely afternoon of canoeing and you gave us a power punch at the end that has left many questions.
Did the friends try to trick him? Was another canoe tipped and alligators snatch one for a nice meal? Hope there’s more to cme. Nicely done … Be safe 😷
Isadora 😎
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These are all good questions. 😀 Thank you.
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what a surprise ending. i didn’t expect it after being led astray again.
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I’m glad it surprised you. Thank you.
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I liked the late summer mood you create, most tranquil. The surprise ending is quite a shock ! Nicely done.
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I’m very glad the mood worked. Thank you!
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