So I have returned to Friday Fictioneers and send out a many thanks to Rochelle for being its host and Brenda Cox for this thought-provoking photo. This may be the first time that my story doesn’t show a direct tie-in to the photo. But, I kept thinking an upward climb and this weird little story unfolded as weird little stories (especially from me) do.
I’ve been dealing with a writer’s block that’s even manifested in my book reviews so I’m hoping this will help me break free. Thanks for reading. ๐

Survival
It was stupid.
We were stupid.
It was a stupid thing to do.
We thought our friendship would survive the apocalypse, but what we became were people who didnโt like each other anymore.
โWhose idea was this?โ Li asks.
No one answers.
We donโt look each other in the eye anymore.
Jose gags as if heโs about to puke.
Iโve had enough. I remove my gloves, toss them on the ground. โI donโt understand why we had to kill them.โ
โTo win,โ Gary says.
Win what? The bullet shrieking tells me: survival.
I finish digging the grave with my bare hands.
end
Sascha Darlington 2021
Dark… intriguing… left me wanting to read the next chapter.
Many thanks, Sheena. I’ll see if I can get my imagination going! ๐
I want to read more please ๐
Thank you so much. I’ll see what I can do! ๐
Eagerly waiting for it ๐
Dramatically told, Sascha. Nothing like an apocalypse to put a strain on a relationship.
lol so true, Neil! Many thanks.
Made me think if survival without moral is worth it. I’d love read more. ๐
It’s a tough question, but then wars never seem quite moral. Thank you so much! ๐
Yikes. Shows your range. From hearts and flowers to apocalypse.
Thanks, Maggie!
I really like how you didn’t focus on the bike in this story. Harsh realities and not everyone is ready to face them. Great story.
Thank you. I’ve been reading a non-fiction that has showed me just how difficult it can be to make those tough decisions.
Sounds like we walked into the middle of something. I’m glad she’s had enough.
Thanks, Lisa! ๐
You’re welcome ๐
Dear Sascha,
One finds out who their real friends are in a situation like this. You left me wanting to know more and that’s not a bad thing.
I understand about writer’s block. I’ve been going through a pretty dry spell myself lately.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Sorry to hear that you have it as well, Rochelle. When I read a book and can’t write about it, I know I’m in trouble. ๐ Hopefully your art isn’t in the same way.
Many thanks! ๐