Many thanks to Rochelle @ Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple for pointing me to another photo-inspired Friday Fictioneers. The weekly challenge she presents is to write a story based on the photo prompt, provided today by Ted Strutz.
My task is to write a complete story in 100 words or less.
Title: One Last Time
Genre: Fiction (Southern Gothic)
Word count: 100
***
Abject fear hit me when I saw his house, familiar feelings founded on my childhood nightmares with an abusive father and an enabling mother.
I love South Carolina’s low country but have few good memories, a good place with fine people. But not him.
I walked the three steps to front door. A gunshot stunned me. I ducked, looked around, then carefully opened the door.
He put the WWII .45 on the table and said, “Safety’s broke. I ain’t goin’ to no death house.”
“Well, Dad, you cannot live here. And you damn sure ain’t livin’ with me. Now pack!”
***
Look both ways for the life you’ve lived.
Mind the gap like a bad dream.
Our Literary Journey 
Just as well the safety’s broke. Would have made an extra mess to have to clean.
I take it the old man has been seen not fit to live on his own and no way in hell should the son take him on. Well-written story, Bill.
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Thank you, Dale.
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Oh, Bill! You had me with South Carolina, low country! That house would surely fit the scene of the south. Great story! I’ve been thinking about participating in the Friday Fictioneers and think I might have a story for this photo prompt. What do you think?
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Let’s here it, Sue. Tell your story!
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Thanks for the encouragement, Bill.
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You’re welcome, Sue.
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My retirement budget misses Charleston. 😳
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Perfect story for the prompt Bill, time for the old-timer and his values to be moved on.
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Dear Bill,
Wow! That one packed a powerful punch. So much story in so few words. Bang! You damn sure wrote a good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hey, Rochelle.
Thank you for saying so and for facilitating FF.
I was kind of channeling thoughts about Pat Conroy and others from the SC low country.
Peace,
Bill
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The characters come through so strongly. The son sounds like he’s learned the hard way how to handle his ornery old father.
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Very well written. I agree with Sue. I love the South Carolina low country. Good call for not letting him stay.
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Thank you 😊
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You pack a big story into a small amount of words Bill, well done. I like the cool-headed’ness of the son.
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Stubborn old bastard! Great characterisation in this story, Bill.
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Thank you, T.
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When I was finished reading, I wanted to know more. This story unfolded perfectly. Well done, Bill.
Have a enjoyable weekend … Be Safe
Isadora 😎
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i think it has come to the point where they can’t stand each other anymore. better live separate lives to keep the peace.
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It does get sticky in those later years, where the relationship has been toxic, but you’re placed in a position of being responsible for that person. Been there done that. No way you won’t be a villain and a hero at the same time. Good story, Bill.
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Thank you.
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You’re welcome.
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Sometimes a difficult time moving an aged relative to a care home, but being an abusive father I guess it’s somewhat easier for the son in this case.
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You pack a big story into a small amount of words, well done. I admire the cool-headedness of the son.
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Thank you.
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Tough love for sure.
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That sounds like a tale of what goes around comes around.
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Ouch.
Lot going on in this one. Well written layers.
He’ll fight going into a home but the son is smart not to live with him. A tough end.
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Thank you, Laurie.
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I felt for the son and admired him at the same time. Excellent story.
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Thank you, Brenda.
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What a powerful story Bill, evoking lots of varying emotions. Great read!
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I think this is the best thing for both father and son… (though it sounds like the father should have been in prison)
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Today, I am sure there would have been legal issues, but Mom protected him (not mine). My inspiration was Pat Conroy’s relationship with his father, who very abusive.
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