It’s Friday Fictioneers time and it’s good to have time this week to play. Check out the blog run admirably by Rochelle Wiseoff-Field to learn all you need to know about Friday Fictioneers. From there you can link to the other stories inspired by the following photo.
Copyright – Sandra Crook
Sticks and Stones
I’m not allowed to tell you why we moved out here. Or use my real name. Mum says, no way would she be hiding in this hell hole if she had a choice.
It’s not that bad.
There are more cows than people but the cattle dog next door follows me down to the waterhole for a swim most days. The creek’s banks are clogged with sticks and stones. I have to pick my way over them so my feet don’t get ripped to pieces. I don’t worry about that much. It’s names that could hurt us.
The Writers' Life 
A lovely unique take on the nursery rhyme Karen. Great to see your story up here this week!
Thanks, Jessie. It’s good to be back.
Glad to see you back, and with a thoughtful take on the prompt. Well done.
It’s good to be back, Sandra. Thanks for your kind comments about my story.
Dear Karen,
A clever twist on the old “sticks and stones will break my bones”…Well thought out…and the truth is that names and words can leave deeper scars that sticks and stones.
Good to see you back.
Shalom,
Rochelle
That’s exactly right, Rochelle. As a child I always remember being skeptical when people said that chant. Words can be incredibly powerful and hurtful. Thanks for commenting. It’s good to be part of FF again.
Dear Karen,
As smooth as your story is, it doesn’t show the effort that went into working the play on the the nursery rhyme into its fabric. Very well imagined and executed.
Aloha,
Doug
I’m thrilled by your comment, Doug. I did try hard to make the rhyme a seamless part of the story. Much appreciated.
sad story. hopefully, it’s only a temporary situation and they’d be able to move to a better place.
Yes, I hope so too. Although they may grow to like it there. Thanks for reading, Plaridel.
A unique interpretation of the prompt, and a well told story.
Thanks, Jan. I’m glad you liked it.
Yes — there are those cases..hiding for whatever reasons.. to be a child in places like that.. at least she knows what the dangers are.
The dangers are clear cut for them. It would be a terrible situation to be in. Thanks for reading, Bjorn.
I’m often blown away by the workings of writer’s minds and your take on the prompt has done it again, Karen. To come up with such a unique take on the prompt demonstrates wonderful creativity and insightfulness.
Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Diana. You’ve made my day.
Karen, this just jumps at me, as the opening of a novel… there’s a lot more here, but this 100 words has totally captivated me! Fantastic!
Wow, thank you for such a encouraging comment, Dawn. I hadn’t thought of it as more than flash story but now you mention it …
Dear Karen,
I like the twist on ‘words could never hurt me.’
All my best,
Marie Gail
Thanks, Marie Gail. I don’t think I ever believed that saying. So it was good to disprove it in a story.
I love that last line.
Thanks, Dawn. Glad you liked it.
I like how the child’s response is so different to the parent’s. It sounds like an adventure for him, as it would. Very skilful interweaving of their different experiences of their situation, and the play on the idea of being hurt by a name is great. Lovely.
Children are often much more resilient than we give them credit for. I had fun working around that idea of an old rhyme. So glad you came by, Margaret.
Karen, Welcome back. Good, well-written story as always. Creative way to use the old nursery rhyme. 🙂 — Susan
Thanks, Suzanne, it’s good to be back. Thank you for your kind comment.
Brilliant story Karen! The last line is so evocative and haunting.
Thanks, Maree.