One of the great difficulties of writing is to make every word count. Writing a story, or the introduction to a story, in 100 precisely-chosen words, is a great way to practice that skill. If you like to write, join us. We are kind and helpful.
If you like to read, join us. Our stories are diverse! Click on the blue link critter at the very end, sit back and enjoy your travels.
(I’ll be traveling Friday-Monday, so it may take me some time to get to your story. But I will. Happy Easter or Passover to all of you.)
All three sayings in my story are from our family lexicon, the name has been changed to protect the innocent and, thankfully, the advice was heeded and the story is complete fiction. Thanks, Rochelle, for the picture.
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After Midnight
“Nothing good happens after midnight” and “Never take a drink you haven’t seen someone open.” Dad’s oft-repeated sayings, sometimes accompanied by Francesca’s surreptitious eye-rolls. Hot from dancing, she’d gulped from an extended glass, then felt woozy. Gathering her wits to decline an offered ride, she called Dad, knowing he’d be up until she got home.
She half-sobbed,” I’m sorry. Are you mad?”
“Stay right there, I’m on my way. You’re fortunate nothing happened and too smart to do it again.” Then, as he did nightly, he added, “Dad loves Francesca.”
The passing headlights glowed in the warm darkness like nightlights.
After Midnight
This, that and the other thing 
lessons learned
some the hard way
excellent dialogue and feeling conveyed
Thanks. You’re up and reading early (although maybe not, since it may be the middle of the day wherever you are.) 🙂 No matter where it is, good morning from NE Ohio and have a wonderful day!
janet
Best wishes for the holiday.
Dad to the rescue. Glad she had enough wits about her to remember to call him. Some dads can be rocks in their children’s and other people’s lives. Always there. Always dependable.
Nice touching family story
Thanks, Randy. This is what we hope our dads will be and this is the type of dad Bill is, which is a great thing (although if this were real, he may have said more than just what was in the story as he’s not limited to 100 words!)
Happy Passover to you and all others celebrating it,
janet
Love this story. Glad the lessons were learned. It is every father’s fear. I know when my daughter (14) went to see Justin Bieber with her friend a couple of weeks ago I was worried about spiked drinks etc.
Just as an aside, I don’t know if you know, but you can get something called “Toppers” When you see someone open a bottle, you put one in the top and then a straw. Then someone can’t just walk by and drop something in.
Wish I’d have invented that! But open glasses are probably an even bigger problem (although that anyone can afford the price of a mixed drink these days is beyond me.) I’m thankful Bill did such a goot job with the girls on this and that this story never happened.
Top o’ the mornin’ to you,
janet
Both your and Rochelle’s stories triggered memories.
You’ve got me wondering what sort. 🙂 While I was certainly alive during the 60’s, my experience was nothing at all sixties-ish.
janet
Don’t ask! 🙂
Don’t tell!! 🙂
I was sure this was going to end badly, so I liked the surprise that it all turned out well. This line confused me at first: “Dad’s oft-repeated sayings, sometimes accompanied by her surreptitious eye-rolls.” I thought you’d got Dad’s gender wrong…
Claire
I can see how you might get confused, Claire. When I have a bit more time, I’ll have to see whether I can change that or Claire-ify it. 🙂
janet
Probably me just being slow, Janet. But I think it reads really well now.
Claire-ify Claire
It’s clearer this way, Claire, so thanks. I appreciate it.
janet
who”s headed back upstairs to the work of staining floors
OK, I just put in her name, which may work better anyway. Thanks, Claire.
janet
awww i so love her relationship with her dad and his sweet way of saying goodnight ^^ a really great dialogue
Thanks. Bill says that to the girls all the time and it’s a wonderful thing.
I’s good to have a dad… and I agree nothing good happens after midnight – even Eric Claption knows it :o)
Exactly!! 🙂
If only all young girls were so smart–and all fathers were on standby when needed. The Perfect World. Nice, Janet.
Ahh, I didn’t say all, but this is (or would be) certainly true in our family. Neither of our daughters ever got in this situation but everything else is true. I would hope it were the same, even though I know it’s not and we’re certainly not perfect.
janet
Ah! Where would a gal be without her dad? Good advice there for anyone, I hope my girl is more careful than your MC. Good story Janet. 🙂
I’m thankful our were, but then again, the MC has the presence of mind to get out of her situation. Thankfull she didn’t down the entire drink.
janet
This story means a lot to a father…
I’m glad. It means a lot to me to have a father like that for our girls.
janet
A lesson for all there; with a nice feel-good factor. Good one Janet. Keep safe.
Thanks, Sandra. Life’s pretty safe except for FF time!
janet
A positive twist on the prompt. Advice we always give our girls. Great job Janet.
Thanks. I know I end up writing a lot of positive stories. Guess that’s just me coming out.
janet
That’s good. You stay on track. 🙂
I hope your travels are enjoyable. There is such a genuine feel to this story. We will not always take the words of advice as quickly as we should Thankfully her folly did not lead to destruction. It is a very likely possibility with this rag tag bunch. We have a lot of evil lurking in the stories lately.
We do have plenty evil luring around this time of the week, Joe! I’ve written some like that and probably have to try harder to do more.
The genuine feel from the story is that is taken so closely from real life.
janet
I always enjoy your writing Janet. You must have a wide range of experience to pull from.
Very wise sayings all three.
A very true to life story. I could be Fransesca too – the character felt so real.
This on had a message of sorts. I really like it!
Good, Parul, I’m glad. Hopefully none of our daughters will ever come to grief from ignoring good parental advice!
janet
Scary indeed.. I’m happy all went well…
Me, too. I’m more thankful that this has actually happened to our girls. They generally listen to Dad’s good advice. 🙂
janet
Just brilliant, for me the message loud and clear. Your story flowed from beginning to end Janet! 🙂
Thanks, Penny. I’m happy you enjoyed it. The messages are hard to miss. 🙂
janet
Smart girl, sharp author and good Dad..what more could you want? You are always so fast and sharp! By the way loved your poem the other day. I keep rolling the words over in my head.
Tom
Hi, Tom. I’m glad you liked the story and very pleased that the poem has stuck with you. I’m thinking I may try to write a bit more poetry for my blog. I’ve done some haiku, which I enjoy, but I may try to branch out a bit. Right now, I’m taking immense pride at how great my newly stained hardwood floors look. 🙂
Glad you’re not making a stranger of yourself!
janet
Finished up a story a day before deadline so I have some time on my hands today. But come Monday all hell breaks loose and I will be making one word comments at best! Always time for you Janet.
Tom
I’m so happy that your “real” writing is going so well. What happens on Monday?
janet
Very sweet story. What a dad!
🙂 He’s a keeper.
janet
Nice to see such a good ending to the night!
So many don’t go this way.
janet
This makes me miss my dad… very good.
Sorry he’s not around anymore! I’m glad you liked the story.
janet
Dad’s are very wise. Reminds me of a quote by Mark Twain, “When I was 14 I thought my father was stupidest man on earth, by the time I was 21 I was amazed at how much the old man had learned in only 7 years.” (paraphrased)
Enjoyed the JJ Cale, but much prefer the version from the album “Naturally” I wore out my vinyl copy and now the CD is showing signs of needing replacement. What a great songwriter.
Dear Janet,
Dad’s a gem and so is your story. I feel the love and safety that Francesca finds in him. Well done as always.
shalom,
Rochelle
Dad is a gem, both in the story and in real life. It’s sad when children can’t feel the love and safety of a dad like this.
Thanks for stopping, as always, and for taking care of this unruly group!
janet
a lesson learnt. enjoyed it
Good. Glad to hear it.
janet
A real account of the love and care from a parent to a child. This was lovely. Dads like mums are precious in so many ways, you told it well.
Thanks.
janet
I like the way you tied to the picture as a metaphor for the headlights. Looks like the father raised a smart girl.
I did want to have some sort of link there and thought of the headlights right away, but wasn’t sure how to work it in. Always good to raise smart children! 🙂
janet
I love ‘nothing good happens after midnight’ – although we all know that just depends on your definition of ‘good’ 🙂 Great story – lovely father!
Yes, it does depend on your definition…and from a father’s viewpoint toward his children, nothing good ever happens. 🙂 Glad you liked the story. I love the dad myself!!
janet
I think scenes such as this are a right of passage in some ways. We’ve all had these moments.
Nicely written.
It seems as though there are so few rites of passage any more. Perhaps getting a driver’s license is one, moving out on your own another. But too often kids are sort of stuck between being children and being adults and I don’t think it does them, or us, any favors.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
janet
You are quite right and I think it accounts for so much of the angst that exists now.
All the best to you,
E.S.
Yup. That limbo state where you no longer want to be taken care of and when you take up the beginnings of adult life is much to long in our society.
janet
Exactly!
Very neatly pulled together.
Loved it.
Thanks very much. 🙂
janet
I like this story — and the sayings — very much! Dad and Francesca are both deserving of each other’s love.
Have a lovely Easter/Passover, Janet. God bless!
Thanks, Jan, same to you. We’ll be spending Easter in Philly with our younger daughter since her break was spring break, not Easter break. 🙂 Glad you like the sayings. Our girls heard them a lot!!! But they’ve always remembered them and never fallen into this story.
janet
Aren’t dads the best :). I have to agree, nothing good happens after midnight…my girls will no be hearing it from me many times lol.
Have a blessed Easter
I hope my girls know they can always call us if they need to 🙂 Sometimes kids make mistakes but a good parent ensures they understand we’re always there, no matter what 🙂
great sotry
You’re right, Carrie. Even if we don’t approve or they do something wrong, we’ll always love them and try to be there for them. Sometimes that means letting them suffer the consequences, sometimes not. Glad you liked the story.
Happy Easter,
janet
She’s safe and smarter – what a combination!
Mine:http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/friday-fictioneers-darkness-comes-genre-horror-pg/
Scott
Definitely what we want our children to be.
janet
🙂 Yes
A feel-good story, Janet. However. I have an ominous feeling about those oncoming headlights.
I’m having trouble posting my story (error on my blog). Hopefully, it will be fixed by tomorrow. Happy Easter !!
Lora, you can relax. The headlights were just reminding her of the lights in the picture. 🙂 But with FF, you can never be too careful. I’ll be heading out of town tomorrow morning but I’ll try to catch your story sometime over the weekend or when I get back.
A blessed Easter to you, too,
janet
I loved your story, Janet.
Thanks very much, Ted! Nice to hear that tonight as I wait for Bill (AKA “Dad” in this story) to get back. Tomorrow we visit our younger daughter in Philly.
Have a great Friday,
janet
Those are some really good words of wisdom. That’s a good dad.
He is, H.L. Thankfully the girls always listened enough to avoid this type of situation.
My dad was just like this and I loved him with all my heart.
Thank you for bringing back some cherished memories with your lovely story.
Have a very Happy Easter
Dee
You’re very welcome, Dee, and a blesses Easter to you, too.
janet
After the woozy description, I was worried the story was going to end out not good for Francesca. Yes, my Dad worries kicked in. But, thankfully, it worked out well. Whew! Good story about remembering advice, and I really like comparing headlights to night-lights and the home/comfort they remind us of.
Glad you liked it and glad you caught the home/comfort reference with the lights.
Have a relaxing weekend
janet
Janet,
Reading the comments I think I may be the only one who got an unsettling feeling of the relationship between the two. I think it was the way her father said “Dad loves Francesca.” It sounded like an odd phrasing and left me wondering. I’ll stop there because I think I’m on the wrong track. Have a great weekend.
Denmother
Nothing unsettling here, just the way my husband tells the girls he loves them. Too many FF stories!! You’re cut off for the week. Busy weekend here but maybe I’ll get to some more stories. If not, there’s always next week!
You have a great weekend, too.
janet
My dad was always there for me, so it’s good to see it still holds true. Good job–though I might have been the only one to perceive that maybe she got hit by Dad’s car. That could just be the way my brain works on only a half-cup of coffee.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/doom-and-gloom/
I can see that you might take it that way but no, just the headlights reminding her of home! I’m out of town for a long weekend but I’ll get to your story eventually. Thanks for reading and enjoy the weekend.
janet
Moral of the story ! listen to dad 😉 great story drawn from real life lessons. I liked the part that despite the mistake the person called her dad !
Yes, listen to Dad!! Even if children make mistakes, they should be able to count on Mom and Dad, although sometimes that means they have to face up to things with that support. Glad you liked it and enjoy the weekend.
janet
Hi Janet,
Years ago, I saw J.J. Cale perform in Wichita and I was listening to Cajun Moon before it was released because I used to hang with musicians in Tulsa. So thanks for that trip down memory lane. I liked the supportive parents in your story and the fact the girl called her Dad for help. Stories from personal history are often the most authentic. One quibble, I’ve always thought dusk was at sunset and isn’t this sunrise, or am I missing something? Ron
Hmmm, Ron, you have a point. While it isn’t morning, unless the party began early, it would be later than dusk (unless they partying with Managua and Bjorn in midsummer.) Have to fix that when I get a chance. Thanks!! Our girls have always been able to turn to us and that’s a blessing!
janet
I was worried about those headlights, but I’m hoping they are just Dad arriving to come to the rescue. Every teenage girls needs a dependable and forgiving father; I’m glad this one came up trumps.
Don’t worry, Elmo, they’re just reminding her of home, nothing sinister. Have a great weekend. Do you have any family activities planned?
janet
Jen, I re-wrote the last line slightly. See if it sounds clearer to you.
janet
Oh yes, Janet, infinitely. I’m glad they weren’t coming at her!
She was, too! 🙂 Enjoy your Saturday, Jen!!
janet
I might be the only one, but I had to read the story twice to make certain both she and her dad weren’t just about to be hit by a car! Otherwise, a sweet story…
In hindsight, I can see how that might be the impression given. I have an idea that might make it clearer. But no Fictioneer horror ending here.
janet
Re-wrote the last line. See what you think.
Nice story about parenthood. Hopefully I wouldn’t be out drinking a spiked drink somewhere when my daughter called. (Thankfully I don’t have a daughter!) Very well done, great last sentence.
Hopefully you’d be like this Dad, waiting to be sure his daughter got home safely I’m glad you liked the story and the last sentence.
Enjoy the weekend, Perry,
janet
Good take on the prompt. I liked this story because it says there’s something worth its weight in gold in this world … there are responsible people STILL when it comes to their kids. Very assuring. Thanks and have a great Easter!
Don’t lose heart. There are more than you may think by hearing the news!!
A blessed Easter to you and yours,
janet
Nice story! I empathized for the poor girl the whole time.
I’m glad. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend.
Happy Easter,
janet
So glad she gathered her wits and made that call. This is a great tale of love.
Thanks, Sarah, it is exactly that. So happy you enjoyed it. I hope you’re enjoying your day.
janet
I’ve made that phone call.
Good for you.
janet
I enjoyed this.
I intend to write something about my Dad’s sayings 🙂
I’ll look forward to it. Nice to see you again. Is everything OK with you?
janet
Thanks. Yes I am OK. I have not had consistent Internet access (except on my phone), hence my silence.
Glad to hear it. Your comment ended up in my span folder, hence the late answer. I’m glad all’s well and hope to see you regularly soon.
janet
A very moving story, Janet. And it’s hard to move people emotionally with only 100 words. Thank God for parents who really are like this. Sounds like you had some good ones. I did too.
I did have good parents, although this story is really more about us being parents. But we learn so much from our parents. Thanks for reading. Nice to have you back.
janet
Thank you for visiting my blog today. I appreciate the time you took to stop by. May your day be filled with joy and peace.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks. Same to you.
janet