This is my entry for this week’s Friday Fictioneers Challenge run by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This week’s picture prompt was provided by Dee Lovering. The challenge is to write a story within 100 words.
Pushing the Barrier
It was busier than she’d expected. She hoped the clouds would open, sending everyone scurrying home but… no luck so far.
How on Earth had Carl talked her into this?
She gazed over the sea of people, clutching the bulky case to her chest. She could leave. She didn’t have to go through with it.
“Well?” Carl whispered in her ear. His presence gave her strength, his belief in her abilities. This was her dream – she just had to get past the barrier of nerves.
With guitar case open on the pavement before her, fingers caressed strings.
And she sang.
Word Count: 100
Although I couldn’t spot one – and I spent a fair while searching – I’m sure there must be a busker in that crowd of people somewhere!
Click the little blue frog to see other entries or to add your own.
An Enchanted Place 
I love this! Good for her for overcoming her fear.
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Thank you! I don’t think I could ever be that brave. 🙂
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Awww, such a beautiful ending which I totally wasn’t expecting. I love how you steadily built up the suspense, and the ending did NOT disappoint. 🙂
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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Lovely story! I was thinking some sort of spy thing until the end. I can imagine she’d prefer her first time to be a little quieter.
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My first thoughts when I saw the picture was either spy or terrorist but, with my FFfAW story being quite dark, I decided I wanted a slightly lighter one for this prompt. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
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I could never do that!! Good on her!
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Me neither! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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Lovely! I wondered what he had talked her into. I’m glad to know it was just playing the guitar, and singing. 🙂
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Thank you! My first thoughts when I saw the prompt were of spies and terrorists. Hopefully some hints of that were retained in the build-up. After the darkness of my previous story, I knew I wanted something a little lighter for this one. 🙂
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Great story and the well written too. The tension was also built up good and her uneasiness came across.
Props to anyone who can do this and that is one way to conquer fear.
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Thank you! It’s not something I could ever do. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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That was too sweet! What a twist! Love this story. You are incredible in 100 words or less.
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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You played with my expectations here – I was thinking crime, so the ending was a nice surprise! Great story 🙂
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I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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Great turn at the end.. And I’m sure there are musicians in the picture.
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I’m sure there must be some somewhere! They’re probably sitting down, hidden by the crowd gathered to listen. 🙂
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I hope she’s enjoying the experience. I love street entertainers.
thanks for the story. Randy
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Once she gets past her nerves I’m sure she’ll love it! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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Nice story about pushing yourself to do what scares you. I like it!
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Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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Dear Fairymind,
That’s what overcoming fear’s about, just doing it, one step at a time. I hope her listeners appreciated her efforts. Nicely written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle. I’m glad you like it.:)
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What a great idea. Loved it. I was wondering what she was so scared of.
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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I like this – you capture the nerves of public performance… well done.
KT
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Thank you. 🙂 I know I’d be a bundle of nerves if it was me!
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Excellent story – Bravo and I love the ending – she is Singing in the Open! Good for her! Nan 🙂
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Thank you. 🙂 It’s not something that I’d ever be able to do!
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This was lovely. It takes tremendous courage to stand in the middle of a crowd of strangers and sing. I couldn’t do it.
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I don’t think I could, either, as much as a part of me would love to! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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heck, you’re clever. you led me on to think i was reading a futuristic story and then brought me back to earth. 🙂
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Thank you, Plaridel! I like to keep you guessing until the end. 🙂
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I think you’re probably right, A Fairy Mind. There has to be a street performer there somewhere. Good description and well done. 🙂 — Suzanne
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I’m sure there has to be! I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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