Friday Fictioneers is a weekly challenge to write a complete story in 100 words or less based on a photo prompt. Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting this challenge and Yarnspinner for this week’s prompt.
I froze, eyes fixed on the ramshackle yellow house in front of me. Fifth-graders sniggered, calling us sissies, but fourth-graders knew the Boogeyman lived in that house. My eyes shifted downward, to the papers and books splattered on the sidewalk, dropped in my haste to race past the house. As I squatted to gather my belonging, I heard a car engine. Looking up, I saw the open garage door, brake lights flashing red as blood. Slowly, the car inched toward me.
I was never so glad to be in fourth grade. A third-grader would have peed herself.
This tale is based loosely on a an experience I had in elementary school. There was an old house that I passed on my way to-and-from school, and there was a mysterious rumor about the old man living there. One day, on my way home, I dropped my papers in front of his house (full disclosure; I was on the opposite side of the street and there were four lanes of traffic between him and me). When I saw his car backing out of the driveway, I hastily picked up my belongings and rushed home. Dry as a whistle, I might add.
Redbuds and Roserocks 
Oh being young is so hard! Such a touching recollection of boogeymen and the vulnerability of the poor third graders.
They say that strong emotions are what we remember, and that one has stuck with me a long time. Thanks Jilly
Such a sweet story! =)
Thanks Brenda. I’m glad you liked it.
I love that “glad to be in the fourth grade”… because she is so much older and wiser to have not over-reacted 😉 Sweet!
I was somewhat at a loss as to how to end the story. But yeah, 4th graders are so much more together during a crisis than a 3rd grader! Glad you liked it.
Haha. Yes indeed! 😁
Great story – and something most of us can probably relate to. I certainly remember our local ‘haunted house’ when I was a child. Nicely done.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thanks Susan. I’m sure many children have their own boogeyman memories.
A lovely story, reminded me of my childhood
That’s nice, I think lol. Thanks for commenting
LOL….cute story.
Thanks Dawn
Cracking last line!
Thanks Clare!
A delightful story! Loved the way you ended it.
Thank you. I appreciate the comment.
My pleasure!
This is such a believable experience, you had me right there with you. Well written.
Did you mean “brake” lights?
Thank you for the lovely comment. Yes, brake light. I’m getting old and my Word check is getting lazy.
Yes we all have that one place don’t we? Well done!
Thank you!
Dear Susan,
Wonderful story right down to keeping her panties dry. Lovely take on the prompt.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Poor thing had enough trouble with the 5th graders. Glad you enjoyed it
Such a sweet and thoroughly enjoyable tale Susan 🙂
I appreciate your comment Dahlia. Thank you
Very sweet story.
Thank you
Love this, Susan. That fine line between being a fourth and third grader!
Thanks Sascha!