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 Sandra Crook for this week’s photo prompt.
Ben flattened his body into the corner, desperate to blend into the wall. Before long, the invaders would claw their way into the room.
If only I had killed the first rat that invaded the garden shed, Ben thought. Winter was oddly cold this year and kind-hearted Ben knew the varmint wanted to stay warm. One nest would not matter.
Ben did not take into consideration biology. When the shed could no longer hold the hoard of rats, they looked for a new home.
And food.
Ben begged for madness as he noticed the whiskers chomping on the wooden door.
Redbuds and Roserocks 
Until I read the explanation I had though Ben to be human and a massive rat infestation was upon him! The story works either way.
Maybe the explanation wasn’t well explained. Your original interpretation was correct. Glad you liked it.
Susan Eames said the comments confused her too, so they are gone. Thanks for the feedback Iain.
There is such a thing as being too kind. Good story.
Thanks Jilly
Reading the comments served to confuse me – so let’s get back to the story. I enjoyed it as it stood! 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thanks for the feedback. I took the comments out as I don’t want to confuse people. I’ll let the story stand on it’s own merit
And I am glad you enjoyed it!
Oh good grief! Horror story! Perfectly written, but I may have nightmares 🙂
High praise indeed. Thanks 🙂
I like your oblique take on the prompt.
Thanks Penny
Horror of horror. What a picture you painted.
I do have my dark moments Michael. Thanks!
That’s a lesson we all have to learn. I’ve made the same mistake myself by not dealing with an infestation in the early stages, one of which was a tiny wasp that managed to insert itself in my driving mirror. Before too long… yeah!
I live in a rural area and we have rats that chew on all things automotive. Not sure how to get rid of them all. Just a part of life i guess.
Dear Susan,
Shades of Willard! Reminds me of the horror movie from the early 70’s. Creepy and well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I sort of stole from it. There were comments saying that but i must have written them poorly because some people were confused about who “Ben” was in my story. Glad you liked it Rochelle.
Looks like good karma didn’t work for him. Like how it is tending towards a horror- story.
Maybe Karma doesn’t work when you help a rat. Thanks for reading and commenting JJ.
Well I didn’t read any comments to confuse me and I understood Ben to have unwittingly allowed these varmints to enter his sanctuary… a kind heart is not always a good thing to have!
I keep shuddering now… blech…hate rats…
Sorry about the shudders but I’m glad it left an impression, Dale.
It’s a great analogy for being too kind to people too. Especially when compromising what’s good for you. Don’t let the rats infest!
So true Fatima. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Makes your skin crawl.
That was the reaction I hoped for. Thanks!
I love a good little horror story!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Lisa