100 words for Friday Fictioneers inspired by the photo prompt below from Claire Fuller, she of Our Endless Numbered Days. Though flash fiction ought to have a beginning, middle and an end, my story has an end and a beginning, but no middle. Think of it as a coda to a long and beautiful piece of music and please forgive me my taking liberties with the format.
(To all those of you who continue to read my work despite the above, and who have kept the faith with me these past months, thank you, always.)
(Copyright Claire Fuller)
A familiar and catchy tune issued softly from speakers somewhere in the room. Two men stood before a ponderous filing system, deep in conversation.
“The problem’s all inside our heads, it seems to me. The answer’s easy if we take it logically.”
“Still, unexpected from such a long-termer. How did he leave?”
“Slipped out the back…”
“Don’t say it….. Did you see him earlier in the day?”
“Briefly. We didn’t discuss much. He dropped off a key.”
“What files were taken?”
“Solitude, Mystery, Love and Beauty.
“Sounds like he has a new plan.”
“He’s got away from us, Jack.”
“Yes, I think you’re right, Mr. Helpmann. He’s gone.”
Buttle!
Dear Doug,
I’m GLADD you posted this week. Great take on the prompt and has me singing fifty different melodies. Clever writing as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Sounds like a brilliant new plan. I’m sure it will work, and I’m equally certain he’ll enjoy perusing those files for a good while. It’s lovely to see your delightful work on here again. Don’t be a stranger.
I can’t help wondering what this new plan is. Always a pleasure to read your work 🙂
Intriguing tale, Doug.
Please forgive my ignorance, but to what do the pictures at the end refer?
Dear Sir,
See my response to Jennifer (Elmowrites) for ‘clarification’. I live in the Obscure and am only let out every now and then. Nice to make your acquaintance.
Aloha,
Doug
Ah okay.
I know the song, of course, but did not make the connection.
Don’t know the film.
You made my acquaintance long ago, when I was heavily disguised as a pink pachyderm.
Cheers
Oh my goodness I love this!!!
He seems to have his head sorted. Good for him. (Is there a Return by date stamped in the files – I’d like a peek, myself.)
Very clever. Always very clever and beautifully written. (And thanks for the OEND mention and link)
Clever on a few different levels (if not, perhaps, fifty ways…). I read it several times to make sure I got them all, and enjoyed it every time. Sweet!
I’m going to be the dummy here, Doug, and admit I haven’t a clue what’s going on. Perhaps it would help if I’d seen the movie? Anyway, I’m certain it’s excellent, clever and witty – you on top form and me crawling around in the sludge.
Good to see you’re still around the blogosphere occasionally anyway. I saw a disc golf course the other day and thought of you!
Dear Jennifer,
Let me start by saying that I love you. You have been and continue to be a good friend and those are rare and precious. Thank you. Thanks also for never giving in to the temptation to say “Hahahahahaah, great story, of some such safe comment when you don’t get ‘it’. I would be very disappointed if you did (though I would never know if you didn’t tell me, so thanks also for that).
My story is simply a riff on my life right now and the song Fifty Ways to Leave your Lover by Paul Simon. It also refers obliquely to my workplace and finally references the movie Brazil’s final scene in which the hero ‘escapes’ his interrogators by losing his mind (and going to his happy place).
I tried to absolve myself in my introduction for the lack of coherence in my ‘story’ but perhaps absolution must be conferred by an outside entity. In any event, I shoehorned as much of the lyrics of Fifty Ways into my story as I could and the coda from Brazil to my coda about my life seemed to fit.
There’s going to be a sigh of unspoken thanks to you from future readers of this post for speaking the truth. Such is the illuminating power of honesty.
I am still around and review stories every week and think about writing all the time. I shall return in full force and bloom soon, blogging at the speed of light from wherever it is that I land. Thank you for visiting and commenting. You’re one of the guide stars in my universe.
Aloha,
Doug
If I don’t understand a story, always start with the tags, google anything I think might be a clue and then read the other comments. In this case, the clues didn’t really help but for those who get the references, it obviously worked.
I always try to be honest though, especially in writing critique, and extra-especially with those I trust not to flip out in response.
Anyway, thanks for the explanation. I look forward to your return, and your comments wheny ou do
Great to see you Doug ,, Somehow I think that any archive would include those few treasures that could reshape your life.. in the end it pays off to be a librarian.
Inspiring story Doug – quite literally. I read this this morning as I was cooking up my cupcake story and yours stuck with me. (Yours tells us the secrets of the universe whereas mine gives, I hope, a useful insight into cupcakes, but there you go…)
Your fine tale reminds me of the late, great Philip K Dick.
And that ending to Brazil gets me every time.
Nice to see you.
Wonderful to see/hear from you, Doug. I do hope all’s well. I can’t believe I didn’t get this to start with, as I had a great friend named Roy (no need to be coy.)
janet
Hi Janet,
Yes, I thought about figuring out how to have the opening rhythm section of the song playing in the background but that sort of wizardry is beyond me. Nice to see you, too. I hope you are well and planning your next adventure.
Aloha,
Doug
I knew from your first line.
I have always loved that song!
Thanks for the fun way you have put it in my head 🙂
It sounds like you’re working on a new plan, …. to set yourself free? That tune is stuck in my head now Doug. Interesting take on the prompt and glad to see you back. I’ve been struggling lately. My muse has been on vacation. Be well, Tracey
The tune will be stuck in my head too, but at least it’s one I like. I hate it when a song you detest gets stuck in there and plays over and over for 20 hours.
Fifty ways: very clever!
Sounds like it’ll be a good plan, judging by the files which were taken. Nice story, and good to see you back!
Doug, it’s good to see you. I didn’t make all the connections as I am not very familiar with “Brazil.” I could recall of few lyrics though. Lovely piece of writing anyway. The files he took are good ones to walk away with.
I recognized the Paul Simon reference right away, but have not seen “Brazil” Although, I once saw a large section of northern Minnesota and a small part of Canada. Both of which were beautiful, but left me itching from misquito bites. Your story brought a smile to my drone face.
I don’t know what to say…Your story left me quite emotional. I love “Brazil”, didn’t fully understand it the first time I saw it, I think I was around 13. But now I see it with clear eyes and appreciate even more Terry Gilliam’s genius mind.
Solitude, Mystery, Love and Beauty…what a beautiful combination, adds so much layer to the story. I do hope you have a new plan.
Dear Lore,
It makes me feel good to know that my story touched your heart and mind in a good way. I agree with you re Terry Gilliam’s visionary movie and can only stand in awe of his storytelling skill. I have a firm grip on the four files and will not let them slip from my grasp. (That’s my plan and I’m sticking to it. Stay tuned.)
Aloha,
Doug
I am one that is thanking Elmo. Once explained it partially made some sense to me but don’t get the Brazil connection although perhaps if I had even heard of Brazil I’d be a bit wiser.
Hmmm. Love the Paul Simon lyrics throughout and the promise of a new life plan based on those four life qualities, but not quite sure I get it all. I’ll just drop off the key, Lee, and think about it.
Hi Perry,
It’s a story about someone who left and what he took with him when he went. Pretty obscure all in all. Don’t devote much time to it. Just hum the tune and smile.
Aloha,
Doug
Friday Fictioneers make me want to see so many interesting movies. I’ve read about Brazil, now I have to see it. With the files the mysterious person took, that plan can only be a good one.
Dear Gahlearner,
The plan is solid as a rock. And the movie is well worth watching. Pretty intense and in your face, but in a thought provoking way. Let me know what you think. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Aloha,
Doug
I will. I try to get it next week. Thank you.
I was thinking the whole thing was about writing! The speakers were readers discussing how to interpret a story (it’s all inside their heads), and looking forward to the writer’s next story (new plan). Then I got really deep and decided the speakers were us and the escapee with the plan was you, and ‘the key’ was a clue you had placed so we could figure it out. Then I read your reply to Jennifer. Oh well – I loved it anyway, and it’s a great song.
Dear Margaret,
I wish my imagination was as rich and vibrant as yours. No way I could keep track of all the symbolism. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Aloha,
Doug
Like Jennifer, I was waiting for a comment to make it clearer. Thanks for explaining Doug. I would have never gotten it otherwise. I remember the song. I hope both you and your character find what you’re looking for. Welcome back for this story anyway. Well done as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
A great many things said in so few words. I’m thinking about what he’ll do with those files.
Mysterious … loved it !!!
Dear Doug
It is always a pleasure to see your name in the linky-thing. Thank you for this piece on leaving without a fuss, or taking anything much. Paul Simon has written some great songs and now I am humming along…
Don’t stay away too long
Dee
I thought of Brazil when I saw the images below. Turns out, I thought right…
Missed this story the first time round! Glad I caught it here. Love the idea of taking the elements you want in a life from storage & then escaping… sounds awesome.
Also – top marks for the Brazil reference.
Cheers
KT
Dear KT,
Thanks for dropping by and for leaving such fine comments. Yes, those files are precious to me and will be used wisely.
Brazil…what can one say? Terry Gilliam at his best. Thanks for noticing.
Will look for you tonight.
Aloha,
Doug