PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Claire Fuller
Vincent looked down the rock strewn hill. “C’mon. This isn’t funny anymore.”
Marcus slipped another tire over Vincent’s head. The stack was up to his chin now.
“I don’t want to do this. Take them off,” Vincent whimpered.
“Too late to back out now.”
“No, it isn’t. Let’s just roll them down the hill.”
“That’s exactly what I plan on doing.” Marcus grinned and tossed the last tire onto the stack.
Vincent screamed and pleaded. When Marcus pulled the top tire off the stack Vincent was crying.
“You should have seen your face!” Marcus laughed and pulled another tire off.
—
Written for Friday Fictioneers.
I was going to have him stumble and fall down the hill, but that felt too obvious, and not every story has to end with death. Don’t worry. I’m sure Vincent will pay Marcus back for the cruel joke someday. It’s kind of their thing.
Also, if you enjoy my stories don’t forget to check out Wicked Little Things, out December 1st and available for preorder at this very moment.
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November 19th, 2014 at 7:59 AM
Dear Adam,
With friends like Marcus…we’ve all known them, haven’t we? Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
November 19th, 2014 at 8:16 AM
Best buddies or what? I thought this was going to end in a far more sinister fashion Adam. I’m glad it didn’t.
November 19th, 2014 at 8:40 AM
AnElephant wants to see Vincent bouncing!
Cool tale.
November 19th, 2014 at 9:05 AM
Friends can be the cruelest people. A great little piece.
November 19th, 2014 at 9:07 AM
Ha, they sound like siblings almost! :-)
November 19th, 2014 at 1:01 PM
Kids are so cruel. Well written.
November 19th, 2014 at 1:59 PM
What a horrid bully! This does remind me of a pair of siblings. Good story this week, Adam, with a couple of very realistic characters.
Marie Gail
P.S. No, I’m not drunk yet. It’s only 1:00 in the afternoon. What do you think I am, a lush?
November 19th, 2014 at 2:26 PM
Thanks for the “happy” ending, Adam, although I think Vincent doesn’t find it funny, despite being better than what he’d anticipated. Your ending was also better than I’d anticipated, but I really have no room to talk this week. Very realistic!
janet
November 19th, 2014 at 3:10 PM
What a meanie! Although I am surprised by the tameness of this story Adam. I was expecting him to be a pile of guts at the bottom ;)
November 19th, 2014 at 3:32 PM
I really thought they were going to roll him. Even though the ending was ‘happy’ I think it works better when you surprise the reader. Nice piece.
Claire
November 19th, 2014 at 7:01 PM
I’m calling Marcus’ parents. What’s their number?
Randy
November 19th, 2014 at 11:46 PM
Adam, Good story and not your usual ending. I was relieved at the happier ending though. Some kids can be real bullies. I’ve run into a couple in my old neighborhood. I’m already on your mailing list. Well written. :) — Susan
November 20th, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Oh, poor Vincent! Marcus needs to be slapped “upside the head”.
Great writing —
November 20th, 2014 at 12:59 AM
Dear Adam,
You conjured up a piece with real immediacy and an ending that no one was sure was coming. It has all the elements of boyhood friendship, including the sudden end of one, no matter that the tires were removed.
Very well written.
Aloha,
Doug
November 20th, 2014 at 3:19 AM
A reasonably happy ending! Not like you at all :-)
I think he needs to pick his friends a bit more carefully.
November 20th, 2014 at 4:17 AM
A cruel boy is Marcus. Even I was scared.
November 20th, 2014 at 10:55 AM
With friends like that who needs enemies. You had me going . . . Nice job.
November 20th, 2014 at 12:08 PM
I can’t wait for Vincent to pay Marcus back!
November 20th, 2014 at 5:45 PM
well, it’s vincent’s turn to return the favor to marcus. i guess i need to wait for next week’s post to find out. :)
November 22nd, 2014 at 1:33 AM
I was definitely expecting a much darker ending. That said, not sure Vincent needs this friend!
November 22nd, 2014 at 8:03 PM
Good story. I’d love to know the history of these two. Is this a payback or is this a beginning? Great ending.
November 23rd, 2014 at 6:09 PM
This feels like brothers to me, children at play. Us older brothers can be a cruel bunch at times. Good story
November 25th, 2014 at 2:28 AM
Dear Adam, Great story and I like it that it was a taunt and a prank. Poor Vincent. When he grows up, he may be a lot taller than Marcus so watch out Marcus. This sounds like brotherly love. Good job! Nan :)