The Doctor is “In” – Friday Fictioneers

~ Amy Reese

It’s time for a 100-word story, brought to you by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, our wonderful host for Friday Fictioneers. Each week, we are challenged to write a 100-word story based on a photo prompt. Thanks to J. Hardy Carroll for this week’s photo.

All are welcome to participate. Give it a try.

jhc7
PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll

(100 words)

The Doctor is “In”

She imagined the water mark in the corner lengthening, a slithering eel frothing about in the mealy ceiling, its fangs lashing out at her. A twinge ripped at her neck. It would take her into the wall and turn her into nothingness. Disappearing. That she could take.

But the stab of a knife into delicate flesh or a noose cutting into your neck, trapping your last breath. Physical pain was something she could never wrap her head around.

“Josh,” she said. Her three o’clock always sat in the same corner. “How are you?”

“Fine. And you?”

“Just fine. Thank you.”

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50 thoughts on “The Doctor is “In” – Friday Fictioneers”

    1. Yes, that’s it. Right on the nose. Thank you, Perry. I think she’s clever at hiding it, too, so I hope someone notices or she seeks help. Great comment.

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  6. The alternative meaning of course is that she’s temporarily crazy and bored and can’t give any more to her “3 o’clock”. I’ve been there but I have much more mundane fantasies like sprouting wings and flying away out the window or lying on a beach somewhere hot (oh ya that one came true). Great piece Amy.

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    1. I like your alternative meaning. The mind wanders sometimes. Who can control it when you’re bored! Haha. I love your fantasies, especially since they can become true! Yay for you. Thanks, Tracey.

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  8. I get that way if I’m waiting for that ill-fated meeting with my boss! That’s when I want my name legally changed to “sweet thing.” He can say to me, “You’re fired, sweet thing.”

    Good stuff, Amy, as usual. Five out of five Bobbitt Worms.

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    1. Ha. You’re funny. I hope things don’t come to that with your boss. Bobbitt Worms…gads! Not they’re disturbing, are they not? They fit right in with my story. You so very thoughtful, Kent. Thank you!

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      1. Someone posted a video of a Bobbitt Worm on Facebook and it might be making the rounds near your page. It hides under the silt in the sea and snatches fish and cuts them in half and eats them. Not really disturbing (to me) since they are small and might try to swallow your big toe, but they’d choke on it, probably. They look like those ear worms on Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

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      2. I’ll look for the video. I saw some pictures! They are said to be one of the ocean’s most disturbing predators…so I read. I find them pretty fascinating, but not so pretty. 🙂 Yes, just like The Wrath of Khan. I agree.

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  9. Love these 100 word stories. When I looked at the photo, I thought of someone waiting to catch a train for a new life, leaving a past behind… isn’t it wonderful how our minds (and stories) are different? I like your story! -Jennie-

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    1. Thanks so much, Jennie. That’s what I love about doing these stories. It’s amazing how many different kinds of stories can come out of one prompt! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

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  14. I wonder if she has to deal with patients who have a violent history and doesn’t really want to face it. You create a dreamy and uncomfortable atmosphere. Great writing.

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    1. Thanks, Sandra. I thought this might kind of sneak on people. Wasn’t sure though. Thanks for taking the time to read it twice! And for the nice thoughts.

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    1. It makes me wonder. I think she would make for an interesting character, in any case. There’s a lot to work with there. I hope it isn’t so, but I think people are attracted to what they fear sometimes. Thank you, Suzanne. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

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  21. I got a chill as I read those last lines. It is a scary thought to imagine a therapist, so clearly in need of their own medicine. Very well done, Amy. I got it on the first reading, and read it again for the sheer thrill of it. 😉

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    1. Oh, great! I know it was kind of twisty at the end. I’m happy you could follow it. You never know how your story will be received since it makes perfect sense to you. 🙂 Thank you so much, Dawn! xo

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    1. Oh, thank you! What wonderful comments you leave me. Mealy is simply a yucky word, isn’t it?? It’s that kind of word you feel in your mouth. I’m pleased you liked my story. 🙂

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Take it away.