“Here’s the point of entry.”
Becky stared at the coil of barbed wire. “Strange. Why wrap it so neatly on the fence post? Why not cut it and keep going?”
Steve crossed his arms. “They’re probably local. This fence and land belong old man Monger. Even the folk from the hollers won’t mess with him. A bit of a legend. Cut his fence and you’re liable to find your front door smashed in.”
“Alright then.” Becky marched through the fence posts, demarcating the line between private property and national parkland. “Let’s get to the point of ignition and start this investigation.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers and congratulations on her fourth anniversary! This week’s installment of Friday Fictioneers is inspired by the firefighters working the Rocky Mount fire in Shenandoah National Park. I live on the other side of the county from the fire’s point of origin and have many old friends and former colleagues from the fire service who are working the fire. Read the latest updates here.
Feature image © and courtesy of Madison Woods
I like the interesting contrast you’ve created between Becky and the enigma of old man Monger. He’s this untouchable, irascible guy who is as much the land as the land itself, and Becky seems to be the outsider, not having a lot of time for local lore, wanting to get on with the job of protecting the land. It’s an effective moment, like a snapshot of two different worlds briefly coming together. I wonder if they would ever meet? I would love to see that 🙂
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Wow! Greetings, Helena and thanks ever so much for your comments. I am tickled that you got exactly what I was aiming for out of this story. Perhaps another prompt will one day bring their paths together for what would be an epic collision of worlds! 🙂
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Hmmm. What a clue!
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Dear MTO,
Interesting piece and rather unique take on the prompt.
Obviously this story does go with the photo prompt. I do have one request, though. There’s nothing wrong with adding other photos to your blog to go with your story. (I do it all the time.) My request is that you also insert the given prompt to avoid any confusion. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Greetings, Rochelle.
Thanks and absolutely. I think I’ve been leaving the photo prompt as the featured photo, but will gladly make that adjustment.
Happy trails! 🙂
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I meant Sara…I confuse your handle with Mom the Obscure. Sorry. As for the photo prompt, it’s what ties Friday Fictioneers together. Thank you for understanding. As I said, there’s nothing wrong with including the other photo.
Shalom again,
Rochelle
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Ah-ha! I had been pondering the MTO abbreviation…around here Sheetz is very popular and MTO is their “Made-To-Order” menu… 🙂 I suppose my FF is MTO!
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Somebody didn’t like the old man’s attitude to intruders!
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Greetings, Liz. Thanks for reading and your comment. And no, indeed, they sure didn’t! 🙂
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Interesting… Makes me think of the Bundy Ranch from a few years back.
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Thanks for reading and your comment, madamewriter. Oh, the Bundy ranch…that’s a parallel I did not draw. Good point! They’re a special bunch, too, much like some of the good ol’ families around here…
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