Author’s note: My newest entry for Friday Fictioneers. This is based on a character I created for a play I wrote last year, so it doesn’t relate to the photo that much, but it’s close enough. The title refers to the numbers that victims of the Holocaust were tattooed with in the concentration camps. At some point, I will creat a full character sketch but here’s the 97 word version in the meantime.
When Jerry’s daughter married outside the faith, he vowed to never speak to her again. Her rejection of Judaism went further than a mere change of religion; it was a rejection of his past, of the number tattooed on the inside of his wrist. He’d been so blinded by history that he hadn’t thought about regret until now. His health was failing and he’d been diagnosed with leukemia. All he had to do was pick up the phone and call her to apologize for his pigheaded arrogance. Could he make amends before it was too late?
Jen's Rambling Thoughts... 
a very touching piece..prompts you to know more about what happens next..
Honestly that’s really as far as the play takes Jerry’s character. I could always write a sequel I guess;) Thanks for stopping by!
I hope he makes that call. He’ll be glad he did and so will she.
Thanks for the comment:) All four of my main characters have open ended stories like this so I guess I could write a sequel of sorts….stay tuned, you never know what you might read;)
Very well done
Thanks a lot! This one was easier to write than most, but then again, I kinda cheated….
I hope he makes that call, too. It could be a terribly tragic story if neither one reaches out. Thank you for this very real piece.
It’s weird because the original edition of this story that this character comes from was supposed to be something silly, but it took a dramatic turn early and stayed there. i’m glad you like it.
Good one.
Thanks! I’m surprised that it’s not as hard to tell a story in 100 words as I thought it would be.
Dear Jen,
All too true scenario.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks for stopping in. Unfortunately I’m going through a less drastic version of this myself, only not with my dad. The two of us are fine.
you put your reader right there, wanting to talk with your character, to convice him to do what he needs to do. Good writing here.
Thanks TW! I enjoyed writing it. I kept counting my words and for once I had to *add* something to make it a little longer. That will probably never happen again.
So often choices involve so much more than “yes” or “no.” Nice approach.
HI Jen,
Excellent family history story and I like the way you leave the ending dramatically hanging. Ron
I hope so. I’ve never figured out people like that. You painted a complex figure.
This is a strong story indeed, and sounds very real to me.
I think it relates to the picture well. I hope he’s able to pick up the phone and make peace before it’s too late.
could he? did he? will he? well??? well done.