This week’s contribution to Friday Fictioneer hosted by Rochelle Wisolf-Fields.
J Hardy Carroll (c)
When the whistle blew, the driver pointed at the clock and pleaded with him, “Now, man. Come on.”
In response, he tipped his hat and bowed. “I’ve worked here forty years. Where will I go?”
The steam spewed out of the engine and the wheels rolled.
The last train had gone. The waiting room was empty. They’d all escaped and not a soul remained to hear the coming of the soldiers. Except the stationmaster. He picked up the discarded newspapers warning of the impending invasion and straightened the benches back in line.
Choosing one bench in the sunlight, he sat and waited.
(100 words)
The Quiet Writer 
The awful inevitable logid of necessity. Beautifully evoked
LikeLike
Thank you. I found the picture very inspiring.
LikeLike
…choosing one bench in the sunlight…..he waits for what he knows will come. Well done!
LikeLike
Thank you. There is inevitability when it comes to waiting rooms.
LikeLike
Ooh.. what a brave heart! 🙂
LikeLike
brave, yes. I did think of all those elderly in war zones who are often overlooked.
LikeLike
Lovely, sad and atmospheric story. So filled with melancholy. Love that different twist on the prompt – one man alone, facing his end. Gorgeously done
LikeLike
One man in a waiting room, it’s a lonely place to be. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure 🙂
LikeLike
Maybe the title should have been NOWHERE TO RUN!
LikeLike
True, it could easily have been that too.
LikeLike
A bench in the sunlight… maybe it’s the best place to wait for the end.
LikeLike
There are worse places to be left waiting.
LikeLike
This is a powerful piece of writing.
LikeLike
Thank you. I had that moment of inspiration.
LikeLike
Brave man and selfless indeed
LikeLike
Brave, and like many left to face the consequences of others, selfless too.
LikeLike
The inevitability of his fate comes through. Well done.
LikeLike
Thank you. I’m glad the few words matched the picture’s power.
LikeLike
So sad. He seemed to have lost his joy for life without his workplace.
LikeLike
As it is with many who lose their jobs, a sad place to be. Although I think in the sun he might find some comfort.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A strong, resolute man willing to face the inevitable..
LikeLike
Strength from within. I hope we can all have that when needed.
LikeLike
Dear QW,
Atmospheric and bleak.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS That’s Wisoff-Fields not Weiss.
LikeLike
Apologies, I was racing to post last week. Hopefully this week will be a bit calmer.
LikeLike