PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 18, 2020 BY ROCHELLEWISOFF
The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
Too Scared
I haven’t taken a step outdoors in months. What if the virus is just floating in the air around my home? The plants are growing in my walkway, a walkway that hasn’t been used. The sun is shining, I should be outdoors. Is it safer in the sun or in the shade? Does sun kill the virus or does the lower temperatures? Is it here on the railing, where the postman placed his hand as he delivered my letters yesterday? Although I stand here, door open, sun shining, I cannot get myself to step onto the stoop. I’m too scared. (100 words)
©2020 CBialczak Flash Fiction
Stine Writing 
It’s been having quite an effect upon people
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Yes, some more than others, but I think everyone is feeling it in some way or another.
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I wish everybody would leave Michael Stine alone he’s married leave him alone stop writing about him stop calling stop everything
Sent from my iPhone
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Who is Michael Stine?
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My neighbor o r is just like your story. I feel for her as I have no choice but to go out to take hubby to/fro work.
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I have gotten to the point that I no longer like running out. I feel like it wastes too much of my day. I guess it is because I keep myself busy all day.
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If only everybody thought like that. This thing would be long over. Two months, done.
Is a walkway still a walkway if no one is walking that way?
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I have never been good at riddles!
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Timely story, well told. Great use of the prompt.
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Thank you!
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Terrible situation the world is in. The virus may disappear soonish / in a few years but the psychological damage will linger beyond that.
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Unfortunately, the psychological damage would lessen if we all just did the same thing and tried to make it universal and hopefully gone sooner.
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Yes… it would seem collectively as a species we are incompetent!
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hahahaha, right?!?!?
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Sometimes it seems that nothing is really worth the risks… and it becomes easier to just stay safe.
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That’s why I say “just wear the damn mask!” to all the people who are still complaining about it.
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A very 2020 story. There will be those who never from the paranoia even with the vaccine. Imagine all those germs if we start hugging and kissing each other again!
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Well, that is precisely why I think some minimal exposure is necessary. We do need to build up an appropriate immune response.
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I agree with Nobbinmaug. If everyone went into isolation for a couple of months this thing would die. However, that’s not practical for financial reasons. What we irritates me is the people who refuse to follow guidelines for safety. In fact, many of the flaunt the isolence and become super spreaders.
Perhaps through “natural selection” those with that mentality will be removed from the herd.
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You know, it amazes me that with all this time and with all the sickness and death people are still bitching about wearing masks. I don’t know if you are in the US or not, but the US is one of the hardest hit countries! This is crazy, and for what, a mask?
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I live in Arkansas and we are seeing new record numbers every day. Much of our population here was/is Trump supporters who still won’t accept the virus as a real and dangerous pandemic.
I’m seen a few people change their tune after losing a family member or close friend, but someone they love shouldn’t have to die in order to make them take COVID 19 seriously.
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I totally get it. I have conversations with Trump supporters who say things that just don’t make sense with what is really happening in our world. By the way, Arkansas…You might be the first person I have ever “talked to” from Arkansas. I will have to recheck the map to refamiliarize myself where that even is! Hahaha, geography was not my thing in school.
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What part of the U.S. do you live in?
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Northeast
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I admit, I try to remember to wash my hands when I get a package delivered. There will be some who will never feel comfortable going outside again, I fear.
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It is so true! There are friends that will not make any plans to get together even outdoors and plenty of space. I mean if you are happy like that then no problem!
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I really felt for her. Very believable story – well done.
p.s. why did I assume the character is female?
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thank you! I figured the person was a female even though you cant really tell
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This is why so many are now suffering from mental health problems. Far better to keep calm and carry on.
My yarn!
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I believe that the beginnings of the virus were really hyped up to make people fear it. It is scary, but outside is the best place to be for our sanity. Its encouraging news of the vaccines globally, lets hope 2021 is slightly better
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all we can do is hope, right?
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What a terrible way to live. The fear is tangible in this and so for our times. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle
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A very good story Christine. A definite reflection of our times. Coincidentally I wrote about the pandemic too. However in a different vein.
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I will stop by and read yours. Thanks for commenting!
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I was reading an article earlier this morning about the searches on Google et.al. have exploded for anxiety, depression, suicide, all sorts of abuse. The cure is worse than the disease.
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Yes, crazy stuff…
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I can certainly relate to you character. Their mental gymnastics during these days remind me of mine. Do I wipe down all of the groceries and the mail? It does seem safer to just stay in. You captured the anxiety very well!
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I think everyone has some level of discomfort right now, but a lot of it is just realizing that this is happening and we can’t change it.
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It almost feels worse now than it did six months ago. I think the time locked inside is truly having a difficult effect on so many people.
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Honestly, I believe that some of it is more psychological damage that people are inflicting upon themselves. Yes, I do believe there are people who are truly suffering, many alone, but there are also so many people who are just complaining because they can’t do the social stuff they want. I guess I have mixed feelings.
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I do agree.
There is a lot of complaining for nothing while those who truly suffer mostly do it in silence.
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yes, you are right!
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🙂
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It’s nerve-wracking to put it mildly. It’s bad enough my having to stay home, but I am terrified for my son who works at a hospital and is forced to go there every day.
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I know, you just have to pray and hope he stays healthy. It is awfully scary.
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Great piece. I think that’s an anxiety many people can relate to right now.
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Unfortunately I think you are 100% right!
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