The Interview – Friday Fictioneers

Amy Reese,

I am a bit late to this week’s gathering of the Friday Fictioneers, a community of writers who contribute a 100-word story based on a photo prompt.

Thanks to our gracious host Rochelle Wisoff-Fields and to Shaktiki Sharma for this week’s cool photo.

Ahem…I went over just a tad. I had a hard time ending it….

PHOTO PROMPT © Shaktiki Sharma

Sci-Fi (106 words)

The Interview

Addison fell into the hot seat.

Across from her, Gemma sat with her feet and knees touching. She held no resume. None was requested and Addison hadn’t sent one at such short notice.

Basking in a glow of stillness, Gemma resembled a touched photograph, except for her lashes which moved like the wings of a butterfly in slow-motion flight.

Addison formed words to questions she didn’t hear. Voices echoed. Something about data analysis.

“I studied philosophy,” Addison stated.

“How is it that you know you’re here, Addison?”

Addison jolted upright. “I don’t.” But then she knew that she did. Her insides hurt, raked and combed through.

****************

For more stories from the talented Fictioneers, click here.

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70 Comments

  3. Dear Amy,

    I could so relate to Addison focusing on Gemma’s eyelashes. It sounds like something I would do. A bit of ADD and creativity…sometimes I think they’re twins. Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. I wish I had long lashes. My son has them and sometimes I’m just mesmerized by them. I want them! I think lashes would be a useful focus for ADD and creativity. Hey, why not? Thank you, Rochelle.

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      1. Hi long-lost blog buddy!!! Miss you too! Glad to know all is well! Send some of your West Coast warmth my way, okay? If I have to wear mittens outside one more day I will scream! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  7. From the first line, time slowed and I was transported into that interview “room”(perhaps dimension). I enjoyed the description of her being a still photograph with the exception of her lashes moving. Well done!

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  15. Eyelashes are fascinating. I often find myself staring at people I know that have amazing eyelashes. Really I’m not staring at them but at their lashes. I’m told it’s very disconcerting when they catch me. Apparently, it feels like I am looking right through them. This is a wonderful piece, Amy.

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    1. What an eerie kind of thought that to stare at their lashes is to look right through them. I think it’s quite fitting for my story. My son’s eyelashes are to die for and I always stare at them. They’re a gift, aren’t they? Thanks for your wonderful comments, Michelle. It’s always a pleasure to see you here.

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  25. This story feels like a few of my own job interviews (or exams) when I wasn’t feeling secure about the topic. I love the attention to detail while the important stuff just rushes by, and the philosophical questions.

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    1. Thanks, Gah. I always dread job interviews and exams too. I had some interesting job interviews but none quite like Addison’s. I did have one once where I walked out. That was definitely my most memorable.

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  27. Glad I checked again and saw this one… though Friday was hardly late! I’m always late, and barely keeping up these days!

    I liked the sense of mystery and and almost sci-fi here. The lashes, the attraction, the strange sense of reality…. all combined with something that also feels real and familiar. Wonderful, as always, Amy!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Dawn! So good to see you. I always feel like everyone is done by Friday. I’m glad that’s not the case, especially with you. Thanks so much. Such great comments. I feel like I succeeded. I’m trying to expand this, but I’ve no time. But that’s my short-term goal. 🙂 I’ll be by for a visit soon.

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  29. This has such a beautiful and ethereal quality to it – not what I’d expect from an interview. Particularly love the line, ‘Gemma resembled a touched photograph, except for her lashes which moved like the wings of a butterfly in slow-motion flight.’

    Liked by 1 person

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