It’s time for Friday Fictioneers, when writers from around the world post 100-word stories based on a photo prompt provided on Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ blog. This week’s photo is by Lora Mitchell.
You can read other Friday Fictioneers’ work by clicking the link that appears below my story.
Enjoy!
Celebration
by Jan Brown
The fireworks made Caitlin feel at home momentarily. The brilliant bursts of color were reminiscent of her homeland’s patriotic celebrations. Also, they were welcome illumination in the ever-dark sky of this alien world.
The solar system had three suns, but at this time of year their light did not reach this region. The season was mercifully short, and the planet’s inner core radiated abundant heat. Even so, she couldn’t stop shivering.
A familiar trio of long, muscular arms embraced her trembling shoulders. Caitlin leaned into her husband’s body, relishing his warmth. Silently, she smiled in celebration of interspecies marriage.
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mezzojan 
Love is love, no matter where you find it. Thanks for a tender moment.
Carma
You’re very welcome, and thank you for commenting!
Three muscular arms? Really? Yet you had me believing it was possible. Nicely told, Jan.
shalom,
Rochelle
Yes, three muscular arms…all the better to hug, hold and massage her :-))
Maybe you should forward this to our Supreme Court as they prepare to debate DOM !!
🙂 🙂 🙂
That’s DOMA…
Beautiful….real love always is. Well written.
Happy New Year.
Shenine
Thank you, Shenine, and happy new year to you also!
Nice piece of Sci-Fi… with a bit of a message. Kind of a creepy thought about the 3 arms though.
Thanks for your comments, Ted, and happy new year to you!
Awww.. nice and heart-warming story. Celebration of interspecies marriage, indeed. Loved your interpretation of the prompt.
Thank you very much!
Nice take on the prompt, three arms felt almost natural the way you described it. Nicely done.
Thank you, Sandra!
trio of arms, loved it. Here’s the answer to, “I wish I had three hands for this task.” Great peek into a brand new world for me.
Thank you for stopping by my blog, peeking into my world!
Well, it is seldom I am surprised; this time was twice in 100 words! Wow!
Good story…right up my alley.
Scott
Thanks, Scott . Glad I could surprise you!
Hi Jan,
I have to wonder what other extra parts he has. My imagination is running wild. Very fun story! Ron
Heh, heh, that is so you 🙂
(snickering from Ron’s comment)Nicely done, Jan. It seems everyone is interested in extra body parts. Now I’m curious about the females on that planet.
Thanks, Russell. I’ll have to think on that if I write any further stories that take place on that world 🙂
“The solar system had three suns…” to say “The” solar system means there’s only one, which of course there is more than one. so you have to try something like “This” or “Their” solar system, or maybe give it a name. regardless, well done.
I like the recommendation to give the system a name. Not only would it avoid the problem, but would enhance the other-worldly feel of the piece.
that’s what i was thinking. “Beta centauri pi” had three suns. something like that.
also – to “radiate” means to give off heat, so to “radiate abundant heat” is more than you need. you can just say “radiated abundantly.” save a word through accuracy.
Not sure that’s quite right Rich as other kinds of energy can be radiated, eg light according to the definitions I found when I checked.
ok. you got me there.
how many arms? A good story full of hope, and a good start to the year.
Thanks, Bill, and happy new year!
Liked the story Jan, though I agree with Rich that ‘the solar system’ as it stands is a bit confusing because you think of ‘our’ solar system but then it wouldn’t make sense. A massage with 3 hands sounds waaay interesting. 😉
Thank you, Anne!
Good piece, nominated you for some awards! http://oscarjamieson.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/awards/
Thank you, Oscar, and happy new year to you! Although I don’t currently publicize awards on my blog, I want you to know that I included a link to your blog under “Interesting Blogs and Sites.” Thank you again for your kind comment!
Inter-species marriage… wow… you are way ahead of our times.
I had never thought about it. Very interesting!
Glad I could surprise you!
Happy New Year, Parul!
Surprised indeed and delighted as well.
Thank you very much!
You’re welcome very much 🙂
awww, a beautiful moment of tenderness with the sky illuminated in color.
*smiling*
I’m so glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for visiting my blog, and for your kind comments. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
it was a pleasure. thank you for sharing. ❤