,

R.A.I.N.B.O.W.

Randomly last week I bumped into an old friend.

Against my better judgement I broke down in front of them. The failings of the last few years. 

It all just came pouring out of me. My work, my relationships, the debt I’m carrying. 

Never have I felt so embarrassed, so ashamed, so ridiculous. 

But there was also this sense of freedom. A weight was lifted.

Obviously I apologised. The look on their face was a mix of fear and concern but instead of turning away they just held me.

Words aren’t always important. Sometimes all you need is a hug.


A throw back to English in primary school this week. I couldn’t see a story jumping out at me from the photograph (pressure of it being mine, perhaps?) so instead I wrote RAINBOW down the side of the page and went from there.

Hey, Listen


Read More

Thanks to Rochelle for keeping Friday Fictioneers afloat all these years, and to all the writers that pop back each week to contribute. Read more stories here.

Responses to “R.A.I.N.B.O.W.”

  1. Neil MacDonald

    Nicely done. I didn’t realise it was a mnemonic until I read your note

  2. rochellewisoff

    Dear Mr. B

    Positively brilliant. The last line is so true. An empathetic hug beats “words of wisdom” any day.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    1. MrBinks

      Thank you for the amazing comment. Much appreciated.

  3. Sandra

    Very clever. Well done.

    1. MrBinks

      Ta very much like!

  4. Keith’s Ramblings

    A simple gesture that gives so much. Delightful.

    1. authorfleurl

      Love this! And what a great way to get a story started. I’m going to try this as well…and 💯 a hug is better than words. Another gem, well done.

  5. msjadeli

    MrBinks I really love your photo prompt image. Could write to it all day long.

    It’s unfortunate that “developed” places discourage the public display of emotion except in designated spaces, like sporting matches. I’m glad the MC was able to show emotion and that emotion was supported by a friend.

    1. MrBinks

      Thanks a lot. I do love getting out and about with my camera. https://www.instagram.com/mrbinks/

      1. msjadeli

        You’re very welcome. I think I deleted my instagram account.

  6. James McEwan

    There is nothing like a sincere hug to show how much people care. Loved the structure of your story and how you managed coordinated the sentences.

    1. MrBinks

      Thanks James.

  7. CGraith

    Masterful way to weave a tale and it worked so well!

    1. MrBinks

      Thank you so much!

  8. justjoyfulness

    Exactly this happened to me last month when I met my old neighbours after 30 years. Tears came out (but not burdens) and I did get that hug. I can well relate.

  9. The Sicilian Storyteller

    Stunning, Binks! The Beatles had it right after all. ♡

  10. robprice59

    A powerful truth, well said.

  11. Brenda’s Thoughts

    Oh, I love the technique you used to create such an honest and beautiful story!

  12. Anna

    This is gorgeous! It’s so perfectly economical in form and the mnemonic just gives it that extra artistry. I love the pace, the content, the voice. It holds real truth 😊 Really enjoyed this – thank you 😊 I don’t find time for Friday Fictioneers (or writing at all) at the moment – but this inspires me to return 😊

    1. MrBinks

      Gosh, what a lovely thing to write. Thank you.

  13. thisobscurelife

    clever! I’m impressed you create this story from “rainbow.” It’s a great picture, but to real for you perhaps?

  14. Angela Adams

    A clever mnemonic device, and a smooth, natural, honest read. Very nice!

    1. MrBinks

      Thank you for reading/listening!

  15. Dawn M. Miller

    This is awesome!

Leave a reply to authorfleurl Cancel reply