I never liked to think what lay under the water: probably more than pond weed and duck poop. I swam in the lake because I didn’t want Peter to think I was afraid, or worse, boring. He liked to jump in, but I never even put my head under.
I heard they sent the divers in, or dredged it, or something. But that was much later, of course, after my swimming days were over. And after Peter’s days were over too.
I never learned if they found anything. I didn’t read the papers; I knew what had happened. I’d been there.
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Listen to me read my story:
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A Friday Fictioneers story. Hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Picture supplied by C.E.Ayr
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How many manuscript submissions does a reader in a literary agency receive in a month? What kind of cover letters do they like best? Read an interview I had with Susannah Godman, Reader at Lutyens & Rubinstein literary agency in London.
Love the story, love the reading.
And love the touch of mystery at the end.
You have us all wondering about what did happen.
Superb.
Thank you. And I love the very inspiring photo.
Wow! Dark and brooding. Mystery and a clear voice in 100 words! I love this
Thanks Neil. I can’t seem to do anything other than dark and brooding.
Comedy for you next week. I insist
Hmm, we’ll see
Dear Claire,
Very dark and well written, leaving much to the imagination.
Note: Are you aware that you wrote ‘he liked to jump in’ but read ‘he liked to dive?’
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle. And well spotted. I changed that after I posted, because of divers, and dived, but maybe it doesn’t work when you read along.
A great story Claire. Full of mystery and foreboding. I enjoyed the read.
Thanks Mike. Glad you liked it.
The dark water hide many secrets. Very spooky
It does indeed. Thank you!
Lovely take full of mystery. Good narrative voice and character – someone I would like to spend more time hearing from.
I’m not sure where she popped up from. Perhaps I’ll hear from her again. Thanks for reading.
Love the darkness, the eerie pitch…perfect for Halloween!
Can’t wait to read the new one, “Swimming Lessons”.
“Our Endless Numbered Days” was an instant Staff Pick at the Merrick Library.
Ahh, thanks so much Carol Ann. So pleased you liked this story, and Our Endless Numbered Days.
Great to read and great to listen too also.
Thanks Michael!
Ooohhh! A new book! I can’t wait! I loved “Our Endless Numbered Days”!
Yes, the story at hand. So well done. Love how you leave us hanging.
Thanks Dale. Delighted that you enjoyed this (and the book).
Feels like it could be the opening to a murder mystery, with us wondering all the way through – ‘did she do it? Did she kill him?’ .So well constructed and leaving us with a cracking mystery to ponder. Lovely stuff Claire 🙂
I love how readers read between the lines. Of course this is what I intended, but I like so much how it works even when the writer doesn’t say. It’s all down to the reader’s imagination.
Well, your intentions came through very clearly – skillfully told as always Claire 🙂
There’s a cold, matter of factness to the orator that is quite unnerving. Beautifully done, Claire.
You’re right. It just came out like that. I think she might be an interesting one. Thanks Sandra.
A lake can’t be a lake without a dead body. Just doesn’t seem right otherwise 🙂
Hah! Absolutely.
Really reflective Claire – I’m filling in the blanks.
That’s what I like to hear. Thanks!
So many gaps to fill in, yet you lead us on path with just enough pebbles to almost comprehend the secrets… I also saw a wonderful surface of water and thought what could be underneath… but I love your hints more.
Thanks so much Bjorn. I’m still getting round to reading other people’s. I’ll go and take a look at yours soon.
Nice story, Claire. I’m impressed with your reading, clever. If I could post a photo here, I would put one of me with my Tin House edition of ‘Days’, also impressive (the book, not my photo).
Ahh, thanks Ted. And I’d love to see a photo of you with OEND. You could email it? claire @ clairefuller.co.uk
A dark story indeed.
Thanks Alicia!
From such a beautiful photo our dark minds create. Great story.
Yes, and it is our minds (the reader’s as well as mine). Thanks for reading.
Oh wow, a touch of mystery, a hint of suspense, a tint of ominous terror. Well written, Claire!
Thanks so much Jade.
I agree with all the other comments. Mysterious, and brooding with a dark secret as an added bonus.
Thank you!
Scary – I wonder if she was responsible for what happened?
Who knows… not me!
I loved hearing you read this! Very mysterious and melancholy. The tone is hypnotizing.
Thanks so much Emily
Excellent storytelling Claire, 100 words jampacked with one beautifully crafted phrase after another, and a wonderfully mysterious ending. Accident or incident? we can only guess…
Ooh, that would have been a good title – Accident or Incident? And thank you! (Btw – I’ll be in Southampton on 30th October for a flash fiction evening, which will have an open mic. It would great if you could come and read…)
You’re very welcome Claire.
Ooooo that sounds fun! Whereabouts in Soton? I’ll have to come along
Ah, a murder mystery or a suicide perhaps since Peter’s days were over. This story makes that lake sound spooky. Good writing as always, Claire. 🙂 — Suzanne
She was there but she is not concerned about being found out. Hmmm….
It makes you think doesn’t it… (I’m afraid I don’t know the answer)