Sometimes he took a box home, a perk of the job. Bottled water when the supply went bad, live crabs for Feliks his Estonian friend, ice-cream for his nephews.
Ära ava*, was printed on the box’s side. An exotic fruit he thought; too heavy for herbal tea. When Feliks came around with the Friday night vodka and blood sausage, he put the box under the table.
In the morning he remembered the fruit: oranges, maybe, to cure a hangover. The box was open and empty on the kitchen table, Feliks’s glasses smashed upon the floor.
(*Estonian for Do Not Open)
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This is a 100-word (exactly) flash fiction story, inspired by the picture above, provided by Fatima Fakier Deria. Click here to join in and here to read other writers’ stories.
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Dear Claire,
Too bad Feliks didn’t read Estonian. Now you leave me wanting to know what was in that box. Well done as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Ah, but I think he could read it, but just couldn’t resist. I wouldn’t have been able to.
But, but, but …. Feliks was Estonian. But, but, if I got a box labelled in English “do not open” of course I would. Fiendish, Claire
Exactly! I wouldn’t be able to resist either. Surely no one would?
Your next week’s story better be titled “What Was in the Box”! 😉 Well played.
Hah! I’d better get thinking then.
That is the problem isn’t it? Nothing can be so shocking or surprising as the mystery.
Well done, Clare and you’ve left us all in suspense about what was in the box. I also really appreciated how you created this character bringing things home from work, which was so true to life and have that joie de vivre and generosity of spirit to share his bounty with his friends. Such a lovely character.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Thanks, Rowena.
I’m not sure I want to know what Feliks saw… Sometimes the scariest thing is the unknown.
Yes, you’re so right. I love a good horror film, but not if they show you the monster.
An Estonian Pandora. Excellent story.
Yes! Thanks.
Is it a cursed box?
It can be whatever you want it to be.
Perhaps Feliks with his glasses off could not read the words? An alien abduction is not out of the question…
Hah! I hadn’t thought of that. I’d just assumed he couldn’t resist temptation. And yes, nothing is out of the question.
Pandora’s box in any language is truly hard to resist…
It is!
I’m yearning to know what was in the box. It sounds as though curiosity killed the cat. Is that why you named the box opener Felix?
Hah! I hadn’t thought of that. I have to admit I just looked up a few Estonian male names.
I think his employer was trying to teach him a lesson knowing that he’d ignore the warning! No? Perhaps not!
Click to read my FriFic tale
Could be!
I must confess that the hinted-at relationship between the two men intrigued me even more than the contents of the box. They seem to have a cosy domestic life, with blood sausage and vodka every Friday night.
I hope Feliks isn’t hurt too seriously, although (this being Friday Fictioneers!) I fear the worst.
Hah! I know we kill off a lot of people in FF!
Well, if he survived, I’m thinking he’ll pay more attention to “Do Not Open” next time 🙂
You’d hope so. But I’d open it – wouldn’t you?
Not sure. I’m more inclined to leave it alone unless I’m sure about what’s inside.
Oh, poor Feliks! Do not open indeed – he was warned. A suitably cautionary tale, Claire and lovely writing
Thanks, Lynn.
My pleasure
Humans! They fall for it every time! 😀
Indeed!
So curious what was in the box Claire. Nicely written.
Me too!
What a gripping little tale. I need to know what was in that box!
But then it’s not knowing that makes the mystery.
Once again a master stroke to leave us guessing!
Thanks, Liz.
One to leave us wondering. Definitely a case of needing a dictionary rather than leaving to chance.
Oh no, what happened to Feliks? A very suspenseful tale, I want to know more! =)
I’m afraid I’m not much of an adventurer, plus I still have a thread of that good old Catholic guilt in me (and at my age!). I wouldn’t open the box.
A pandora’s box of sorts. Doesn’t sound like Feliks ended up in a good place.
No, I don’t think he did.