PHOTO PROMPT © Krista Strutz
Jill and I took paddleboarding lessons from our neighbor, Jack, who led small groups on weekend excursions. After three seasons of local trips, we felt ready to embark on the big Alaska adventure. It would be just us three. We flew into Cordova airport and stayed at Jack’s cabin on Eyak Lake.
On our fourth day we spied a bald eagle resting on driftwood. Jill urged me to paddle closer so she could take a picture. Baldy and I locked eyes; I was feeling the magic timelessness of the moment.
I felt a paddle crack the side of my skull.
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the shining host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
You couldn’t just let him enjoy the moment… There was no room in the Jack and Jill scenario for a third wheel (or paddle), I see!
Well done, missy!
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Well, he *did* enjoy the moment… until he didn’t. lol. Thanks Dale!
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You know, as I pressed send, I thought… well, she DID let him enjoy the moment briefly… 🙂
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🙂
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Oh!! Sad incident.. break the moment..
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All was going great.
The pic was also in fate.
But, why this sad end to the date?
Cracked skull is scary. Hope he gets well soon.
The Treasure Hunt- Anita
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Thank you, Anita, I wanted to lull the reader and then surprise them. Glad to hear you are an optimist 🙂
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And he thought the bird of prey was the dangerous animal there!
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Great comment, Neil!
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Dear Lisa,
I guess this Jack and Jill had more sinister intentions than fetching water. You took me by surprise with that ending. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thank you for your wonderful comment.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Ouch. A painful betrayal in more ways than one!
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Yes! I hope Jack and Jill just think he’s dead but he survives then goes full commando revenge on them 😉
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Lol! What a way to end the magic of the moment! ❤
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oopsie 😉
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Oh no! What a way to end the moment! Well done.
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Y’know I think the eagle was in on the plot also…. 🙂 Thank you, Athling.
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You just can’t trust anyone it seems. (K)
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There was an ominous feel to this one very early on. I wasn’t surprised by the crack on the head. Just kind of–sad, I guess. You can’t trust anyone, it seems.
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When I named the wife Jill and the neighbor Jack… Why she just couldn’t have divorced him is a mystery…
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Not the ending I was expecting, nor your subject! A great take Lisa.
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Thanks much, Keith!
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i guess taking a shot at the bird was a big no-no. 🙂
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LOL!
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Surprise!
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On the surface there is a gentle flow to the story, underneath a sinister premeditated evil exists.
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I like the way you describe the story, James. Thank you for reading.
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And it all started so harmoniously. The hint about Jack and Jill should have given it away… 😀
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🙂
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Funny, I’ve looked at this photo since wednesday, and just now saw the bald eagle. What I was seeing was a man in a baseball cap turned backwards and he was looking down at something. So much for trying to see the pic on my phone. Love your story!
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Bear, I thought it was another person until I got a closer look at it. Thank you and glad you enjoyed the story.
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I didn’t realise the narrator was male and that he and Jill were an item, until I read some of the comments…
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Sorry, Penny. I assumed it was inferred by the guy locking eyes with the eagle in the image, but maybe not. I may have to rework it to make it more clear. Thank you for reading and your feedback.
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Oh, you’re good at this! What fun! (Unless you’re the one being cracked upside the head, of course!) 🌞
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LOL thank you, Lisa 🙂
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Woo…I have to say I thought it was going to be a nature story…that ended abruptly lol.
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lol. And I hope it stays ended.
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Lisa,
Two’s company, three’s a . . . . Do I sense a murderous intent here? Nothing’s ever as innocent as it seems, lol.
pax,
dora
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🙂 Hoping he’s just stunned and wakes up after they leave and finds a way back to a safe place.
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Wow, whopping twist at the end. You lulled us in well with the natural beauty and serenity of the piece, only to smash it all to smithereens with a paddle and someone’s dark motive.
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Thank you very much, Michael. Great feedback.
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the magic timelessness of the moment…good line until the last fatal twist. Good one Lisa.
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Neel, thank you and am glad you enjoyed the story.
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