PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
It is our first no-snow winter. Shorelines of the big lakes here — and oceans elsewhere — haven’t frozen, so waves eat them like a giant Pac Man game that isn’t a game at all.
Where snow fails, arctic wind prevails. Just stepping outside risks frostbite. Hundreds of homeless residents of the Great Tent Cities of the North have perished. Their bodies are stacked like firewood behind city morgues, waiting their turns at the crematoriums that now burn 24/7.
I’ve been working double shifts for weeks. My nose is filled with death. My ears with sizzling. My clothes with ash, like snow.
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the pragmatic host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
There are some terrible (i.e. good) images there: the tent cities of the North, the PacMan sea, the bodies stacked like firewood
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Thank you, Neil. Much appreciated.
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A scary potential future shown here. I’m with Neil. Fabulous images drawn here!
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I hope it never comes to pass, Dale. Glad you enjoyed the images. 🙂
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Along with others here, it felt strange to say I liked this story. But it’s well written, it has very skilful imagery e.g. the PacMan reference, so let’s just say my click on “like” actually means “appreciate” today.
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Thank you for the lovely comment, Jilly.
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My bones feel chilly after reading this. Love how you used “PacMan”.
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Thank you, Tannille!
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My goodness, you’ve taken a dystopian turn. Mind you there are many who do try to stick it out in the cold weather and turn down a warm bed in a hostel.
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James, thank you for your thoughtful comment. I know that many of the homeless struggle with drug addictions and mental illness and often make poor decisions. Some just don’t like the idea of being confined. I feel sorrow for any person out in subzero elements. Happy Holidays to You!
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Dear Lisa,
What a frightening prospect. Grim but well painted images.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, many thanks. Hoping each homeless person finds a warm place to lay their head over the holidays — and beyond.
Shalom,
Lisa
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It felt wrong ‘liking’ this, I can think of little worse. Well done though Lisa.
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I understand, Keith. Hoping they find places out of the cold for the holidays and beyond.
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Well done on the prompt! Sad that the Lakes are still not frozen.
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Thanks, Dwight. I know. Already so many homes along the lake about to fall in from erosion. They’ve started dumping huge boulders on the sand in hopes of holding the waves off.
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:<(
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so sad, hopefully it doesn’t come to pass.
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A terribly sad prospect very well described. The reality is this is the time of year where the homeless are most at risk as the temperature drops. Sad as well.
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Thank you for your sensitive comment, Brenda. It’s a rough and lonely time for many of them.
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A sad, chilling story, so well told. I too found the images strong and frightening, especially that of the tent cities and crematoriums. I wonder how long people will endure being treated like this.
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Gah, I just watched a new 40 min doc on netflix about the homeless in 3 areas out on the west coast. The interviews with the people who have been homeless for literally years were heartbreaking. The shots where the street dwellers were watching families inside really got to me. It also showed several working poor that are forced to live in the tent cities in old cars or are lucky enough to get a bunk at the homeless shelter. I wonder how long also. I’m guessing covid and other diseases sweep through them also.
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You make good use of your character’s employment as a worker at the crematorium. It adds a ring of truth to the account.
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Penny, thank you for the feedback. Much appreciated 🙂
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Well, you scared the crap out of me. Out 85 degree X-Mas day should be safe. 🙂 Well done. Lisa.
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You have 85 degrees forecast for the 25th?? You must be in the southern hemisphere! Thanks, Bill.
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Texas.
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Oh, bleak winter tale here. I feel the desperation and depression of the never ending circle
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The Pac man image is compelling.
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Thank you, Sandra.
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A taste of things to come… 😮
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😦 Sadly I think yes.
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a bit horrifying, no?
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