PHOTO PROMPT © Ronda Del Boccio
Dadaroche
Dadaroche’ platinum chariot purrs along the dusty streets of the small, parched village. Everyone recognizes him. Many believe he was brought by God; others know different.
Dadaroche preaches on Sundays. After-service chit-chats inform him whose homes have working mothers and absent fathers; which homes have hunger. He knows which lonely children to do private studies with and who to have wash his car for a few coins. He knows the parents to approach with offers to give their children unheard-of opportunities at the special school in the big city.
Dadaroche vanishes, chariot parked at the church. Police questions meet mute villagers.
[101 words]

Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.

welltold
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Thank you, Ron.
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A succinctly told tale.
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Thank you, Sadje.
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You’re welcome Li
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That conspiracy of silence is interesting
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Thank you, Neil. There is always a conspiracy of silence around such individuals, don’t you think? Whistleblowers are few and far between…
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It appears that the mafia or some such organization had to get rid of him because he knew too much.
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Plaridel that is very possible.
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There is something so sinister in this, I’m left unsure whether Dadaroche was helping or preying upon those people he learned about in the town’s gossip. Leaves me to wonder even more about his disappearance…
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Jen, I’m glad you started wondering about Dadaroche. I wish more would in real life scenarios.
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Either a good guy got him or bad guy…whichever way he was going….if he was doing good….or if he was doing bad
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I like the way you are looking at the story, Max.
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I reread what I wrote…I was hoping it came out right.
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We only see what we want to see, mostly. (K)
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Heartbreaking whatever way you look at it. Well told.
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Thanks, Angela.
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A controlling individual by the sound of it, whether present or not. An intriguing tale.
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Thanks much, Keith.
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Dadaroche, a kind of selfish modern day Piedpiper. Who can you trust when you are down and out?
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James, excellent question. You’re at the mercy of the world :(
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Peidpiper comment is mine….
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The parents took the only option to stop him. Liz
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I think you’re right, Liz. Thank you.
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What a sinister character!
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Thank you. I tried to make that aspect of the character come through.
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With this character the dividing line between good and bad seem very narrow.
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Thanks for sharing your perspective on the character.
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I felt that creepy vibe right at the beginning and the end confirmed it. Great writing, Lisa.
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Gabi, thank you very much. I’ve known a few Dadaroches and they all needed to disappear.
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I have a feeling Dadaroche is not a good guy, and certainly not sent from God to help, which is too often the case. Well-written story, Lisa.
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Brenda, thanks much for your astute comment.
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Dear Lisa,
it would seem that Dadaroche knew who to target for what. Not sent from God…not even close. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you’ve pegged this predator well. Thank you.
Shalom,
Lisa
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I assume you are one of the others that know different.
Certainly a piece that demands rereading a few times.
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As the writer, I am omniscient :) Thanks, Patrick, for giving it a read and reread.
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Ooooo so creepy
I hope they get him. What a predator. Ugh.
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Laurie I think they did, and if not, I hope they do also.
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