Copyright–Mary Shipman
Again it’s time for the new Friday Fictioneers’ weekly story challenge. This weekly challenge is to write a story with no more than 100 words. It’s to have a beginning, middle, end, and follow the picture prompt supplied for that week. The hostess for this challenge is the ever gracious and talented author Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This week’s prompt is a summer rerun as Rochelle is on vacation. Enjoy your vacation Rochelle! It was first posted on May 1, 2012 and supplied by Mary Shipman. Thanks again Mary.
http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/2014/06/18/18-june-2014-summer-rerun/
Genre: Horror/Humor Fiction
100 Words
THE DISMAL FAILURE by P.S. Joshi
I came back. Too lazy to make a will, I died and my worthless nephew, Buster, got my money and house. Warned by the Higher Power not to seek revenge or I couldn’t move on, I didn’t listen. In this unfinished attic, I’ve planned that revenge.
I’ve been a dismal failure. Buster didn’t hear the many howls or the chains since he’s a sound sleeper. He was thrilled about the skate on the stairs since he thought he’d lost it. Multiple sightings didn’t bother him because he thought he’d hallucinated. Really sorry now, I’ve asked just to move on. Please.
Musings on Life & Experience 
I really liked the combination of humor and seriousness in your story! Loved the “skate on the stairs” bit. Tightly packed in details. Alas, the poor ghost cannot move on!
A question, though: Who is speaking at the end? That part could be differently interpreted. Not sure.
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Thanks Vijaya. The uncle is asking the Higher Power if he can please move on because his haunting isn’t working. The nephew never speaks. He’s not even aware of what’s happening. I’m glad you liked the story. 🙂 —Susan
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I sort of thought that it was as you said — the uncle asking the Higher Power. I wasn’t totally sure. Thanks for clarifying.
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Vijaya, I’ve changed it so that’s it’s clearer. Thanks. 🙂 —Susan
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To be stuck in limbo as a failed ghost.. I don’t think there could be any sadder destiny.. would the ghost be able to move on if the revenge is done..
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Thanks Bjorn. I feel sure mercy will be take on him because he repented in the end. 🙂 —Susan
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I almost feel bad for the ghost, but this is quite amusing. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. 🙂
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Thanks Adelie. I’m sure now that he’s repented he’ll be able to move on. I thought I’d combine humor and horror and see what I came up with on this one. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂 —Susan
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I hope it’s not too late for him. A mix of revenge and humour… finely balanced.
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Thanks Sandra. I think now that he’s learned his lesson he’ll be okay. I’m glad you liked the story. 🙂 —Susan
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I wonder why we rarely listen to the voice of reason…and realise the mistake when it is too late…Great combination of humor and tragedy.
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Thanks Lore`. Perhaps we don’t listen because of pride. We think we know best. I’m glad you liked the story. 🙂 —Susan
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A failed ghost …….. great idea. 🙂
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Thanks Yarnspinner. I’m glad you liked the story. I had fun with this one. 🙂 —Susan
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My kind of ghost story…funny. Loved it!
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Thanks Hugmamma. I’m glad you liked the story. I had fun writing this one. 🙂 —Susan
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How dare you name a story after me without approval? Otherwise this was pretty cool, a funny paranormal story about a hapless ghost. I’m hoping he gets to move on. Please!
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Thanks Perry. Sorry if you thought that was about you. Actually, your stories are also pretty cool so you’re hardly a failure. You’re a pretty cool and smart guy. I think this ghost will get to move on. He’s changed his attitude and is sorry. I’m glad you liked the story. 🙂 —Susan
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This is a case of reverse revenge. I enjoyed the humour and the twist, Susan. Good one.
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Thanks Karen. Yes, it is a story about revenge reversed. I just thought I’d try combining horror and humor this time and see what happened. It seems to have succeeded and I’m glad you liked it. 🙂 —Susan
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Aw, poor ghost, trying all the tricks and not getting anywhere. I hope the Higher Power relents and lets it move on.
I particularly loved the skate on the stair – I can imagine the ghost looking gleefully on, waiting for disaster, only for the nephew to grin in triumph as he finds his lost skate 🙂
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Thanks Al. I think now that he’s sorry he sought revenge this ghost will be allowed to move on. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. I had fun writing it. 🙂 —Susan
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This is very funny. I love the idea of a ghost trying their best to get their revenge and failing at every turn. Well done 🙂
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Thanks El. I guess their’s one in every group. 😀 This ghost wasn’t much of a success in life either. He never even got around to making a will so he can’t blame his nephew. Even his house was never finished. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂 —Susan
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I like the caustic tone of the ghost: funny and sad at the same time. Really well done Susan!
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Thanks Dawn. I always appreciate your opinion. I’m glad you liked the story. 🙂 —Susan
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Geez, a failure in the afterlife. Maybe he should try being a helpful ghost–if he failed at that the results might be scary.
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Thanks Russell. I don’t think he wants to be any type of ghost. He’s just worried he won’t move on. He wasn’t that great a person when he was alive and he’s being taught a hard lesson. Now that he’s sorry I think he’ll be allowed to move on. 🙂 —Susan
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Some people bumble through everything, even being a ghost. Good humour. Enjoyed it.
Lily
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Thanks Lily. I had fun writing that story and I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 —Susan
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Poor ghost. And I love the name Buster. Nicely done in 100 words
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Thanks Alicia. I think he’ll be okay now that he’s sorry for his wrong attitude. I’m glad you liked the name I chose for the nephew. I thought it would be a good one for a hunorous story. I’m also happy you enjoyed the story. 🙂 —Susan
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Very enjoyable story. I think I would be like the nephew and not notice the ghost (because I refuse to believe in them). I do believe that angels sometimes take the form of people and appear to help them.
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Thanks Zainab. I agree with you. I’d be extremely surprised if there were actually ghosts. I do believe in evil and don’t want to mess with anything like calling back spirits from the dead, spells and/or enchantments, etc.. I do believe in angels though and think they often help people. I believe many things exist we mortals can’t see. I sometimes write about imaginary things, or things from myths, if it makes a good story. 🙂 —Susan
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Yes you can really write a good tale!
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Thanks Zainab. I enjoy your stories also. 🙂 —Susan
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Dear Patriciaruthsusan, Great ghost story and I feel sorry for the inept ghost! I hope he gets his act together and can move on up to the next station! Thanks, good job as usual! Nan 🙂
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Thanks Nan. Thanks for the encouragement and I’m glad you liked the story. I think that ghost will be okay now that he’s sorry for his misdeeds. 🙂 —Susan
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You have a great sense of humour Susan, this was an enjoyable read as you turned the plot on it’s head. I was reminded of ‘The Canterville Ghost’ by Oscar Wilde where the family terrorises the ghost rather than being terrorised by him.
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Thanks Subroto. I loved the Canterville Ghost. I never read the book, but I saw a couple of different film versions of it. I had fun writing this story. I thought I’d give a different view of revenge. That photo seemed to say ghost to me.I’m glad you liked it. 🙂 —Susan
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Didn’t know Oscar Wilde had sold the movie rights. Must look it up. The book can be read online here http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14522
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Thanks Subroto. I don’t know about the movie rights. I imagine it was made into a movie long past the expiration date of the copyright.The oldest film of it I saw was one from the 1940’s and I think they probably changed it a good bit so they could give screen time to the stars of the day. Oscar Wilde might very well have rolled over in his grave at those changes. Thanks for the web address of the original. I intend to look it up and read it. 🙂 —Susan
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Oh don’t give up, wise Uncle. There’s always an angle! Loved the story…
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Thanks Mary. I think the uncle will be okay now that he’s sorry for seeking revenge. I’m glad you liked the story. I enjoyed writing it. 🙂 —Susan
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This is great, Susan. A ghost who is failing as a ghost. It’s funny that Buster thinks he’s just hallucinating. I like your end as well. A simple, Please. Time to move on. Great job!
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Thanks Amy for all the encouragement. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. I had fun writing it. 🙂 —Susan
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I love how you’ve flipped the horror genre on its severed ear and onto humor. Way to go, Susan! I chuckled about that mischievous ghost who now just wants to move on. And “please” is priceless and so well-chosen.
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Thanks Leigh for offering such encouragement. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. I had fun writing that one. 🙂 —Susan
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