Friday Fictioneers: Every Wednesday, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields hosts a photo prompt. The rules include maintaining (as near as possible) a 100 word fictional piece pertaining to the image. For more information, and to share your writings, please use this link.
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Photo Credit: Beth Carter
It had been his home for some years; it had been his love.
He’d neglected all else. His wife, his children; they’d all gone by the wayside.
They said he didn’t remember his own name toward the end.
It was a bit of an ugly mess. He’d given up washing. He’d given up worrying. He’d given up thinking.
He was a waste of a man, and yet! Here it was; his favourite photograph hanging on the funeral parlour wall.
The sign below it spoke with great profundity.
‘Here lies John who, after 45 years of living, had but one love.’
Carolyn Page
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The cute little guy above will take you to more authors…
deanabo
/ February 28, 2013Awe. A man and his car. Great post!
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013Thank You, Deana…
A sad tale. Fiction though, as far I know.
silentlyheardonce
/ February 28, 2013Awww! You have a stinky man too.
He died from his obsession. You did great. 
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013Thank You, Kim…
After reading your piece this morning (plus a number of others) I just had to join in…
And yes, I’m sure he was very stinky…!
The Writers Village
/ February 28, 2013I bet he even had his meals on wheels
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013Smiling, Randy….
You sure do have a great wit…!
sustainabilitea
/ February 28, 2013Wow, this guy really had some issues! Drove him to death, I guess. A sad story.
janet
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013Issues – Indeed, I guess he did at that…!
I’ve been hearing a lot of stories of families and individuals living in their cars recently. The image reminded of that. I do hope though, unlike John, they find a way out of their dilemma…!
BTW – That was a great, if not a sad ‘pun’: “drove him to death…!”
Thank You for your comment…
sustainabilitea
/ February 28, 2013It’s sad when people have to live on their cars. I guess it’s a step up from being on the street but still not good. I couldn’t help the pun.
tedstrutz
/ February 28, 2013I’ve seen his car many times… parked at places like the library where you could catch some respite from life. A nice post.
Hey… thank you for putting my post on your wall of likes>>>>>>
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013You too, ehh…
I can’t take all the credit. I have a widget that places those blogs whose posts I ‘like’ immediately upon my wall…. Your ‘post’ will slowly (but sadly and surely) be removed as I continue to ‘like’ other posts. It’s a nice (though short) accolade…
David Stewart
/ February 28, 2013This sounds like a story of unhealthy obsession. And if he died at 45, he must have worked himself to death. You told it wonderfully.
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013You are too kind, David… Thank You…
kz
/ February 28, 2013a sad story.. he’d neglected all else… i knew someone like him. but with a motorcycle.. and thankfully he realized that his wife & kid’s more important before too late. great story
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013It happens all the time, kz… powerful are some obsessions…!
kz
/ February 28, 2013true.. and oh i answered your tag and posted a second ago ^^ also nominated you for an award ^^
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013You did that wonderfully…
Thank You for the award… You are such a sweetheart…!
joetwo
/ February 28, 2013Oh! Nice to see you writing again! Sad story but love the end.
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013Thank You, Joe… You know what it’s like; busy, busy, busy…!
Nice to see you…
68ghia
/ February 28, 2013Cute story Carol
Sometimes a car can actually become a great love – it does not disappoint. If it does you can fix it with a replacement spare. It takes you places, and while driving, you can forget about the world around you.
I could do with a love like that!!
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013Too true, Ghia… And all it asks is a little gas/petrol, and a little tlc in return…
Hmmmm; not a bad idea…!
68ghia
/ February 28, 2013Hence my dream of owning my very own Ghia
We’ll grow gracefully old together, me and him
Long Life Cats and Dogs
/ February 28, 2013I do love cars but I most sincerely hope that no inanimate object ever holds my attention more than living creatures.
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013Indeed, Susan… Let’s hope we always know our priorities in this regard…
Too lonely, otherwise…
Sandra
/ February 28, 2013Enjoyed this, well done.
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013Thank You, Sandra…. Glad you enjoyed.
melouisef
/ February 28, 2013You are so good with this
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013And you are way too kind; Thank You…
nightlake
/ February 28, 2013this was well written, Carolyn..and a sad one..
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013Yes, Padmini… very sad..
Your comment though, is very welcome..!
Jamie Dedes
/ February 28, 2013Nicely done … men and their cars, on the extreme side here, but rings true in a way …
carolynpageabc
/ February 28, 2013Very extreme, Jamie… I hope…!
Though I believe some can get a little ‘carried away’…
Waldo "Wally" Tomosky
/ February 28, 2013Very nice story Carolyn!
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Thank You, Wally… Nice to see you…
sharechair
/ March 1, 2013I enjoy seeing where your imagination takes you. Well done!
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Thank You, Kathy…
I generally just hold the pen and go for the ride…
Resa McConaghy
/ March 1, 2013Brilliantly written piece of fiction. Yet, there is a harsh reality within. Too, many people, even families end up living in their car. You have a knack for writing awareness pieces. Thanks, Carolyn! xoxo
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Thank You, Resa… xoxoxo
“Yet, there is a harsh reality within.” Indeed..!
So many do live in their cars. A very sad situation; one that is growing, unfortunately. Makes me feel very privileged…
Resa McConaghy
/ March 1, 2013Dear Carolyn, I also feel very privileged in this life. xoxoxo
Thank you for writing this piece. It should be in a TV ad for public awarness.
denmother
/ March 1, 2013I love how the sign hung with “great profundity.” It perfectly stresses the emotion in the story.
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Thank You for that. I was hoping it wasn’t ‘over the top’; yet I couldn’t help but say it..
vb holmes
/ March 1, 2013That he once had a wife and kids makes his dissolution that much more tragic. Nicely done.
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Indeed; too tragic. I’m reminded of so many visions of ‘homeless people’. Their lot must be so hard..!
Thank You for commenting..
rebecca2000
/ March 1, 2013Well if you’re going to love an object a car is the best. It takes you places, it stays until you want it to go, and it provides shelter.
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Who can argue with that…
Nanda
/ March 1, 2013I’ll never understand guys and cars, hahaha. It seems so sad, though. Neglecting people who probably loved him for a car… makes me think. xx
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Me too, though I appreciate that ‘some’ feel very strongly in regard to their ‘babies’… hopefully not to the extreme of ‘John’ though…!
xoxoxo
rgayer55
/ March 1, 2013One thing about loving a car, they never get jealous when you look at other cars. You can even walk over and caress their fender if you–no anger, no cold shoulder. Still, there’s no excuse for poor hygiene.
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Yes, Russell, I see your point; indeed, your points! They are major clues in regards understanding the male brain…
I jest you not..! 
rochellewisoff
/ March 1, 2013And how do we know that cars don’t get jealous? Who can know the mind of an automobile?
LuAnn
/ March 1, 2013Men and their cars…not sure I get all that but must have something to do with gender differences. Great post Carolyn!
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013The way I see it LuAnn, we get all gooey over fashion or babies, cooking, hairstyles, make-up and more; so perhaps a man and his car is just an opposite that makes us attract…
LuAnn
/ March 2, 2013I believe you’re right!
rich
/ March 1, 2013well, not ALL men, but most. you’re right. well done.
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Thank You, Rich; much appreciated… Viva la difference, I say..!
yarnspinnerr
/ March 1, 2013Obsession. Nicely penned.
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Many Thanks…
I too enjoyed yours…
Sharmishtha Basu
/ March 1, 2013his car? i think someone really love their cars just like that!
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Yes, Sharmishtha, I believe some do…
Oh well, there could be worse things…
Sharmishtha Basu
/ March 1, 2013indeed
yepiratehere
/ March 1, 2013It’s hard to know how people are, inside, sometimes…. a very psychological story…
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Indeed, Pirate…! I enjoy stories that allow the reader to take their own journey within the journey, so to speak.
As you said: “It’s hard to know how people are, inside, sometimes…”
rochellewisoff
/ March 1, 2013Dear Carolyn,
I’m so happy you’ve decided to join in. I enjoyed this piece on more than one level. There must’ve been a reason for his obsession. The last line is telling. One love and I’m guessing it wasn’t his wife. Well done.
shalom,
Rochelle
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Thank You, Rochelle.
I’m so happy to join in. What a great bunch of folk you have on board..!
elappleby
/ March 1, 2013A great little story. I hope he was happy with his obsession. Sad to have neglected his wife and kids, though.
carolynpageabc
/ March 1, 2013Obsessions generally do that – create neglect of other areas of life. Something I certainly have to be wary of since starting blogging. It’s so easy for that washing up to go unnoticed… and the fairies don’t visit this end of town, so there they can sit for hours…
coastalmom
/ March 1, 2013The ending makes it. I think that the last line is always the most important! Good job!
carolynpageabc
/ March 2, 2013I guess he didn’t find that elusive sense of “content to just appreciate what’s mine.”
Or perhaps he did, though in the wrong quarters…
Joe Owens
/ March 2, 2013He loved it although everyone else would easily deem it unlovable. A man and his car are sometimes a solid pair.
carolynpageabc
/ March 2, 2013“A man and his car are sometimes a solid pair.” So I’ve learned over the years, Joe. Though any obsession can prove unwelcome; John’s obsession is perhaps more extreme than is common. Thank goodness..
Björn Rudberg (brudberg)
/ March 2, 2013Wonder if it’s the same John as the one in my letters a few years down the road, great story.
carolynpageabc
/ March 2, 2013Indeed, Björn, indeed… What a sad ending that would be for your John. I’d like to think not, though. ‘Twould be just too sad…
Beth Carter
/ March 2, 2013Well done. You made us care about this poor chap and his car. Great emotion and use of the prompt.
carolynpageabc
/ March 2, 2013Hello Beth,
I feel I know you; I’ve seen many of your responses as I’ve visited other blogs.
Well done to you. The image is incredible; and to think it’s an ‘actual’ car just blows my mind.
Thank You for caring; poor John needs all the love he can get..!
The Bumble Files
/ March 2, 2013What man won’t do for his car. I feel sad for him though. Nicely done, Carolyn.
carolynpageabc
/ March 2, 2013Indeed, Amy. It’s like some men and their ‘shed’… You know: “I’ll just be in my shed if you need me..!” Never to be seen again..!
Thank You for feeling sad..
bridgesareforburning
/ March 2, 2013Hi Carolyn,
Quirky and innovative story. A nice epitaph to a life spent the way he wanted to spend it. Ron
carolynpageabc
/ March 2, 2013Thank You, Ron.
The terms ‘quirky and innovative’ sound good to me; I’ll certainly run with that..
As to an ‘epitaph to a life spent the way he wanted to’: I hadn’t considered it in that light. And yet, the more I ponder it, the more I see your point. He did as he wanted; regardless of whether that was a positive or a negative…..
H.L. Pauff (@HLPauff)
/ March 2, 2013A sad end but some bonds like that mean more than anything to people.
carolynpageabc
/ March 2, 2013One must wonder why? Obsessions are (as a rule) a cover for something missing in one’s life: Love, health, acceptance, etc. Your comment is very true; and would we remove the obsession without addressing the cause? I would hope not, and yet I also would hope that the cause could be found before, as in John’s case, he withdrew from those around him.. Sad..
train-whistle
/ March 2, 2013A long time ago, I wrecked my husband’s truck. It was his first love and I feared our relationship was finished. He married me anyway. He forgave, but never forgot. I understand this story.
carolynpageabc
/ March 2, 2013My goodness..! Your comment “He married me anyway” brought a ‘gulp’ from within. This must have been such a love for him that you were concerned for your future together.
I’m so pleased he was able to ‘move forward’ and, hopefully without resentment….
ristinw
/ March 2, 2013I hope his soul will rest in a better place and not obsessing over stuffs anymore…
carolynpageabc
/ March 2, 2013What a lovely thought, Cristina… I do too…
Trudy
/ March 2, 2013That’s a well told tale of obsession – I love ‘waste of a man’, really powerful description.
carolynpageabc
/ March 3, 2013Thank You, Trudy. Poor John, he missed out on a lot, I think…
rich
/ March 3, 2013very touching. well done.
here – He’d given up washing. He’d given up worrying. He’d given up thinking. you can save words and combine to something lie “He’d given up washing, worrying, thinking.” repetition used up 6 extra words. then you can add more about his life.
carolynpageabc
/ March 3, 2013Great suggestion, Rich; Thank You…
Catherine Sherman
/ March 3, 2013The photo prompt with a hundred word limit to accompany the photo is a wonderful idea. You’ve captured this fellow very succinctly and poignantly. Perhaps this car was not only his life but a way to avoid love.
carolynpageabc
/ March 3, 2013Yes, Catherine; this is my first foray into the 100 word photo prompt, and I’ve enjoyed it tremendously. I can’t see myself participating every week; life is so very busy at the moment. However, I do enjoy this type of ‘fast fiction’ so I’ll definitely be doing more. Perhaps you too may feel inspired to join in..!
Indeed, I hear you. Poor John certainly had deeper problems. Love (or lack of it) is generally a good reason for ‘separating behaviours’ to take hold..
Thank you so much for your comment…
Sunshine
/ March 3, 2013sometimes it is hard to understand the actions a person decides to take up for the rest of their life…is it mental illness, fear or what? and for family and love ones, it is difficult also because how do you help someone when they do not want help. great story to ponder upon.
carolynpageabc
/ March 3, 2013You’ve opened so many avenues by which John may have meandered. Yes, it’s a difficult situation when someone chooses this behaviour. Most men seem to understand this as a ‘black and white’ issue of a simple matter of love for an inanimate object. We women (or most) look for the deeper reasons; and I hesitate to say, I believe there is always a deeper reason. Though I will refute this should a male challenge me…!
(Without a leg to stand on, as it is written here plainly in black and white..) 
Thank You for your comment, and welcome; it’s been a while…
Parul
/ March 3, 2013What a man! Very interesting character you built there. Ebenezor Scrooge meets Gollum! Nicely done.
carolynpageabc
/ March 3, 2013Haha… that’s a happy twosome…!
Thank You for your great comment… I wish I’d thought of that..
Perry Block (@PerryBlock)
/ March 3, 2013Well, I hope the car went to a good school, graduated with honors, married a nice girl, and made the guy very proud. Maybe it did! Interesting story.
carolynpageabc
/ March 3, 2013Hahaha… Though not as interesting as your comment, Perry..!
tchistorygal
/ March 4, 2013I had to go back to the title and read fictitious several times before it really registered. What a great tale! I was ready to cry real tears for him. We saw one like him on our walk along a local bike path yesterday. He was camped out for the night under the trees with all his worldly goods around him.
Great post Carolyn 
Marsha
carolynpageabc
/ March 4, 2013That would have to be the greatest critique ever. Thank You Marsha; though I’m sorry for the ‘near’ tears.!!!
Yes, it really is a sad tale for many. At least my ‘John’ had a car in which to live. So many suffer alone and without real shelter.
Thank You again….
adollyciousirony
/ March 4, 2013Wow, he must have been very lonely and sad and so messed up… hmmmm
and it’s a relief though that he will no longer continue more suffering…
Well wriiten Carol, you’re so brilliant! xoxo
carolynpageabc
/ March 4, 2013And you are too, too sweet, dear Dolly… xoxoxo
Maddie Cochere
/ March 5, 2013It’s a guy thing, I believe, this love affair with a car. Love your take on this, Carolyn!
carolynpageabc
/ March 5, 2013Certainly seems so, Maddie… I believe there are many ‘car widows’ out there…
jalal michael sabbagh.http://gravatar.com/jmsabbagh86@gmail.com
/ March 8, 2013Hi Carolyn,a sensational article a lost man and his car.I used to think society has to do some thing for people like him ending with such a sad fate.He rejected life ,and life rejected him.Thank you for liking my post (Knowledge..Time ..Money) Sincerely jalal
carolynpageabc
/ March 8, 2013Thank You, Jalal. Yes, it’s a sorry state for many, unfortunately…
WordsFallFromMyEyes
/ March 10, 2013I am 47 and have ‘but one love’ – my son. This is true. And considering where I’ve come from, it’s fine with me.
Love this, Carolyn
carolynpageabc
/ March 10, 2013I can appreciate that completely, Noeleen… And boy, what a love….!
Doesn’t mean to say there won’t be another, one day…! Surprises are the spice of life; and life is meant for loving…
sriramjanak
/ March 13, 2013love this post…
carolynpageabc
/ March 13, 2013Thank You, Sriram… I truly appreciate this…
anythingforhorseandrider
/ March 25, 2013What an empty life!
http://www.anythingforhorseandrider.com
carolynpageabc
/ March 25, 2013Indeed; sad… I’m glad he’s a fictitious character…
anythingforhorseandrider
/ March 25, 2013So am I!! You are so funny!!
carolynpageabc
/ March 25, 2013