The Bigfoot of Little Gulch

PHOTO PROMPT© Jan Wayne Fields

It was Brian who was first to laugh after the old man left.

“Backwater bozo,” he muttered. He followed up by snapping a branch in two and hobbling around the fire. “Get out while you still can,” he gibbered, waving the stick at us.

We finished the beer by midnight, then sat back to watch the last sparks of the fire spiral up to the sky. Such an idyllic spot, we thought.

We woke up to the howls.

I sat up. Brian fumbled for his light. Steve shushed us. We held our breath. In the dark outside, a branch broke.

100 words

This has been an edition of Friday Fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This week’s photo courtesy Jan Wayne Fields. To read more stories inspired by the prompt, click here.

31 Comments

  1. Uh oh. Bigfoot don’t like being dissed. Great story. Love the tone.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. He’s a sensitive creature. Thanks for reading.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Dale

    The tension build-up was fantastic! What were they thinking to mock Bigfoot?

    Liked by 1 person

  3. DO NOT make fun of those that know. Very fun story. Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It always has a way of catching up with one, doesn’t it. Thanks for reading Lish!

      Like

  4. Terrific buildup to the story. Left us us dangling with the what happened next question.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for reading 🙂

      Like

  5. Oh dear. Should’ve listened to the local…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. For sure! Thanks for reading 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. This tiny story leave a huge footprint in my mind. So assured. Thanks for head stomping me, Karen.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL what a great response, made me grin. Thanks for reading Kelvin.

      Like

  7. Jelli

    Well, they were duly warned. Enjoyed the breaking of this story…what will tomorrow’s headlines read about this? Good one!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’ll probably end up in the Enquirer and no one will believe it. Thanks for reading Jelli!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jelli

        That, I can picture. heheheee!

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Dear Karen,

    Ominous ending after that build of tension. I’d say the old man was no one to laugh at. Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Never mock the locals–wildlife or otherwise. Thanks for reading Rochelle!

      Like

  9. Ooh, love that. So effective hearing the old man’s speech reported instead of directly – has more impact somehow. Lovely set up and that last race through short sentences to the ending – perfect.

    Like

    1. You are very kind and give me more credit than I deserve. Thanks for reading Lynn!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. My pleasure 🙂

        Like

  10. peterkirsch

    Excellent. Great setup and immediate immersion in the story.
    The branch…It was those same Germans, right? 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. lol–you’re on to me!

      Like

  11. Super story, Karen! I, too, particularly liked the use of reported speech, especially as you used it to show Brian’s character – brave enough to mock behind the old man’s back, but not to his face. Great writing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Penny you are very kind! Thanks for reading.

      Like

  12. That will teach them to listen! Great story! :o)

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Uhoh. That snapping branch is never a good thing!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. gahlearner

    I had an inkling that mocking the old man wouldn’t bode well. Great build-up of tension, and great use of active verbs here. 🙂

    Like

  15. Damn, thoughtless boys. They drank all the beer and didn’t even save one for Bigfoot. No wonder he was miffed.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ha! No doubt. Thanks for reading.

      Like

  16. Lovely take on the prompt. I could totally picture this

    Click Here to see what Mrs. Dash Says

    Liked by 1 person

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