I’m sorry to have been more or less missing from Friday Fictioneers. I’m especially sorry for those who kindly read and commented on my story and received no response. Sadly, this was because my mum died at the end of July. The combination of grief and the need to deal with the funeral etc rather pushed out my regular activities. I’m afraid this may continue for a while, but for this week, at least, I’ve written a story, and here it is.
Many thanks, Rochelle, for hosting this challenge. To any newbies, the challenge is to write a complete story, based on a photoprompt, with a beginning, middle and end, in 100 words or less. Post it on your blog, and include the Photoprompt and Inlinkz on your page. Link your story URL. Then the fun starts as you read other peoples’ stories and comment on them!
Wilderness of passion
It was a strange place to meet a tiger; Acton High Street is not conducive to tigerish behaviour. I still had most of my lunchbreak, so I followed him into a bar.
He patted the seat next to him. My breath came fast. My heart pounded. How beautiful he was, how passionate; how dangerous.
I went with him to a Premier Inn, my body savannah-warm in his arms. I cried out in triumph.
Finished, he tossed me the room key. ‘I’ve settled the account,’ he said – and left.
My wilderness of passion was, for him, merely a commonplace suburban infidelity.
Autumn Leaves 
Welcome back, Penny. I’m sorry for your loss. This is a lovely story, morphing from the apparently whimsical in the opening lines to a reveal of the metaphorical meaning of tiger. Artfully constructed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your detailed comment, Neil. I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
LikeLike
Blimey, an afternoon of tiger-ish passion! Lovely unique take on the prompt.
Sorry to hear of your loss, Penny. Do take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind comment, Iain. I promise I’ll take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Penny,
I’m happy to see you back in the FFFold for however long. I’m so sorry for your loss. You do need to take care of yourself. Meanwhile, your story is just plain WOW! The buildup and the letdown at the end. Frought with emotion and passion.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rochelle
Thank you for your kind and sympathetic comment. I’m glad the story appealed to you!
Shalom
Penny
LikeLike
Penney, I have wondered where you were. Your comments are always insightful, and your stories delightful. I’m so sorry for you loss. My mom died ten years ago, and it still feels so fresh. I will pray for peace and comfort for you, and rest.
This story took me completely by surprise. So well written, and I think I’ve learned a new meaning for the word “tiger.” 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very kind, Linda – thank you! It helps to know people are praying. I’ve been reading ‘The Paper Palace’ and it encouraged me to try to be a little bolder in my writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i could relate to your loss. my mom passed away in 2019. may she rest in peace?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, Plaridel, may she rest in peace. Thank you for your comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Penny, my condolences on your mother’s passing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your condolences, Lisa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think this is one of the best I’ve read from you, Penny. Loved it. Every nuance. And I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I had noticed your absence and wondered.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your sympathy, Sandra. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. I’ve been reading ‘The Paper Palace’ and it encouraged me to try to be bolder in my writing.
LikeLike
My condolences, Penny. Losing loved ones is a difficult time, especially mothers.
You story is well packaged, complete, and enjoyable. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your condolences, Bill. And thank you for your thoughtful comments on my story.
LikeLike
I does look like a passion flower.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t connect the title to the story.
LikeLike
Ah, the animal lust of Acton High Street. I wonder what the night life must be like.
My condolences.
I too have missed a few returns and stories on FF. We have a new baby in the family.
LikeLike
Her passionate embrace deserved more, but such is life. I am sorry to hear about your mother. The loss of ones we love is never good.
LikeLike
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my mother in 2019, a couple of months after my father passed away. After being in the throes of passion, what a let down for her. It’s good to have you back. May your Mom rest in peace and may God’s comforting presence be with you.
LikeLike