Title: The Contender’s Heat
Source: Friday Fictioneers sponsored by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple
Word count: 100 words
PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Jenny froze. On the starting block, her uncomfortable swimsuit grabbed her in places she would rather not be grabbed. Her goggles threatened to suck her eyes from their sockets and the swim cap distorted every sound in the echoing natatorium.
Terrifying memories surfaced warning her of imminent danger. She held her breath. Brackish water swirled and silt obscured her vision. The current tugged, pulling her deeper. Struggling, she fought, reaching for the light. Her life flashed by, and she screamed, as her world turned dark.
Today the master would win. The starter’s pistol fired and launched Jenny into the unknown.
________________________________________
Keep on writing.
Jo Hawk The Writer
Jo Hawk 
A breath taking start.
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I think she has already won. 🙂
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Great 👍
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I loved the silt and brackish water
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Thanks, Neil.
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Poor Jenny … I hope she finds her way through the muck (and to a better swimsuit … — these things, when ill fitting, can be MADDENING!).
Well done!
And … indeed Jo … it seems the theme was shared by more than just the two of us this week!
Na’ama
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Thank you, Na’ama. I have never been able to find a good swimsuit. I love all the different takes this week. They are so much fun.
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🙂 Why I love Friday Fictioneers! You really never know where it’l go for different writers! 🙂
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I’m glad she can face, and hopefully overcome, her past and her demons.
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Thanks Trent. I think she already has. 🙂
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At least her determination kept her from letting her nasty past control her life
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That is what its all about, isn’t it? 🙂
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yes
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I think Jenny is already a winner… sometimes just competing is a victory.
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You are exactly right Björn. Winning comes in many disguises.
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Really great descriptors. Interesting take on swimming in a meet.
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Thank you, StuHN.
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Great, thought provoking story!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thank you, Susan
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Sounds like she is overcoming her demons. Good on her!
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All it takes is a boatload of courage. 🙂
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like they say, what you can do or dream you can do, begin it. just get engaged and the task is half-completed.
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Yep the most important step is to start.
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Great description of past terrors and the courage to face them.
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Thank you, Ceayr
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Swimming can be fun and it can be uncomfortable. Great realism.
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Thank you for your kind words, Tannille.
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You described her dread so graphically. Excellent
Rosey, a joke and some wine!.
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Thank you, Keith. 🥃
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I’m glad she has mastered her fears. I had to Google “natatorium” – I just call it “the swimming pool” 🙂
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LOL Its called conserving word count. Uh, I mean vocabulary enhancement. 😄 Glad you liked the story draliman.
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Excellent description of the past terror (and bathing suit). We’re all pulling for her.
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Thanks Russell.
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Jenny was having pre competition jitters or the trauma was much deep seated? Jenny’s trainers should have addressed these issues before pushing her to compete.
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Yes, she is attempting to overcome a trauma. I don’t believe anyone is forcing her to swim.
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A dream or a real fear. I can understand the uncomfortable swimsuit it ruins your confidence.
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Thanks, James. Its always the little things that erode our confidence
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A good story well written, Jo. It’s great she’s facing her fear. I know what she means about the swim cap. You can’t hear much and sounds are distorted. Good for her. —- Suzanne
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I’m glad the story resonated with you, Suzanne. Your kind words are much appreciated. ❤
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Swimming in brackish can be challenging, and an excellent metaphor. Excellent take.
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Thank you for your kind words my friend. ❤
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Nicely done, Jo.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle
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I love your description of the swimsuit. While it’s not the main point of the story, it nailed my attention because I’ve worn suits like that, and I always feel sorry for the Olympic swimmers who get to wear those awful things 🙂
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There is nothing like an ill-fitting suit. Glad you liked the story.
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Maybe I’m too tired because my brain can only process “weird”. I need a nap!
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Get some rest and have a great weekend.
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Great description, Jo. I felt her fear and discomfort.
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Thank you Brenda. Sorry it is not a nice feeling. 🙁
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Wonderful descriptions and narration. She is already a winner for facing her fears.
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She certainly is. confronting your fears is no easy task, Subroto 🙂
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You just about covered every physical discomfort of a swimming pool session there. With the possible exception of trying to peel off a wet swimsuit and pull dry clothes over damp skin. Good one.
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Ha. If only I had a few more words. 🙂 Glad you liked it, Sandra.
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