IAIN KELLY

TAKE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED

They set off at first light. No sign of the enemy.

Peters took the front of the stretcher, Henderson the rear. Felix lay unconscious, each step across the uneven, barren landscape making his head roll from side to side.

Henderson reckoned it was a hundred miles back to the demilitarised zone – at their laboured pace and taking into account stops for rest, it would take them seven days.

Felix would never make it, so why carry him?

Never leave a man behind, thought Peters, looking at his fallen comrade.

Sustenance, thought Henderson, as he eyed up Felix’s ample bulk.


on-route-66-jean-l-hays
Copyright Jean L. Hayes

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.


My first novel, ‘A Justified State,’ is available now
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99 responses to “TAKE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED”

  1. ceayr Avatar

    Laughing.
    Nice one, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It helps to see the humour in situations like this 😉

      Like

  2. neilmacdon Avatar

    Long pig. Yum

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It’s all meat at the end of the day…

      Like

  3. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    That last line took me by surprise. Black comedy well written.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Rochelle, glad I’m still able to spring the odd surprise 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Tannille Avatar

    Oh dear, I didn’t read any “pig”. The story took on a rather dark turn when I read it lol.

    Great tension (although I think my interpretation is warped).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I think you’re interpretation is the same as mine. No pigs were harmed in this story… 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tannille Avatar

        It’s always fun when stories can be read multiple ways.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. pensitivity101 Avatar

    Oh wow Iain. Grim! (and good!!)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Di, grim indeed, but you got to do what you got to do sometimes 😉

      Like

      1. pensitivity101 Avatar

        No need to waste resources…………

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Danny James Avatar

    I like his sense of humor. Making light of a serious problem makes some terrible tasks easier.

    DJ

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Danny. He may not be laughing by the end of their trek! 😉

      Like

  7. Varad Avatar

    We are but creatures of survival. Dark twist there, Iain. Loved it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Varad

      Like

  8. Sandra Avatar

    Everybody sees things differently, I guess. It depends how hungry you are. I liked the picture of his head rolling from side to side.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Sandra

      Like

  9. joyroses13 Avatar

    Oh gosh! I had to re-read the ending. I thought he didn’t say what I think he just said, did he?? Yup, I had read it correctly! LOL! The twist worked again!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Yep, I’m afraid he did 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Kelley Farrell Avatar

    Oh man … What are they gonna do if Felix manages to pull through?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I’m not sure Felix will get that option! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  11. may hem Avatar
    may hem

    coffee flew out my nose… thanks😁

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Hope I didn’t spoil the coffee, glad you got a laugh 🙂

      Like

  12. trentpmcd Avatar

    lol, yes, seven days is a long time, might need to stop for a snack….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Just a little bit, now and then, make it last 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Colline Avatar

    Good one! Though a bit macabre.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Colline 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. J Hardy Carroll Avatar

    Hope his knife is sharp. Also, if he keeps the guy alive there’s no need for refrigeration. These are called “expert tips.”

    Like

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Duly taken on board should I ever find myself in a similar situation 😉

      Like

  15. ForgivingConnects Avatar

    Nothing like the demonstration of two different perspectives! 🙂 . Wonderful writing, Iain. Blessings, Debbie

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much Debbie 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  16. granonine Avatar

    Oy. They’re going to get him back to base, one way or the other! Really good comparison/contrast, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Indeed, and which way will cause them the least labour? 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Jewel Ingalls Avatar

    Great post! My initial thought was combat as well, but I certainly did not see that ending coming!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Jewel, glad it surprised you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Lady Coloresque Avatar

    The last line took me by surprise as well. Great short story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  19. notestowomen Avatar

    Yikes!! I wasn’t expecting that ending. Poor Felix.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Hopefully he at least won’t be aware of what fate waits for him!

      Like

  20. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    As barbecues go it should be a good’un!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Nothing like a good campfire chargrill 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

    Two distinctly different viewpoints, one more practical than the other. Great (dark) twist! Your stories are always so descriptive, I feel like I’m there. Though don’t think I want to be this week (haha).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much Brenda. No, I wouldn’t want to be any of these unfortunate souls this week 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar

    I still wonder what will be the compromise when they start to discuss the matter…. a leg and an arm?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Will they let Felix have a say in the matter?!

      Like

      1. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar

        You have a choice… either we leave you for the vultures or you offer us a piece…. it’s rational.

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar

    Oy vey!
    And … I’m sure these kind of thoughts have crossed the minds of many an exhausted soldier lugging a comrade through mud and gore and helpless situations.
    I hate war.
    N.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It certainly brings out the worst baseness in humans.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar

        Yes, war is not a humane thing. Not meant for humans.

        Liked by 1 person

  24. 4963andypop Avatar

    Had to go back and check to see if there was anyone named Donner in this party. It is a grim picture, i can see why you went there.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Alice Audrey Avatar
    Alice Audrey

    Oh, now that’s a dangerous thought…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It’s definitely not a good state of mind to be in.

      Like

  26. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar

    Eeew, Number 1 with a canabilism tale, good stuff!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Everyone likes a bit of cannibalism, right?

      Like

  27. Dale Avatar

    Wonderfully written! Hey, one must do what one must do to survive, eh?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Very much a ‘needs must’ situation. Thanks Dale 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  28. neeltheauthor- author of WHEN LIFE THROWS THOSE CURVE BALLS Avatar

    Very well written! Talk about making the best of any situation.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  29. draliman Avatar

    Is it wrong that I started laughing at the last sentence? 🙂
    Two very different characters.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I was laughing when I wrote it so I guess it’s okay! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  30. patrickprinsloo Avatar

    A warning to all of us – don’t be protein. And don’t trust your buddies. Great vignette.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Patrick

      Like

  31. patriciaruthsusan Avatar

    Good story and writing, Iain. It gets down to the brutal facts of survival. Dark humor indeed. —- Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      We’re all animals in the end. Thanks Suzanne

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Violet Lentz Avatar

    Gotta love a guy who’s first thought is cannibalism… Great write iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      So long as you’re not on his menu, I guess 😉

      Like

  33. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar

    There’s nothing like planning ahead! Great zing in the end.

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar

    Gads, I just reread the title. Now the story is even better!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Ha, thank you. Essential supplies only 🙂

      Like

  35. Liz Young Avatar

    Not a pleasant thought!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Depends on your taste 😉

      Like

  36. Laurie Bell Avatar

    I sure like Peters… he’d better watch out for Henderson. This was great Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Laurie 🙂

      Like

  37. Abhijit Ray Avatar

    Battle between heart and brain, fellow feeling vs. hard reason continues. Hope heart is strong enough to win and pray Felix makes it. It is such a long way to the dimilitarised zone.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks for reading

      Like

  38. Sascha Darlington Avatar

    Well, that last bit was unexpected but well done. Peters better watch out.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Depends how hungry they get! Thanks Sascha

      Liked by 1 person

  39. JoHawkTheWriter Avatar

    Oh my. Their own mini Donner party.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Just need some music and a few beers 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  40. Kalpana Solsi Avatar
    Kalpana Solsi

    The head on the stretcher moving side by side. The descriptions are so crystal clear. Two different yet poles apart perspectives taken into account. The last line surprised me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  41. subroto Avatar

    What a difference in perspectives! What’s he going to do for seasoning? In the end everything tastes like chicken anyway 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      So I’ve heard! 😉

      Like

  42. Woman walking Max Avatar

    Love the dark humour – nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  43. StuHN Avatar

    Another reason to lose weight! Nicely done, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Yes, I fear I may be close to looking like a tasty meal for a desperate man at the moment myself, best dig out the running shoes!

      Liked by 1 person

  44. pennygadd51 Avatar

    Beautifully written, and a great twist.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Penny

      Liked by 1 person

  45. gillyflower Avatar
    gillyflower

    Mmm, tastes like pork. Good one, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Bit chewy in places though 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  46. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

    Talk about perspective! lol

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Dawn 🙂

      Like

  47. James McEwan Avatar

    looks like Felix has had it, !00 miles in enemy territory by foot is a hard slog. The hardest part is the decision process – what to do about Felix. They could always remember the good times, you that last meal they had with Felix.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Fond memories to be made! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  48. kzmcb Avatar

    Eek! Good and evil, ideal and practical, what we say and what we think. As I read through the other comments, it wasn’t much different. I love how you captured the human nature in a crisis situation and I’d definitely read the sequel.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Like

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