It was all too much: those young bronzed bodies, those small swimsuits. He just had to get closer.
The overhanging tree under which they sought shade provided his opportunity. He slowly shimmied up until he was almost directly above them.
Just as he was beginning to admire the view his mobile phone vibrated in his pocket. He thanked the stars he had put it on silent mode.
‘Hello?’ Archie whispered.
‘Hi. Look behind you.’
Archie turned. Behind him he saw Agnes. She was holding an axe.
He couldn’t tell if she meant to use it on the tree or on him.

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.
Catch up with all the Agnes and Archie Stories here: THE AGNES AND ARCHIE STORIES
My first novel, ‘A Justified State,’ is available now
He’s safe for a bit, unless she can climb with an axe. He’s up a tree.
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How long can he hold out, that’s the question.
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Dear Iain,
He’s in quite a predicament, isn’t he? Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There’s no easy way out for him, that’s for sure! Thanks Rochelle 🙂
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I think he’s about to make a rapid, closer acquaintance with those bronzed bodies beneath. 🙂
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It might be a way to introduce himself to them…! 🙂
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I don’t think the (mis)adventures of Archie and Agnes are ending yet. Poor tree, though!
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They always seem to keep coming back for more scrapes 🙂
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Busted lol.
Fun read.
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Totally. Thank you
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Ha ha – so funny – thanks for making me laugh, Iain. 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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You’re welcome, always good to know a laugh has been raised 🙂
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Either way, it doesn’t sound good! Nice one Iain.
My go at Friday Fictioneers!
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You’re right, it’s not going to end well. Thanks Keith
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Yikes!
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You don’t want to mess with Agnes on the warpath.
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Ooops, I think dropping straight down to the sand (missing bronzed beauties) and running is his best bet….
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Yep, but it’s a long run back to the hotel… 🙂
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An axe usually gives great incentive to sprint faster than Usain Bolt 😉
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I’m thinking he can give out a shout below and make a run for it!
Fun one, Iain!
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Thanks Dale – a good excuse to introduce himself to those bronzed bodies! 😉
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Exactly!
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Wonderful humor 🙂 I did realize the man up the tree was using his cell, but I chose to interpret it as him looking through his small binoculars.
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Thank you Linda
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LOL! Glad to see Agnes and Archie back, though wondering if Archie will be around much longer. 🙂
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Thank you – he always seems to survive, he must be able to sweet talk Agnes round! 🙂
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LOL!
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Lol!
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Thank you 🙂
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You’re welcome 😊
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This is brilliant Iain. I’m still smiling!
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Thank you so much Di, always good to spread a smile 🙂
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🙂 Likewise.
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Haha, love it!
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Private moment intruded!
She caught him! 🙂
Smart story!
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Thank you Anita 🙂
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Goodness, another murder -tree or him I wonder?
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Either way, Agnes will have her revenge! 🙂
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I knew it 🙂
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Good story, Iain. I wouldn’t want to see anyone behind me with an ax, especially if I was on a limb. Here’s wishing the best for Archie. Well written. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Good story, Iain. I wouldn’t want to see anyone behind me with an ax, especially if I was on a limb. Here’s wishing the best for Archie. Well written. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you Suzanne 🙂
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You’ve written that story really well, Iain, making every word count. Archie’s in a predicament now – it’s a long drop from that branch!
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And a long run back to the hotel too! Thanks Penny 😉
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LOL I was wondering what was happening with Agnes and Archie. He’s got some time to figure out a good story for her if all she has is an ax – chain saw might be a bit different.
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You underestimate the strength of Agnes when she’s in a rage! Thanks Janet 😉
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LOL
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🙂
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Haha. Whether she uses the ax on him or on the tree, he’s in real hot water!
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He certainly is!
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Love it! I can imagine her with the axe in her hand and menacing look on her face. I don’t suppose it was worth the view after-all. =)
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Definitely not worth it! 🙂
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Poor Archie. Agnes caught him redhanded. He’s in a real pickle now.
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Lets hope he can think up an excuse quick!
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Ohhh, that is a vicious one. Great writing.
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Thank you 🙂
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unless agnes has an axe to grind (pun intended), he should feel safe. 🙂
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🙂 Thank you
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He might be staying up in that tree for a while if she doesn’t chop it down first. 🙂 Nicely done.
-David
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Thanks David
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Lecherous man, this Archie. No wonder Agnes is so upset.
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Yep, he’s going to suffer
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I’m thinking it’s the tree first, then him 🙂
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She’s got him lined up for sure!
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A laddie in a pickle, for sure
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Thanks CE
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Great scene you create. Love the last line. Most entertaining.
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Thank you 🙂
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Oops, I hope he’s a fast talker.
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It’s a difficult one to talk his way out of! 🙂
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I hope she leaves the tree alone. Archie better run. And Agnes better kick him out, he’s no good.
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Yeah, shame if the innocent tree is punished!
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Too funny, Ian! BTW, I can’t help but be in awe of all the comments your writing gets!!!!
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Thank you DB, every one of them is much appreciated, I try to reciprocate as much as possible too 🙂
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Haha haha just as he was beginning to admire the view…
Um… is that what I think it is?
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🙂 Thanks Laurie
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LOL…love this!
We eacg =h have our unique perspective…that is SO awesome!
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Thank you Dawn 🙂
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Looks like the landing is not going to be a smooth one. Lovely antics of the two.
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Thank you Neel
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Go Agnes!
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🙂 Thank you
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This story made me laugh. The last line changed everything. I can imagine her , fuming, with the axe.
https://ideasolsi65.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-cellphone.html
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Thank you 🙂
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Agnes sounds a piece of work, and i say he’s in a spot of bother here!
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She certainly is a force to be reckoned with – or avoided!
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Archie seems like quite a rascal but he’s met his match in Agnes.
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She’s been keeping him honest for years now 🙂
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So funny. Every Archie needs an Agnes to keep him honest.
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Absolutely 🙂
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Agnes, in the coconut palm, with the axe. Most unexpected but an enjoyable read.
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Haha, thank you 🙂
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Some girls just like their privacy and Agnes was serious. Let him talk himself out of that one.
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He’ll have a hard time. Thanks James.
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I’m assuming Agnes was his wife. They can get pretty irritated when their husbands are girl watching. I recommend large-frame dark sunglasses so they can’t see your eyes.
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Top tip 🙂
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Let’s see him talk his way out of this one. This was a fun read. Enjoyed these two characters.
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Thank you Fatima 🙂
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Oh my gosh, Iain! That’s a surprise ending. 🙂 Your short stories are fantastic––so full of twists and turns (and fun). Blessings to you.
Debbie
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Too kind Debbie, thank you 🙂
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Lovely. I suspect it was first the then Archie.
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Unless she has a good throwing arm on her.
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Archie sure knows how to find trouble! Very funny story, Lain!
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He always manages to find a way! Thanks Dawn
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