Image by DLovering at http://40again.com/
During siesta the city sleeps. The streets are silent; not a soul to be seen.
During siesta a young girl cries in a phone booth. A toddler plays with his trucks. An old woman watches Days of our Lives. Two lovers make love.
During siesta a doctor treats his patients. A mother sips her coffee. A girl braids her sister’s hair. A man changes a light globe. A woman vacuums the rug. A baby cries for a feed. An old man dies.
During siesta the streets are silent.
And the city is very much alive.
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Friday Fictioneers is a challenge set by Rochelle Fields where writers around the world create 100 word stories inspired by the one image. For more information see: http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/11-april-2014
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Like to find out more about Jessie Ansons? Check out her recently updated ‘Achievements’ page here.
Jessie Ansons 
Dear Jessie,
Your last line seals the deal. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I’m glad you liked it! I considered leaving it open ended but thought I’d try tying up this one neatly with a bow.
I need a nap.
Ha! You might find your nap rather productive.
yes. well done! easy to see the many stories in the not so slumbering town.
Thanks for the read!
This was a beautiful and emotional tapestry of snapshots. Well done! Absolutely adored the last line!.
Thank you! Glad you liked it.
Very well done. A lot going on for a sleepy town. Great description. 🙂
Thanks, glad you liked it.
Yes I have always imagined all the things that can happen behind the closed jalousies… indeed quite a lot.
Yep, when I travelled it surprised me just how little sleeping actually gets done.
Very rhythmic – and very siesta-like. I feel warm and sleepy 🙂
I’m glad it had that effect!
Life is the simple, little things that go on behind closed doors. Well written tale.
Thanks Helena, very true.
A nice “secret” vision of life continuing in it’s mundane capacity. The rhythm of your story was magical.
It is very secretive 🙂 Thanks for the read!
Good imagery. Naked City style.
I’m embarrassed to admit I had to Google Naked City… now I’m intrigued and want to watch some of the shows!
You were too young for that series.
So was I, come to think of it …
Really nice, Jessie. You took us through the city and gave us a peek into many lives we wouldn’t otherwise have glimpsed had we even been foolish enough to go out during siesta time
janet
Thanks Janet. I loved your line about being foolish going out during siesta… it’s so true. You could pick a confused tourist from a mile away!
Zzzz… nice job, Jessie. Enjoyed my siesta, too. 😉 (You did not lull me to sleep … on the contrary, your story suggested all the scenes behind what appears to be stillness. Loved it.)
Thanks Judah! That’s lovely.
I look forward to your posts each week Jessie, and I wasn’t disappointed with this week’s. You craft a good story.
I’m thrilled you like my posts Sandra! Hopefully I can continue with engaging stories well into the future 🙂
Such a lovely idea. That all the life is behind closed doors in the middle of the afternoon.
Claire
Thanks Claire!
I love a good list story, Jessie. And this one is superbly and vividly told.
Thanks Karen. I seem to be coming up with a few of these list stories with Friday Fictioneers, as if I’ve gotten into a rhythm: short start, long poetic middle, snappy end. I’m really loving this exercise and I’m so glad you introduced me to it!
You’re very welcome, Jessie. I love reading your stories each week.
Excellent story Jessie and a lovely insightful conclusion. Very well done enjoyed this piece.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic! You condensed the whole life a city here.
Thanks El Guapo! With a name like that you sound like you’d know all about it 🙂
A really clever piece of observation. Love the repetition – it certainly drives the piece.
Thanks Patrick. I’m glad you thought it was clever!
I loved this – was really drawn in.
Happy to hear it drew you in and kept you there!
Jessie, The rhythm of the prose was like reading a wonderful children’s book… for adults. 😉 The final line of this post really ties this up nicely.
Glad you liked it. I’ve never attempted a children’s book but I’d like to one day.
I think your style and cadence is ideal for it… this was not “childish,” but the pace was very calming.
I love naps too, but I know my house doesn’t always take one when I do. Good prose! I enjoyed the repetition! Nan 🙂
I’ve never been able to nap during the day, so I was thrilled to discover in Spain that I actually didn’t have to…!
that last line is fabulous. Well done!
Glad you liked it!
Jessie, I love the way you have depicted the fact that life moves forward in countless little ways even when all seems dormant. Beautifully done.
Thanks Di. Your lovely comments mean a lot 🙂
This story had a lovely poetic tone and the little insights into so many lives brought the sleeping city to life 🙂
Thank you Siobhan!
Always interesting to imagine what goes on behind the doors of the seemingly sleeping town at siesta time
Well done
Thanks. It’s a classic tale of things are not always what they seem…
Hmmm . . . well, much different from siesta times in countries that take it seriously. Interesting take on the prompt. I’m curious as to where your story takes place that a woman would vacuum a rug during siesta or a doctor would schedule appointments during siesta. Of course, here in my native Kansas City, we simply wish for siesta rather than take it, and there’s no such thing as a sleeping city, especially midday.
All my best,
Marie Gail
I was in the south of Spain when I observed these things and I was shocked to find that so few people actually slept! There was certainly vacuuming during siesta where I lived (and other things). In this example I imagined a doctor in the emergency department… I’m sure they keep working right through the day and night.
I had to read another of your stories to see make sure that first one I read was not a fluke. It wasn’t… if you keep this kind of writing up I will have to follow you.
It’s nice to have a fan!! Thanks for all your wonderful feedback.