Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields who provides us with a photo prompt. Each week’s challenge is to write a 100-word story inspired by the photo. Click here to play along or just read more stories.
When No One’s Around
“You simply can’t be serious.”
He was serious. He was moving to America, the land of the free, to pursue his dream. There, no one would judge him for wearing makeup, wigs, and big shoes.
Arthur was going to follow in the enormous footsteps of his heroes, Bozo, Ronald McDonald, and Pogo. He would join the circus and be a big star.
From city to city, he brought laughter to children and adults.
Still, at every show, he looks out at the crowd, through his painted-on smile in hopes of seeing a familiar face like those he left back home.
NobbinBlog 
Heartwarming. Makes me wonder where he was living before he moved here. Almost feels like he’s an ET.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got way more creative with it than I did. I was just thinking he came from Europe and missed his family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Opportunity may not be everything after all
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s no success without sacrifice.
LikeLike
The sense of approval is hard to shake not matter how successful he becomes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true. Sometimes, approval is more important than adoration.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The tough life of a clown.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s all laughs and giggles until someone takes a pie in the face.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Nobbin,
Can’t you keep those dogs quiet while you record?
Perhaps he’ll make some new friends. It’s lonely starting over. Love the circus music.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I cannot. It’s lonely at the top. This is one that came to me almost fully formed. The original story was 9 words longer. I knew I was going to use circus music. Thank Al Gore for YouTube. I just typed in “Royalty-free circus music.” I knew I was going to try a Smokey Robinson impression despite my mild cold and raspy voice. The only issue was my voice didn’t work as well as it normally does.
Thank you, Rochelle.
LikeLike
It’s not all beer and skittles, this life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true, but then again, what is?
LikeLike
Losing touch with friends and family is a huge price to pay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is, but not uncommon in the pursuit of fame and fortune and big, red, squeaky noses.
LikeLike
Success at home is too difficult. One must venture out to find fame (except in Florida where drag humor is forbidden). Then, everyone at home becomes a fan. 🙂 Interesting story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These days, one only needs a camera and the internet to be famous. At least according to the internet. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 And in the blogosphere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done. You captured the sadness well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadness is easy to capture. It’s slow and lethargic and easy to sneak up on. Thank you.
LikeLike
The face of a clown is so sad but love the recording – your dog has real talent🐶😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I wasn’t feeling well, so this recording was a hard-fought battle. Xero is very talented. One of her best is causing chaos.
LikeLiked by 1 person