Written for the Friday Fictioneers. A story, about a man with more than what meets the eye, begins after the photo.
Genre: Speculative Fiction/Humor
Photo by: Bjorn Rudberg
Real Man
That’s a real man, noted Constable Jenkins, as he watched old man Farley “roughing it” at the cliff edge with nothing more than a blanket and some scones. He figured Farley was homeless, living off squirrels he caught and donations from passers-by. Rough, but Jenkins appreciated Farley’s sacrifice of comfort to keep watch in case the monsters returned from the sea.
Jenkins never saw Farley start a cellphone app. It started the AC in Farley’s house, hidden a few feet below the cliff edge. Farley’s house would be cool and lunch hot when he returned from his vigil atop the cliff.
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Each week, the Friday Fictioneers join at the edges of cliffs to compose fascinating flash fiction with very little friction and a lot of fun. Look here for more stories based upon the photo above: http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/2014/08/06/8-august-2014/
EagleAye
Momus News 
Indeed — for some appearance is all.. looking like you live it rough and being pampered by masseuses after the shift (I just assumed he had employees)..
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Yup. Things aren’t always what they seem. Thanks Bjorn!
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Things are not always as they seem! An amusing piece. 🙂
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Indeed! Thanks much!
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Dear Eric,
Sharp cookie that Farley. Clever story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Glad you liked it. Thanks Rochelle!
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Very clever – not sure where the monsters from the sea came in though!
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I believe this happens more often than we know. Thanx for uncovering the charade. 😉
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I think you’re right. Thanks!
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Loved it, very clever story. It’s never wise to assume things.
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That’s for sure! Thanks so much for your thoughts.
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Clever old Farley! I wouldn’t mind betting he also has motion sensor’s aimed at the water’s surface and auto-lasers in place. Hope he has some jam and cream to go with those scones 😀
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Haha! How did you know about the lasers? Farley has many comforts. He probably does have jam. Sorry for the late reply. I’m traveling in the Philippines. WiFi is spotty here and I’m busy taking lots of pics. I’ll have lots when I return.
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I’m travelling too at the moment. I’m in Western Australia(Kalgoorlie to be precise), which is about as far from my place on the Eastern side of Australia as you can get. I’m working on my MS with another writing friend who is working on her 6th book. I’ve not had much time to do much reading except for a couple of blogs I refuse to neglect 😉
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Excellent story! Farley was a Q-ship! 🙂
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Thanks Matthew! I’m in the Philippines right now so posting will be limited. Busy taking lots of pics right now. 🙂
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Lovely story. Poor Farley, living off squirrels. Glad he has a good friend in the constable.
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Yup. It’s a bit lonely. Luckily he has comforts.
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Eric, Humorous story and well written. This reminds me of the beggers in India who beg during the day and then, along with begger friends, hire a rickshaw to take them home. Well done. 🙂 —Susan
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Wired-up fella. He probably has an app for preparing and cooking his squirrel a la creme with green beans on the side. Clever story.
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Ha…who knew…there’s an app for that!
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There’s fast becoming an spp for everything. Thanks Susan! 🙂
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Dear Eric, Clever story and very imaginative! I like Farley – he has an app for everything – how clever! Thanks, Nan 🙂
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Thanks Nan! Farley is well connected. Glad you enjoyed.
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