The blanket spread like a small island in the forest’s green sea. Ants marched toward the sandwiches, undeterred by laughter and lemonade. The father told a joke no one quite understood, and the mother smiled anyway, brushing crumbs from her daughter’s curls. Overhead, sunlight broke through the trees in fractured gold. A breeze carried the faint scent of pine and something else—smoke, maybe? The boy looked up from his juice box, eyes widening. “Mom,” he whispered, “the trees are glowing.” For a heartbeat, everything was still—perfect—before the forest exhaled, and the sky turned the color of flame.

https://rochellewisoff.com/2025/10/15/17-october-2025/

24 responses to “Friday fictioneers – Family picnic”

  1. newepicauthor Avatar

    That fire is surely going to spoil the picknick, Carol Anne.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carol anne Avatar

      It surely did Jim 💛💛

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Sadje Avatar

    A very cool story

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carol anne Avatar

      Thank you😅🌷

      Liked by 1 person

  3. James McEwan Avatar

    A peaceful picnic spoilt by the developing forest fire. I hope they make it out, unlike some people in many other areas

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carol anne Avatar

      Yeah I know a lot of areas that have forest fires people aren’t so lucky then hopefully this family will be X

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Sweeter Than Nothing Avatar

    Wow, a perfect summer dream turned into a nightmare!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Neil MacDonald Avatar

    Were they able to run fast enough, I wonder

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carol anne Avatar

      I hope they were Neil xx

      Like

  6. James Pyles Avatar

    And while everyone was distracted, the ants made off with the sandwiches.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carol anne Avatar

      LOL 💛💕😅

      Like

  7. Chris Hall Avatar

    Oh, wow… burning?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carol anne Avatar

      Thank you so much 💕

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Lisa or Li Avatar

    Vivid, frightening scenario, Carol Anne.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carol anne Avatar

      Thank you, Lisa ❤️❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lisa or Li Avatar

        You are welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Carol anne Avatar
  9. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

    Oh, no, how horrible. So well told!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carol anne Avatar

      Thank you, Brenda 🥰🥰

      Like

  10. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Carol Anne,

    Vivid descriptions that leave the reader terrified of what happens next. Well done!

    Shalom,
    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carol anne Avatar

      Thank you, happy you liked it, XOX

      Like

  11. thisobscurelife Avatar

    Was not expecting that, very eerie.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Carol anne Avatar

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