It’s Friday Fictioneers time – better late than never! The challenge is to write 100 words based on a weekly photo prompt chosen by our host Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Check out her blog for more information by clicking here. Thank you to all who take the time to read, like, or comment.

PHOTO PROMPT © Shaktiki Sharma

A different word for fear

“I don’t believe hate exists,” he said. “Not as an independent concept. It’s merely a different word for fear.”

“I don’t fear you,” I replied, lacing my words with venom.

“Really?” He chuckled. “There’s nothing about me that makes you uncomfortable? Nothing that makes your skin crawl? Nothing so different, so otherworldly, so vibrantly alien, that it causes you to question and doubt the truths you’ve held dear for the whole of your young life? ”

“Nothing,” I stammered.

He snaked out a hand towards me and I drew back instinctively.

His grin grew impossibly wide.