This Was Supposed to Be a Book

"Stranger" - Friday Fictioneer's #100wordstory #FF #PicturePrompt

2/20/2026

PHOTO PROMPT © Lori Wilson

"Where friends gather and strangers are welcome." It was printed inside their menu.

A stranger, I most certainly was. I hadn’t been to Cuba, Missouri before, but as I sat at the table inside Shelly’s Café, staring at the various decorations on the wall, I began to rethink what brought me to this moment. I drummed one hand on the table; nervous and uncertain I could do what needed to be done, but knowing it must.

“Can I get you started with something to drink?” the young waitress asked.

I shook my head. “Just the money in the till, please.”

(100 words exact)

Rochelle Wisoff-Fields hosts Friday Fictioneers.

Pictures below are from the actual website of Shelly's Cafe in Cuba, MO