April 9, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that declares, shield your face. It can be a knight of old, a doctor, or a senior citizen. What is the circumstance? Who makes the declaration? Go where the prompt leads!
Thank you, Charli, here is my piece:
Frustration washes over Cathy, and she concentrates on keeping her voice steady. A shaking voice will be misinterpreted as anxiety. Thank goodness this meeting is virtual, and she can hide behind her computer with the camera off. Nobody can see her face which is suffused with blood. She has never been good at disguising anger and strong emotion.
The facts are decisive, and she can’t understand this lengthily argument against the obvious answer. Then it strikes her. This discussion has nothing to do with logic or getting to the right answer. It has to do with pandering to fear.
You can join in here: https://carrotranch.com/2020/04/10/april-9-flash-fiction-challenge-2/
roberta-writes.com 
As it too often does these days… (k)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, exactly Kerfe
LikeLiked by 1 person
pandering to fear… BOOM!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is exactly what happens, Annette.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant, Robbie! Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Teagan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hoo boy did you say a mouthful in 99 words. I filled in a lot of blanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I felt much better after I wrote this. A bit like squeezing out the poison.
LikeLike
I’m trying to read between the lines here…
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have worked in corporate, Jim. I am sure you know that risk assessments, saving face, egos and protecting your own skin are the factors which drive many outcomes, even when the facts are obvious. I find it very difficult when people fly in the face of logic and the obvious, it makes me feel as if I am missing something. People must just admit that their decision or view is due to fear and nothing to do with the facts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Robbie, for clearing things up.
I agree that many decisions are fear-based, since most people have such an aversion to loss, and will often times act irrationally as a result. Dan Arielly and other behavioral economists have written quite a bit about loss aversion.
Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jim, you too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful use of 99 words Robbie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John.
LikeLike
Sounds as though she’s taking matters into her own hands!
LikeLike
You really hit a truth, Robbie. It’s way too common now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Denise, history has a way of repeating itself in new forms and shapes. Happy Easter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, if we could just learn from the past.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent!
LikeLike
Well-done, Robbie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan.
LikeLike
You wrote a great scene that so many could relate to — turning off the camera for a virtual meeting. Yet you pushed deeper to explore the root and ended up with a nugget of truth. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Charli. I appreciate your comment with its analysis.
LikeLike
Well done, Robbie. Sometimes we need to turn the video off so as not to give ourselves away.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, Norah. I am loving video conferencing because there is an off button for the video.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And a mute button, too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, yes, indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A well painted scene. We’ve all been there and yes, it is confusing and angering when common sense is dismissed and the pandering rules the day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Miss D. I am not very patient at the moment. It is Covid-19’s fault – that’s my story and I’m sticking to it – smile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have the right to feel whatever you feel. Take care of you and yours however you must.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s very original Robbie. Happy Easter. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kevin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems that everywhere there is a ‘news’ outlet fear is pandered.
I find it interesting that even the Covid 19 information sites recommend limiting the ‘media’.
Very good to the prompt. Be well, Jules
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jules. I have also read the warnings about over reading. I wish my dad would listen SIGH!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds familiar, unfortunately.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the way of the world. Maybe somethings will change for the better, Liz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I certainly hope so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once people make up their mind, it’s very hard to change it. Logic certainly fails a lot of the time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, you are right about that H. It becomes an ego trip and people dig their heels.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fear is often the underlining factor of irrational thinking or action. Very well done, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Miriam. That is a fact.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ 🙂
LikeLike