Copyright Jennifer Pendergast
Sunday – one minute to midnight – the night train pulls out of the station.
Only two passengers; the Sleep-Eater and me.
By journey’s end, the ‘Things I Shouldn’t Have Done’ chest will have been prised open, its contents strewn across the carriage.
The ‘People I Used to Know’ gallery will have been studied to guilt-laden exhaustion, the ‘Worrying Symptoms’ and ‘Don’t Forget’ catalogues extensively refurbished.
On arrival at dawn, quivering with fatigue, I’ll alight to face the week ahead.
The Sleep-Eater stays on board, hands folded across its swollen belly, belching contentedly.
It probably won’t be dining out Monday night, but Tuesday’s lookin’ good.
One guess as to how I started my week then. 😦 All aboard now for Friday Fictioneers, the express driven by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, pulling carriages from all over the world.
(For anyone interested, my winning entry in Writing Magazine’s Flash Competition is published in the May edition, in the shops now: The Reliable Witness. Shame about getting my name wrong, though.)
castelsarrasin 
Insomnia is a dreadful affliction. I like the way you’ve structured this.
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Thanks Mick. I suppose it’s called ‘drawing on your own experience’. 😦
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I envy the treasures you deal with each day, thank you for the invite indeed a pleasure take to me anytime
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I think we have all been on that journey at some stage Sandra. Well captured 🙂
Congratulations on winning the Writing Magazine competition. I’ll keep an eye out for it.
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Thanks Siobhan. Yes, I’m taking more of those journeys these days.
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Such a great premise for a story – and very nicely written too – l love the imagery of the Sleep-Eater at the end.
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I feel I know him well. Thanks for reading Claire.
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Dear Sandra,
I’ve had a few go rounds with the Sleep-Eater myself lately. Brilliantly written. This one will stay with me…particularly when I have trouble sleeping. Seriously brilliant, my friend.
Congrats on the winning the competition. Boo on getting your name wrong. You know how I feel about that. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, sadly I travelled along with him Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. 😦 And yes, when I saw the magazine, I thought of you and knew you’d understand. Thanks for reading.
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Expertly crafted and well-delivered.
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Thank you! 🙂
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Really creative way to make insomnia anthropomorphic. Excellent descriptions of the thoughts. You’ve gone above and beyond with this story, Sandra. “Well done” doesn’t go far enough describe it. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks Suzanne. I feel as though I’ve become intimately acquainted with him right now… 🙂
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Clever stuff – the manifestation of the sleep eater and each of your guilts/issues as a course… Works really well. Nice work.
KT
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This is so well written, it makes insomnia almost desirable, with its mystical Chests, galleries and catalogues.
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Almost desirable… now there’s a concept to mull over. 🙂 Thanks for reading.
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It took some time to understand sleep eater. Now I can relate as until I pop a pill I’m on this journey very frequently. Very beautifully written. Congrats for winning the competition.
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Ah, the pill popping. Not for me, but I won’t say no to a glass or three of wine when desperate. 🙂 Thanks for reading Indira.
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And I can’t stand any hard drink( neither cold) . 🙂
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Love it! By the way, I think the Sleep-eater got off at our station last night…yawn!
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You keep him then; I’ve had enough of him 🙂 Thanks for dropping by.
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Wow! What an image of a frustrating situation. Yep! I can relate. Been there, done that! 🙂
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It’s a long night, isn’t it? 🙂
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The sleep-eater got me too last night……and this 100 words describes that feeling so well! Excellent personification!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Sandra, a wonderful description of something that afflicts too many of us too often. Seriously excellent!
janet
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Thank you Janet! 🙂 Hope all is well with you.
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Life is good, I’m blessed to say. With spring coming, I want to spend time with Bill and outside. Add to that work (even just part time), the house/yard and daily blogging, it keeps me busy!
janet
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You think if I take that train, that maybe your sleep eater and my sleep eater could be friends? We could send them off together to nowhere land.
Loved this, Saundra.
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I’m all for pairing off the sleep-eaters. And thanks for the variation on the first name, it makes a change from a variation on the second. 🙂 Thanks for dropping by Lynda.
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Sandra, I just read your winning fiction and must say congratulations! It is so well written.
RE: The “…variation of the second”. I’m sorry! The only other Saundra in my life spells it with a u in the middle. (I actually had to back up and take out the u this time too, as it is just automatic.) I hate it when people do that to me. They generally read my name and write back spelling it Linda or Lydia every time. Phooey! And thank you for not misspelling mine, lol! 😉
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Oh! I thought you were taking the ****. 🙂 I did debate whether to reciprocate but decided not to. Thankfully! 🙂 And thank you.
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The visit from sleep-eater does really give one a chance to reflect upon life and everything surrounding it! I love the way you craft your stories! There’s so much power in it!
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Thank you! Glad you liked it.
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Great bit of writing!
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Thanks Sue! 🙂
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😀
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Names aside (not to belittle that frustration, though: grrr), congratulations on another publishing success. And congratulations on this story too, which speaks to the Sleep-Eater victim in me too. I hope he leaves you alone the rest of the week.
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I think he must. I’m about dead on my feet now. Thanks for reading Jen and a great photo too.
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The sleep eater…yes I know him well. I never knew his name before though.
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Sounds like he’s quite familiar to a number of Friday Fictioneers, Dawn. 🙂
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Too many 100 word stories rattling around in our brains?
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Certainly when I can’t sleep I pass the time thinking them up – not sure if it’s a chicken/egg thing. 🙂
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Sandra I love the poetry in this. Very well done. (I’m jealous)
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Awww, thanks Alicia.
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Love your work and a really great take on the prompt. I can also relate to insomnia, your discription is amazing. 🙂
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Thanks Heidi, sorry if you’re similarly afflicted. 😦
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The sleep eater is a regular affliction. Your prose if wonderful, and congratulations for winning the competition!
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Thanks Francesca. 🙂
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This is a masterpiece, Sandra. Truly. Every week I look forward to your stories and I’m never disappointed.
-David
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Thanks David, I’m glad to hear that. 🙂
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Sandra,
Nan and I once was on a train ride with our four boys. I (the Sleep-Eater) slept all night. But Nan, worried about our kids, stayed awake all night watching them. So, we both can easily identify with your story. Well done.
Mike
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That’s women for you, Mike. Slightest disturbance to their peace of mind and they’re awake all night.
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Dear Sandra, You have so much to be thankful for – first and foremost is your talent, second, this writing group, and third your life with your husband on the river – is that right? My hat’s off to you and your ability! But, darn it all, they would have to misspell your name. Maybe their Editor didn’t notice, but I did and it doesn’t take anything away from your story – which is fantastic! Thanks! Nan
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I know I’m very lucky, the life I lead.:) I suppose I just feel (with regard to the story) that this piece is now out there – but with someone else’s name on it. If it weren’t for the photograph, I’d have no claim on the story at all. And I was fairly pleased with the piece and had spent a lot of time honing it, so it’s all the more galling. Anyway, onwards and upwards, what cannot be changed must be endured… 😉
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Well there it is! I know this thing – though less since I’ve retired. A horrible over night and uninvited guest.
Congratulations on your well deserved win, Sandra.
Ellespeth
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Yes, I used to suffer with insomnia when I was holding down a high pressure job, and that was a nightmare because another ‘angst’ to add to the usual mix described above was the fact that I knew I’d not be up for the stresses of next day. Now I just say ‘oh well, I can always make it up tomorrow’ though I can sometimes have a run of several nights like this. Thanks for reading, Ellespeth.
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I see a lot of people who identify with this piece. A truly remarkable piece.
Congratulations for winning the Writing Magazine competition..
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I think there must be many who suffer this way. And thank you, Yarnspinner. 🙂
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Congratulations on your winning entry!
I am one of the Sleep Eater’s favorite people, so this story really resonates with me 😊
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Thanks Jan. Another fellow sufferer!
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One of the nastier villain-figures out there, all things considered.
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A persistent little villian too, Dave. Thanks for dropping by.
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If I can get myself out of bed, tea and a crossword banishes the Sleep-Eater. I love your story – very graphic.
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I sometimes go downstairs to get my tab and read emails/comments. Big mistake for me. Thanks for reading.
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I tend to have the opposite problem to insomnia. Whatever that’s called 🙂
Well done on your winning entry!
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🙂 Thank you. 🙂
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you always manage to say so much in hundred words, great
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Thanks! 🙂
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We’ll done. I’ve been missing a lot of sleep lately with these same strange bed fellows. I can think of better companions to distract me under the covers. 😉
Love it,
Tracey
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🙂 So can I! Thanks for dropping by.
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Beautifully written, Sandra. I’m more of an Alfred E. Newman (what, me worry?) types and rarely lie awake worrying about the things I cannot change. However, if I’ve working on a project, I may roll it over and over in my mind trying to figure out how to make difficult into accomplishable.
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Funny you should say that. When I was younger I used to fancy I could see Alfred’s face on the bottom of my bed. 😦
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i love the humor in it. dry like james bond’s martini, stirred but not shaken. 🙂
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Thank you! 🙂 Just something I mixed up overnight.
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Dear Sandra,
What is wonderful about this delightful piece is the way you peopled the night train with characters we all know but who have never been so colorfully named. The Sleep-Eater will be enjoyed by most because of the way you married real life with the stuff of dreams (or the lack thereof). I love reading your work, Sandra. It is a treat, a reward for the faithful and a pleasure for the mind of a writer.
Thanks for writing.
Aloha,
Doug
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You’re a pleasure to write for Doug. 🙂 I’m always pleased when you’ve visited, and it’s always a pleasure to visit your site. Thank you.
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Very clever and creative Sandra. I loved it. It’s so frustrating when all you want to do is sleep, yet millions of thoughts keep floating around in your mind.
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Thank you. I see you understand how it is. 🙂
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Lovely, and such truth here. What a great concept!
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Thanks Patrick. 🙂
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Oh, I’ve been on this train, Sandra. It’s exhausting as shown here and captured so well. I love where you took the prompt. Congrats on the winning story! Sorry about your name being wrong. Next time, they’ll get it right!
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Thank you Amy. I’ve had an email from the editor apologising and saying they’ll print a correction in the June edition.
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That’s good news, Sandra.
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This reminded me of Mr Chartwell (Rebecca Hunt) where Churchill’s black dog/depression is indeed a black dog.
Had two longish periods of pain and insomnia, so nowadays I tell myself at least I’m not in pain as well when that sleep-eater comes a-calling.
Great take on the prompt – very original and struck a chord.
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Thank you. I’m glad you’re feeling better. 🙂
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Dear Sandra,
Traveling companions are both the best and worst thing about traveling by any form of public transportation. Hopefully next time your companion will provide a more delightful form of inspiration.
All my best,
MG
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Thank you for reading Marie Gail. 🙂
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It seems a lot of us have bed-fellows called Sleep Eaters. A whole army of over-fed menaces! An excellent story, Sandra. 🙂
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They’ll be taking over the world soon! 🙂 Thank you Millie.
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While I know it’s a non-discriminatory affliction, insomnia does seem to prefer women! Luckily for us (but not you), it’s perfect fodder for this incredibly creative and clever story. Loved it! I read it a couple of times just to enjoy the word play. Brilliant, Sandra!
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Thank you Dawn, glad you liked it. 🙂
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Congrats on winning the competition!
This piece is brilliant. I love the clever imagery. I hope you can starve your sleep-eater and get some much needed rest!
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I hope so too Amie. Thanks for reading
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Not to take anything away from anyone else, but I think this is the best Friday Fictioneers I’ve read yet. Great job.
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Why thank you! 🙂
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I know the Sleep-Eater well… great descriptions and a lovely take on the prompt. I really enjoyed your story in Writing, they certainly take their time publishing the winners. Well done on all counts.
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Yes there’s an incredibly long lead time. I found out I’d won the second week of January. I’ve had a communication from the editor apologising about the error with my name and they’re printing a correction, hopefully in the next edition. 🙂
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Brilliant story. I love your images of all the things that keep you awake, and the sleep-eater is a wonderful concept. So sad that it’s coming from your real experience though. I hope things improve. Congratulations on your winning magazine story. i loved it too – very clever, and moving.
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Thank you Margaret, glad that you enjoyed both stories. 🙂
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This is is fantastic prose. This is the kind of story other stories wish they could be.
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Thank you. Don’t get me started anthropomorphising stories again. 🙂 https://castelsarrasin.wordpress.com/2011/10/09/a-telling-tale-long-story-short-october-2011/
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That was a wonderful story. I love the voice and the humanity of it. Thank you for sharing it with me.
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A Sleep-Eater is not someone you want to be sharing your space with! Luckily for me he’s not someone I’ve ever become particularly familiar with. Great story and congrats on your win. 🙂
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Thank you! And I’m so glad you don’t suffer with insomnia. So many of those who’ve read this seem to be acquainted with the Sleep-Eater.
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Very creative although sorry to hear it was based on a reality show.
Good luck in your quest to reach The Dream Maker.
Question: you really mean to write “prised” – or was it supposed to be “pried” – in the line “‘Things I Shouldn’t Have Done’ chest will have been prised open”?
Randy
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No I definitely meant ‘prised’ in the manner of the chest not being easy to open, ie having kept a lid tightly on some past misgivings. And I’m hoping to get on the trail of the money-spinner before I tackle the dream-maker. Thanks for coming by. 🙂
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I’ve learned a new word!
You had to prise that one out of me. Sur-prise!
Now I can go to sleep tonight and ten I can up prise. No, wait that was rise up.
Okay. Back to the drawing board for me.
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What you do in your own bed in your own time is your business, Randy. 🙂
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The line did sound kind of funky along with the “ten” instead of “then”. I should have written it that: then in the morning I can up prise.
But I shall not “up fend” you with my “bed prisings” anymore. Good night.
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That darned sleep-eater, Sandra, gobbled up far too many hours of my sleep over many years before I banned him from my head — much helped by refusing to fuel his appetite with caffeine. You describe that battle with guilt and misgivings in the dark hours so well. They’re a complete waste of mental space, as you can’t do anything about most of them.
Well written and an interesting take on the prompt.
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Thanks Sarah. I don’t do the caffeine trip, but I do seem to have a weakness for mental shenanigans…
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I think I’ve met the Sleep-Eater on train and airplane trips. Great story!
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Alas, poor Sleep-Eater! I knew him, Sandra: a fellow
of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath
borne me on his back a thousand times.
(with apologies to the Bard).
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It’s strange how our sleep patterns can become so disrupted – great term ‘sleep-eater.’
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marvelously dreadful. Hope your week did get better, and the monster stayed under the bed.
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Very clever way of describing insomnia – really gets inside your head. A horrible thing to deal with!
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No sheep to help? Guess not.
A subject that plagues everyone at one time or another.
I enjoyed the way you interpreted the prompt. 😎
Great Write !!!
Isadora
Congratulations on winning the Writing Magazine’s Flash Competition …. I’m not surprised.
You’re writing is incredible.
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Lovely story and clever use of sleep eater as the type of train car. I always enjoy your writing – this week is no exception.
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Oh the ordeals of insomnia.. so many uninvited guests coming… well done.
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