Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by my old friend Al Forbes.
The idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in his picture (below).
This week’s forbidding photo is open to many interpretations.
This is my slightly off the wall take.
Click on this link to enter your tale, and see what others have written.
Copyright Al Forbes
The Lodge
I am in!
At last my boyhood ambition is fulfilled.
I have been accepted as a member of the Lodge.
My father was a member, and his father, and his father.
It is a mark of privilege and honour in this isolated region.
Usually only the first born son is admitted, but my older brother died before he was of age.
Even so, I have had to perform many arduous tasks, pass many stern tests, and wait many long years.
I have also had to ignore the whispers around town.
Detrimental comments are made, almost out of earshot.
I don’t care.
I feel it is my duty to maintain a proud family tradition, and to be part of this organisation which contributes so much to local charities.
I take the oath on my knees before the assembly of members.
I swear never, on pain of death and disgrace, for myself and my family, to divulge any of the secrets.
The Grand Master himself shakes my hand.
I am led to the banquet hall to celebrate.
Through closed doors I hear the weeping of children.
How a misplaced sense of duty keeps these evils running… Great piece!
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Another dark twist. Very Poe-ian.
Is Poe-ian Poe-edgar’s brother?
Sorry, Brenda, I am of course hugely flattered at the comparison.
Many years ago I was invited in (truly) But the apron didn’t suit me so I declined!
Visit Keith’s Ramblings!
Thanks for your comment, Keith.
The crying of children sounds very ominous, what are they doing to them?
I leave that to your imagination, Mandibelle.
But even today the evil that those in power inflict on children is denied and hidden from sight.
I don’t think I want to imagine or think about the awful things adults do to children. We are afraid of demons and ghosts but I think the biggest demons and evil spirits are people, worse you can’t tell by looking at them 🙁
I hit like, but “Through closed doors I hear the weeping of children,” I’m not so sure. Sound s bit gruesome.
Then, my good sir, if you are not comfortable, please feel free to ‘unlike’.
I do not believe in writing only about the sunshine in our world, but about the vile darkness also.
Thank you for visiting.
Excuse me, sir, but it’s a miss, as in Phyllis.
Not to worry, I most think a dragon eye can only be a male. No so. ;0)
I would not hit like unless I meant it.
I am sorry, Phyllis, I know you are a lady, I cannot think what brought on that aberration.
And my comment about ‘unlike’ was meant only to indicate my understanding that the subject matter was particularly offensive in this story.
Thank you for your patience, and the ‘like’!
Not to worry. About sir or the like. All is well.
Reblogged this on anelephantcant and commented:
AnElephantCant be as brave as a tiger
Or a lion or fierce things like that
Unless he makes a bloomer
This is perhaps a puma
AnElephant prefers the wee cat who sat on the mat
Dear CE,
This sent such a chill through me. You said much in few words and have managed wot layer an entire novel between the lines. Captivating doesn’t begin to describe.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, ma’am, I am happy you found it so disturbing!
You never fail to captivate, twist, and surprise. Well done.
Thank you, Corina, I do my humble best.
That was a completely unexpected twist
Some of these ‘Gentleman’s Clubs’ are not completely above board, surprisingly.
Like Buck House and Westmonster, for example.
Chilling. It’s reassuring to know that our current leaders would never be involved in dubious initiation rites. For this is fiction, after all.
Thanks, Steve, I am happy with ‘Chilling’!