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 the picture (below).
This week Al shows us a curious photo by Sascha Darlington.
I have to apologise for being some 30 words over the count this week.
Having already been to Nice airport today, and having a pressing engagement with a rugby match, France v Scotland, a little over an hour from now, I have had insufficient time to fine tune.
Sorry, everyone.
Click on this link to enter your tale, and to see what others have written.
© Sascha Darlington
Click here to hear me read the story:
The Loch Ness
What was the name of that film?
An old Hollywood movie, a light musical, set in Scotland.
Well, in what Hollywood considers to be Scotland, at any rate.
About a village that appears every hundred years, with a pretty girl who wins the heart of an unfortunate Yank.
Gene Kelly, maybe.
No matter.
This café, called The Loch Ness, reminds me of it.
It is, somewhat bizarrely, an Irish themed café/bar, with this most Scottish of names.
It is also, equally strangely, almost never open, despite sitting in a prime position on the picturesque port.
I notice it often on my wanderings, and wonder how it survives.
Then, apparently, it closes down.
The signage disappears, the doors have a more permanently shut look.
I am totally unsurprised.
Then, to my astonishment, it reappears just two or three doors along the quayside, in an equally prime spot.
The doors, of course, are not open.
Then, as I pass by late one afternoon, the door is thrown wide, and a charming young lady smiles at me.
You are a Scot, aren’t you, she asks, beckoning me inside.
Baffled, I enter.
The interior is bedecked in tartan and shamrocks.
I laugh, ask about the mixed theme.
She smiles again, says that in another hundred years they will be the same country.
I see that she has closed the door.
And the smoke is swirling.
Sound Bite Fiction 
That’s one way of skipping periods of time you don’t want to see.
LikeLike
Beautiful story – very atmospheric.
LikeLike
I wonder why it moves and closes and when he walks in what happens to him. When will Scotland/Ireland etc all be one country. Lots to wonder in this. I’m probably missing stuff today but entertaining Tale nonetheless. Hugs CE.
LikeLike
Hi Amanda, I hoped you would wonder all these things.
You are missing nothing, I think, it is a tale of monsters and leprechauns and magic.
Hugs to you, sweet friend
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad lol. Thanks CE hugs back 😊
LikeLike
Love your story, CE. Loved the mixed theme of tartan and shams. 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
As long as they don’t put an ‘e’ in whisky we won’t fall out!
Thank you, dear lady, happy you enjoyed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm… now that gives me quite an image. Scots and Irish together? Willingly? Let us know when you get back in 100 years (or is it 130?)
LikeLike
We come from the same roots, Dale, we are Celtic cousins.
I am interested in the 130.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I know…which is why it is so funny that they are always at odds with each other…
Are ya now? Maybe it’s a teaser for the 30 extra…
LikeLike
Brigadoon in Paradise? Makes perfect sense!
I enjoyed your musing on the bubbly prompt.
LikeLike
Musing, bemusing, amusing…
Where else could Brigadoon be?
LikeLike
I can’t help but wonder if, like the Monster, the cafe exists at all? Nicely told!
LikeLike
Now that is an interesting thought.
Thank you, Sydney.
LikeLike
It should be an interesting trip!
LikeLike
You think!
LikeLike
I wonder what scenario will lead to the one country being formed? Hope you enjoyed the rugby, despite the final result – gallant losers again!
LikeLike
Maybe to have a better rugby team!
It was like Bannockburn today, bodies everywhere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Forget the tea….go for the pint at this point!
Would love to hear a sequel to this.
– Lisa
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh please, no, I already disgraced myself by running over the word count
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope she at least gave you a cup of tea! Not sure I share her thoughts on the one country thing though!
Click to read my story!
LikeLike
Maybe she knows something you don’t, Keith
LikeLike
Oh gosh. So juicy. Of course, I was won over by the mere mention of Gene Kelly.
LikeLike
Laughing.
Thanks for that, Kecia
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bon voyage! 🙂
LikeLike
See you in 100 years, maybe?
LikeLike
This starts to remind me of “Oh, Danny Boy.” Bring flowers. 😉
LikeLike