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.
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.






That’s one way of skipping periods of time you don’t want to see.
Beautiful story – very atmospheric.
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.
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
I’m glad lol. Thanks CE hugs back 😊
Love your story, CE. Loved the mixed theme of tartan and shams. 🙂 <3
As long as they don’t put an ‘e’ in whisky we won’t fall out!
Thank you, dear lady, happy you enjoyed.
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?)
We come from the same roots, Dale, we are Celtic cousins.
I am interested in the 130.
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…
Brigadoon in Paradise? Makes perfect sense!
I enjoyed your musing on the bubbly prompt.
Musing, bemusing, amusing…
Where else could Brigadoon be?
I can’t help but wonder if, like the Monster, the cafe exists at all? Nicely told!
Now that is an interesting thought.
Thank you, Sydney.
It should be an interesting trip!
You think!
I wonder what scenario will lead to the one country being formed? Hope you enjoyed the rugby, despite the final result – gallant losers again!
Maybe to have a better rugby team!
It was like Bannockburn today, bodies everywhere.
Forget the tea….go for the pint at this point!
Would love to hear a sequel to this.
– Lisa
Oh please, no, I already disgraced myself by running over the word count
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!
Maybe she knows something you don’t, Keith
Oh gosh. So juicy. Of course, I was won over by the mere mention of Gene Kelly.
Laughing.
Thanks for that, Kecia
Bon voyage! 🙂
See you in 100 years, maybe?
This starts to remind me of “Oh, Danny Boy.” Bring flowers. 😉