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’s interesting photo is provided by someone who mysteriously prefers to remain anonymous.
It made me think about Pinocchio.
Click on this link to enter your tale, and to see what others have written.
© Al Forbes
Click here to hear the story read by the author:
Trouble
My empire is starting to creak.
I am not an idiot, I know I am not loved.
But I am respected, I think.
And I am feared, certainly.
With good reason, it must be said.
I don’t tolerate insubordination.
I don’t accept any outside interference.
I deal with any such infraction decisively.
And ruthlessly.
Things have been good for a long time.
Maybe I got lazy.
Or even soft, perhaps.
Whatever it was, I didn’t see it coming.
Mark was with me for years, my strong right hand.
I spotted it just in time.
I got no pleasure out of crushing him like a bug.
I loved him like a son.
I was at his wedding.
So his death was quick.
His accomplices were not so lucky.
But others have learned of his betrayal.
My enemies think that I am weaker now.
They smell blood.
I can practically see them crawling out of the woodwork.
It accentuates the message of being careful who you tread on when you go up the ladder, because they will be the hands to catch you when you fall.
It’s a good story. I like it.
Great take on the prompt, but scary.
And I thought finishing off Mark and his accomplishes would have shown he wasn’t as weak as they thought. I really enjoyed the lines that tied the story into the prompt. Including the last line, which concluded the tale and brought it back around to the prompt again. “I can practically see them crawling out of the woodwork.” Well done.
Thank you, Mandie, glad you enjoyed it.
I kinda liked the last line too!
Stomping around with gay abandon. A lowly story written from a lofty angle. Superb, Ceayr.
Thanks, Neel, cool comment!
Your story made me one wonder why anyone wants to be the top dog.
Some people feel they have to be, don’t they?
I’m sure they are now.
That’s what happens
The ominous underworld!
Indeed, Reena