Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by Susan Spaulding, who has taken over this great weekly prompt from my old friend Al Forbes.
This week’s photo, which leaves me utterly confused, is again provided by the lady herself.
The general idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in the picture (below).
Click on this link to enter your tale, and see what others have written.
© Susan Spaulding
Click here to hear the author read the tale:
Ticket to Ride
The nuisance always takes the seat next to me.
Every time I get on a bus.
It doesn’t matter where I decide to sit.
Upstairs or downstairs, window or aisle, bags beside me or not, they always pick me out unerringly.
And talk to me.
Or, as I never respond, maybe I should say they talk at me.
Usually unintelligible drivel.
Sometimes conspiracy theories.
Or Big Brother government agency intrusion.
Or, worst of all, a diatribe about the local soccer team.
How come the loony always chooses me, I ask my friends.
There are plenty of other folk, and lots of empty seats, but every time!
They laugh at me.
It is because you are so kind and easy-going!
Yeah, right.
Because you have a nice face?
I don’t think so.
They sense a kindred spirit?
Hmm, possibly.
But I don’t mind so much now.
Not since I discovered the solution.
I just leave my pack of sandwiches behind when I get off.
A little snack that I have prepared specifically for just such an occasion.
And I am happy that this guy will never bother me – or anyone else – ever again.
Sound Bite Fiction 
Well, as someone who catches the bus a lot, it’s a tempting scenario. There aren’t many who I’d be tempted to ‘leave a sandwich’ for, but the odd one … The solution to your nuisance problem, is of course, simple. Greet everyone who gets on the bus with a winning smile and pat the seat next to you, invitingly. You’re sure to travel alone from now on. Sinister, but top quality 🙂
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Thanks for the kind words, Lynn.
I am told the most effective deterrent is a tee shirt with the slogan Let’s talk about Jesus.
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Haha! That would certainly work here in the UK – in the US, though … Always a pleasure, C
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Fabulous story? But I do feel for the conductors on these buses,
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No conductors nowadays, Michael
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Evil is you! Evil with a CAPITAL E. Loved this Ceayr.
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I sometimes think, Neel, that there are too many nice guys in the world, so I try to balance it out a bit!
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So it was you – wait till the next time you try to ignore me on the number 99!
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Sandwich, Keith?
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Oh, go on then…
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Gives new meaning to the term, ‘Sack Lunch’…. love it!
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Well, Violet, the term ‘Sack Lunch’ is new to me, not an expression used in Scotland.
So I’m happy you not only enjoyed my story but broadened my horizons too!
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