The Unicorn Challenge.
A magical new weekly writing opportunity from her – Jenne Gray – and me.
Visit her blog every Friday to see the photo prompt, and post your amazing story in her comments section.
Or on your own blog, and stick the link down in her comments.
The rules are:
Maximum of 250 words.
Based on photo prompt.
That’s it.
To hear me read my story, just click here:
The Question
When our long ago forebear, the caveman, encountered a previously unknown creature, he asked himself this.
Can I eat it or will it eat me?
This question remains a large part of our survival strategy to this day.
I am at my window above at La Place des Héros, scanning it constantly.
I can see the whole square, with the exception of a couple of chairs at tables sheltered, even in November, by two trees.
These are unfortunately evergreen olive trees, each of which I call, for reasons obvious to any cultured Francophone, Larry.
{Ask Jenne, I don’t explain my jokes}
Returning to my viewpoint after a short absence – I do, after all, have the same needs as any ordinary man – I lift my opera glasses and study the area below.
Beneath Larry – no, the other one – I can almost see someone, a newcomer.
I can just perceive that it’s a man, a man in a blue and white hooped sweater, and I feel a sudden trepidation.
I admit it hadn’t previously occurred to me but, as soon as I see it, I understand.
I mean, what else would he wear?
I have a rifle and, at this range, even through the foliage, he’s an easy target.
And I have a wicked knife, if I decide to wait until later.
So now I need to make a decision, to answer the same question as my prehistoric ancestor.
Fight or flight?
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Good point about the shoot not messing up your clothes. Sage advice from the peanut gallery, seems they know your heart.
Seriously creepy, C.E. And very good.
Thank you, Angela.
I like ‘creepy’!
I have a blue and white hooped sweater. I’ll leave it behind the next time I visit France and take the one with a red and white circle instead.
Laughing.
Like Larson’s deer!
Just shoot already! You know you want to.
Anyone who wears a sweater like that and
shoes with no socks is just asking for it.
He’s probably reading the goddamn NYT, too.
Ooh la la, Yeux Verts, did you forget to put miel in your porridge this morning?
What’s wrong with no socks?
Niente, se la tua caviglia è ben modellata… come la mia.
Ma chère Nancy, j’essaie de ne pas trop penser aux jambes délicieuses des femmes mariées.
And how’s that working for you, Blue Eyes?
Chuckle…..
Seldom…
He may have ‘the same needs as any ordinary man’, but he is obviously no such creature. I feel as though I’ve had a glimpse into his mind and it’s a very disturbing place. I really like the tone of this, a bit off-kilter. (Not sure if one should use that word to a Scotsman .🤔)
Ordinary people are so dull, don’t you think, Margaret.
Glad you liked.
We don’t know what the Rank Badjin has done, or why the guy in the striped jersey is after him, we have a good idea what will happen next, but not how…
You give away so little in 250 words – not one of them superfluous – and still create such a satisfying story?
It’s a gift and you have it in spades.
Well, Jenne, I could explain it all, but you’re such a stickler for the 250 word rule!
Thank you.
I would change “Can I eat it or will it eat me?” to “Can I beat it or will it beat me?”
And you will have the answer.
You do have a quite direct and aggressive approach to life, don’t you, dear Lady?
I’m quite scared now.
A direct approach?
How was that ever conceived
No! Not right!
Should not be believed
Aggressive? No!
That’s not the case
I’m the shiest most wilted
Violet in the vase
There’s no need for you to run
Let’s just continue having fun
But if you are still afraid
Into the woodwork I will fade
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Shoot now, I say. You don’t get stuff on your clothes the way you do with a knives. You’ve lost none of your menace, I see.
For such a sweet lady you have a rather bloodthirsty, albeit practical streak, Sandra.
I do like than in a lady.
Has to be flight now that you’ve confessed your intent. 🙂
Hmm…
See Sandra, above!