Here is another photo from a bike ride. It is a perfect shoe sitting just above the high tide line. Also, the picture has captured some footprints showing someone walked by the shoe, and it is clear the shoe has not been disturbed. I could not resist another story prompted by this picture. I hope you like it.
Stranded by John W, Howell © 2015
“What are we going to do?”
“The first thing is not panic.”
“Easy for you to say. You are the survivalist I’m just along for the ride.”
“Okay, I never thought the boat would sink.”
“With everything we need to survive I might add.”
“Yes, that is true. Don’t forget I’m a trained survivalist. I will keep us safe.”
“Safe? You’ve got to kidding. Look around. There is nothing on this little island. One palm tree and that’s it.”
“The tree will give us shade that we will need until we can get some water.”
“Too bad I left my Perrier on the desk in the galley.”
“You are alive, so that is something.”
“For how long with no food or water.”
“Oh, that’s easy. No food thirty days. No, water? Well, that’s a little less. Like seven.”
“Seven days? You gonna dig a well or what?”
“No, I will collect the dew in this plastic bag. Also, I have a pen and some paper. I’m going to write a note and stuff it in my shoe. These shoes float. It will be like a message in a bottle. I know we are less than seven days from the mainland the way the current flows. There the shoe is drifting see?”
“Yeah I see. Somehow I can’t imagine anyone looking in a shoe for a message.”
“Have faith.”
“Yeah sure.”
Fiction Favorites 
John, you are marvelous! Lovely story once again. And a great capture of the stranded shoe on the beach! 🙂
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Thank you so much.
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So John… did you look inside the shoe? 😀
But at last i have an explanation — For as long as i can remember, when i see a shoe like that… well, it’s always just ONE shoe. It bugs be to death. One shoe. Why not 2. It isn’t as though the person didn’t feel it when they lost it. If the shoes were hurting their feet so badly they just had to throw them out, then both shoes would have went. So at last i have one explanation. 😉
Have a thriving Thursday. Hugs
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Glad to solve the conundrum. You are right though I have never seen two shoes on the beach.
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Makes sense to me. Funny how many islands are out there with only one palm tree.
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There might be a few.
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The boot is a terrific find. The story I enjoyed. Not sure I’d look for a message in a boot…now I just might always. 🙂
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I continue to be impressed with how you can tell so complete a story in so few words. Very nice and the picture is perfect.
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Thanks Dan. I love doing these.
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I love the lone survivor shoe and the story. Hope these guys luck out somehow. Hate to see them expire. 😦 ❤
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I’m sure they will be okay.
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Whew. At least I’ll get some sleep tonight. Don’t need to worry. 😀
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A little wine would help as well.
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You mean to celebrate that I don’t have to worry? Hmm. I need to check if I have some. 😀
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No to sleep.
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I knew that. ⭐
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Such great flash fiction from you, John. I would never have thought of putting a message in a shoe, and hope somebody looks inside that shoe soon.
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I do too, but looks doubtful
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The chap must have faith. I think it’s possible, personally.
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The footprints don’t look good for the shoe.
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You’re right. They don’t at all.
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Just a couple of weeks ago my wife and I saw one shoe on the side of the road. About a quarter mile later we saw its mate. That was even more disturbing than finding one shoe!
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I guess it would be. I would do a story about a kidnapped person leaving a trail of clothes but hey that’s me.
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Love your creativity! 🙂
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Thank you so much Rhonda
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Great story!!!! You do have to wonder how there is a lone shoe…
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If the story is true (heh heh) there is no wonder.
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Reblogged this on AUTHORS PROMOTION.
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Thank you for the lovely re-blog Madi.
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Wonderful story in a few lines John.From now on I should have a look in every single shoe…
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Good idea. The island folks would appreciate it. Thanks for stopping Madi.
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Poor “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, probably still looking for that thing beyond the grave…
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LOL.
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Now, if I’m ever walking on the beach and see a shoe, I will be compelled to look inside.
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Yes you should. Those folks are depending on you
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