Another Tuesday photo prompt from Keith Channing. In his words, “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”
The photo.
Boy by John W. Howell © 2016
“So where’s he off to?”
“Look at him. Do you think he knows.”
“Why does he have that goofy look?”
“Y’mean with the cig and all?”
“Yes. He looks like an idiot and he’s staring at us.”
“The fact that he’s on that bike confirms he’s an idiot.”
“Whaddya mean?”
“Look at that Fosters flag out front of the place he just left.”
“Ah. I get it. He’s had a few beers.”
“I would wager he has had more than a few.”
“Should we let him carry on?”
“Well, the Christian thing to do would be to take his keys.”
“He’s got a helmet on his head.”
“Not much good if he hits a tree.”
“Now I’m worried. We need to do something.”
“I’ll go over and suggest that he takes a rest before he starts out.”
“Excellent Idea Bradley. You always know what to do.”
“Well, thank you, my dear. I try. You know you get back what you give in this life.”
“Yes, I know Bradley. You say that all the time.”
“I do? My goodness. I didn’t realize I was becoming that annoying.”
“You’re not annoying Bradley. Your focus is on certain sayings is all. You are a concern.”
“A concern is it. Well, madam speak for yourself.”
“Whadda you saying Bradley?”
“Well, that old saw about bygones be bygones is getting stale.”
“I wish I could use that now. You can forget the boy.”
“What boy?”
“My heavens. The boy on the motorcycle. He just fell over. I think he passed out.”
“Good thing I’m guessing. Now he won’t kill himself.”
“And you won’t have to say, ‘You get back what you give in this life.”‘
“Now that’s a nice statement. Where did you hear that one?”
“I’ll tell you when we get home. Come along Bradley.”
Fiction Favorites 
LOL. Some of the prompts are just rich — love this one. Another fun story from you, John. Have a terrific Tuesday. Hugs.
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You as well, Teagan. Best wish for you today. 🙂
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LOL! I’m glad he’s wearing a helmet. Nice one, John!
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Yes. Will keep his ears warm while he snoozes on the street. 🙂
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For some reason, I can see this conversation happening only a few steps away from the guy. He’s just sitting there wondering if anyone will stop him.
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Very good. That is another dimension to the story. 🙂
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Maybe Bradley had a few too.
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I think he is slipping a little. I have a deal with my wife that if the same happens to me she will just tell everyone I’m drunk. 🙂
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That’s a great plan. Maybe you should start carrying a flask to help with the illusion.
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Good idea. 🙂
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At least he won’t be driving anywhere, if he’s passed out on the pavement (sidewalk).
A nice interpretation, as ever, John. I’m afraid the actual story behind the photograph is much more mundane.
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Thanks, Keith. I just could not get over the look on the face of the rider. Made me laugh when I first saw it. 🙂
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As I recall, someone had just told a joke or said something amusing in French, which I totally failed to understand. Not an unusual situation.
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I used to do the same in Germany. Most people thought I was “special.”
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Ha ha. He’s wearing a helmet? In his condition that won’t stop him breaking his neck, or leg(s) or arm(s). 😀 😀
Bradley is a keeper.
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Thanks, Tess. I am alway amazed but those who take risks and think a helmet will help. 🙂
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Ha ha ha ha ha
They obviously listened to only the first part of the rules etc. This cracks me up.
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🙂
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Haha. I always love the twists you do. Bradley is a capital chap.
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Thanks, VJ. He’s getting a little forgetful I’m afraid.
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Maybe he had a few beers
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Could be a good explanation. My wife is going to tell people I’m drunk when I get to a stage of forgetfulness.
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Really? Well. That’s a good thing. You know, I shall start that too. “Gosh, I don’t remember. I’m actually drunk, too, the sudden.”
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Ha ha ha. 😀
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That was a fun read. Enjoyed it immensely!
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Thanks, Mae Clair. 🙂
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Well done, John! I love seeing where these photo prompts take you!
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Thanks, Debbie. Sometimes it is to a weird place. 🙂
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Too, too funny! Your creative cup runneth over on this one. Very clever to throw in an old couple walking down the street who have their own story and drama!
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Thank you. They just evolved as I was writing.
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Haha! Without his helmet he might have cracked his head when he passed out. That was good thinking on his part. LOL.
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Yes, it was. Thanks Michelle. 🙂
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What we have here is a cycle of abuse.
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Ha ha ha. I was waiting for your response. Hope you are feeling better. 🙂
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Ummm, well, I’ve now been told I have a hole in my small intestine, but strangely, I am in less pain, so I guess the antibiotics are working.
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My goodness. Is this an ulcerated small intestine? If so the antibiotic will clear it right up. There is a nasty bacteria that is at the root of such stuff. While working at Bayer AG I came across some interesting literature on the positive results of antibiotic treatment and stomach ulcers. I do hope you get well soon.
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