In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (Below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com 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.
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
The Wait by John W. Howell © 2018
“What the heck is he doing?”
“Let me adjust my scope. Ah yes. He is eating.”
“Eating? What is he eating?”
“Looks like sunflower seeds.”
“God in heaven. I hope he doesn’t plan to sit there and eat a bag of sunflower seeds.”
“I think that is exactly what he is going to do.”
“You don’t think he is connected to Mendoza do you?”
“I think that is some schlub who is on holiday. His license plate is from the Avignon area.”
“He could be a mule you know.”
“I don’t think so. What mule have you ever seen in a van munching sunflower seeds?”
“There is always a first time.”
“Man I hope this guy moves on.”
“Yeah, I hear you.”
“He’s got about fifteen minutes until Mendoza shows up then all hell will break loose.”
“You think Mendoza would take him out?”
“In a heartbeat.”
“Anyway to warn him?”
“I don’t think we can get down there and then back up here in time. I think he’ll just have to take his chances.”
“He’s alone right?”
“Looks that way.”
“Well, I guess all we can do is pray.”
“Maybe I can take out Mendoza before he has a chance to hurt that old man.”
“Sounds like a long shot but then that’s what you are good at doing.”
“What a nice thing to say. Thanks.”
“Well, it’s true.”
“Still nice to hear. Oh, wait. The old guy is getting into his van.”
“Come on old man. Start it up and get the hell out of here.”
“He going.”
“Thank heavens.”
*
“Mendoza, you hear me?”
“Yeah old man I do.”
“I was at the rendezvous and no sign of the feds.”
“Excellent. You stay a while.”
“I did. Even had some sunflower seeds.”
“You look pitiful?”
“The most pitiful. If there had been anyone waiting for you, they would have come to warn me. I think the area is safe.”
“Thanks, old man. When I get back, I’ll be sure to reward you handsomely.”
“No need my boy. Your safety is reward enough. After all, you are my number one son. See you later.
Fiction Favorites 
Well, that plan backfired.
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It did for sure. Thanks, Charles
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He looks like a she! 🙂
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Long white hair does that.(Might be a she. My story wouldn’t allow it though.)
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haha, the best laid plans, eh?
My thought was – “I wonder if 3 days ahead of Black Friday is too early to start a line for Walmart?”
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I like yours better. Thanks, GP
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I guess he overestimated the feds saving a “poor old man”.
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I think so too, Denise. 😀
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MENNNNNDOZAAA!!!
Sorry, had to be done.
Masterfully done as usual, John.
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Thank you, Hook.
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Awesome.
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Thank you, Craig.
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Excellent, John. I mean except for the plan not working, but hey, into each life…
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So true for Mendoza. Thanks, Dan
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What a twisted imagination you have, John Howell! 🙂 I loved this.
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Thank you, Jan. 🙂
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It is pretty clear that old man Mendoza wants the family business back.
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Ha haha.
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Oh, no! Not good for Mendoza. What an unexpected twist—as usual from you 🙂
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Mendoza will be in deep yogurt shortly
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Isn’t Mendoza the name of the business school at ND?! Very cleverly done, my friend!
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Yes it is, Debbie. You are the only one to catch that one. Good catch. Thanks.
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We always recognize the names of where our money goes (or in my case, went!!)
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Ha haha.
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Hahaha! That will teach me! I didn’t realize there was a break after “Thank Heavens”. I thought that was it, and I was like “Huh?”
But there’s no Huh to it, you the master of these challenges. Well, there IS a Huh to this, but it’s for Mendoza to discover . . .
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Thank you, Marc. At least you came back.
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Of course!
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Reblogged this on Loleta Abi.
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Thanks you, Traci.
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Well there go the plans…
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Yup.
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🙂
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