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 next Monday.”
The Photo.
The Departure by John W. Howell ©2019
“What are you doing with that bugle?”
“I was going to play a farewell.”
“Farewell to who?”
“Whom.”
“Huh?”
“To whom. A farewell to whom.”
“That’s what I’m asking.”
“Okay, never mind. I don’t have time for a ‘Who’s on first’ thing with you.”
“What are you talking about? Let’s get back to the farewell.”
“See that guy in the prison clothes over there.”
“You mean the dayglo orange, so no one will miss seeing me, clothes?
“Whatever. See the guy?”
“Yes. Who could miss the guy.”
“He is loading Wanda for her last ride.”
“Wanda?”
“Yeah. Wanda Wagon. She’s gone over that mechanics bridge to the great junkyard in the sky.”
“Please. You are getting all maudlin over that pile of junk?”
“Pile of junk? That car has been through thick and thin with me.”
“Thick and thin? How do you figure? You bought her used last year.”
“Well, it’s been a tough year.”
“Don’t you think you are getting carried away?”
“Says the guy who sobbed at his Vespa’s departure.”
“That’s different. I had that scooter since I was eighteen.”
“Is that a tear I see?”
“I still miss her.”
“Didn’t you get a Harley?”
“Well, yeah. It’s just not the same.”
“I’ll say. Chrome headlights, fabulous saddlebags, terrific seat, wheels that would make you cry.”
“Yeah, she is sweet. You getting another wagon?”
“Do you have no sensitivity at all. It is too soon to talk of another wagon.”
“Coup, huh?”
“I’m in mourning.”
“Maybe red with a turbo V8?”
“I like blue better.”
“Ah, midnight blue. Maybe a convertible? The dealer is down the street.”
“Might do me good.”
“What about the bugle?”
“You are right. It was only a used car, after all.”
“You sure we were talking about cars?”
Fiction Favorites 
For those of use who drive our cars until the wheels fall off…we do get attached. RIP Wanda!
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Maybe Wanda will come back as a waterless cookware set. Thanks, Jill.
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Reminds me of the death of my first car. I wasn’t there for it, so never got to say goodbye or play a bugle.
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Thanks for sharing. Sorry for your loss. 😁
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This was my first company car in 1999. We bought it when I got a new one and it’s stayed with us since. More than 200,000 miles on the clock and still going as well as ever. We took it France when we moved there in 2006 but the cost of re-registering it in the UK on ur return was a lot more than it was worth so it had to be scrapped.
On the positive side, the car we got to replace it is terrific!
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Thanks for the story. I figured there was one here. 😊
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Great story, John, though I’m feeling neglectful…I’ve never named my car. As comfortable as I’ve been with this car or that car, I’ve never named her. I think it’s time. . . 🙂
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Well at least you know it is a her. I’m sure that is some comfort for the poor unamed beast. Thanks, Gwen 😀
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I’m glad you can come up with stories, John. My one-liners get worse with each photo!! 🙂
“Hah, brand new car, of course there’s a glitch in its computer system!”
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Still made me laugh. 😀
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Well that’s something. You really didn’t know when you started your blog that you would be followed by a totally inept pest such as myself, did ya?! ha!!
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Ha. Not sure who you are describing. Certainly not you. 😁
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I felt this way about my last pickup truck. It’s a kind of attachment that’s hard to describe. Good job, John.
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Thank you, Dan
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I’m not a car girl but would love to learn how to ride a Harley! 🙂 Fun one, John!
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Thanks, Susie. Be careful those things are habit forming.
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“the great junkyard in the sky.” *snort* Good one, John.
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Thanks, Teri
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Poor Wanda. We barely knew you.
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I know right? 😁
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A few years ago I had to say goodbye to my car that I had kept for my boys when then eventually got off their butts and got their license. Apparently it wasn’t good enough for them so I had to call a company to come and get her. It was a sad day…
You do know how to make us laugh, John!
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I’m glad to make you laugh, Dale.
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😁
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What a wrenching story. I am just surprised the Wanda only got a mechanic’s bridge. What no rainbow ?
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You would think a rainbow would be part of it. Alas it is not to be.
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Aw, something sad about trading cars, huh? We get so attached to the old ones (and yes, I’ve always named my cars!), but then we walk into the shiny dealership where we’re easily swayed to sink our hard-earned cash into a brand new model. Bye-Bye, Wanda!
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Bub bye now.
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Wonderful Wanda would want wemembering while weeping, ‘wascal’!
(Oh, well, I tried!)
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Was good. 😁
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🙂
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This was deightful!
And … I did (almost) cry over letting go of my first car … so there was that. … (no bugles, though) 😉 Now, a midnight blue convertible might’ve made it a lot easier, yeah … 😉
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Yes. Close one driver’s side door and another opens
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Wanda Wagon would have wanted him to move on, LOL
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So true. She even picked out the Masarati she wanted him to run with.
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What a wagon!
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I know right . We should all get a wagon like that.
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No kidding
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I can’t give up my 2001 Navigator!
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I know how you feel. It was tough parting with my 93 BMW
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Oh my Lord! This had me in stitches!! Wanda Wagon! Ha Ha Ha!! Good one, John!
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Thank you, Jan. Glad I could make you laugh.
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I have fond memories of every car I’ve owned, especially my first one:)
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Me too, Denise. Thanks
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I knew as soon as I saw the photo prompt that you would come up with something good!
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Thank you, Liz.
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The picture would not load for me, but I loved the story anyway!
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Thanks, Jill.
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This is so funny, John. I can’t imagine feeling a thing about a car, used or new.
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You never met my 1976 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. You would have loved it.
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I probably would love it.
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I was sad to see it go.
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Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide Traci Kenworth YA Author & Book Blogger.
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Thank you for th ereblo, Traci
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You’re welcome, John!
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[…] The Departure by John W. Howell © 2019 […]
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