In Keith’s words. “On to this week’s challenge: 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 Message by John W. Howell © 2020
“I heard your phone, ding. Who is sending you a message?”
“OMG. It’s that boy I met on the bus yesterday.”
“What, boy. You never told us about a boy.”
“Well, I didn’t think it was necessary. You know how boys are. I didn’t expect to hear from him again.”
“How did he get your number?”
“We traded numbers.”
“My gosh, Aahana. Don’t you know how dangerous that is?”
“Oh, nonsense. It’s not like I gave him my home address.”
“Another ding.”
“Yes, he is sending me a picture. Oh, look.”
“Whoa. He is a handsome one, for sure. What is his name?”
“I don’t know. We didn’t trade names.”
“Well, ask him?”
“I can’t do that?”
“Why not?”
“It’s too personal. I should have asked when I was talking to him.”
“You give him your phone number, and you think asking his name is too personal?”
“Oh, wait. He is asking my name.”
“Ha.”
“Don’t ‘ha” me. That is a personal question. I don’t have to give him my name.”
“You now think he is too forward?”
“I do. I am going to ignore his texts. Look, he is now asking where I live?”
“Well, I would ignore that one for sure.”
“Here, I’ll take care of it and tell him I have no interest in him.”
“He sure is good looking.”
“So what. Probably raised in a barn. The nerve. Asking my name and where I live. Wait, he is sending me his address. Look at this.”
“Isn’t that the Prime minister’s address?”
“This might be his son.”
“Oh, Aahana. Did you send the text telling him you have no interest.”
“I did. Ours crossed. Oops. He just sent a sad emoji.”
“So tell him you didn’t mean it.”
“There is not a future anyway.”
“Why?”
“My dad voted against the prime minister and would never consent to a date.”
“You could tell him he’s a lawyer.”
“Even worse.”
Fiction Favorites 
LOL! This was great, John! Thanks for the Tuesday morning laughs. 🙂
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Thank you, Jill. 😊
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Ooh. Political intrigue – I love it!
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Yup. For sure. I hope Teri Polen will write it.
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It’s probably for the best.
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I think so.
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Sweet photo and sweet dialogue… wise beyond their years. ♥
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Hahahaha. Thanks, Gwen.
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Kids are just about that dumb, aren’t they? Exhanging numbers is okay but not names… whoa, that is way too personal! LOL
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Yes. LOL. Thank you, Dale.
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😉
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Great story, a telling commentary on these very strange times we find ourselves in. I was particularly intrigued by the photo prompt. The two girls on the end have the exact same expression of their faces. I wonder what their story is?
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I wondered the same. There are about four stories that could be written. Thank you, Liz
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I’d just think he was probably pretending to be the prime minister’s son – can’t trust anyone. And you just came up with a good idea for a YA book.
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You can write it, Teri. Sounds like it would be good.
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Lol! Even worse….:) Great one, John!
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Thank you, Jan. 😁
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Avoid those lawyers, girls.
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At all costs.
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I imagine many of us can relate to this one, John. Twas easier in many ways before cell phones, huh??
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Yes it was. Of course being able to take away a phone was easier than grounding.
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Another ‘key message’ to an unsuspecting world! As always, of course! I am worried about the two girls ‘bookending’ the picture – they look dangerously angry! 🙂
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Hahahaha. They’ll be okay after lunch.
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We can hope! 🙂
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Good one, John. There a whole story in there. Now I kind of want them to date:)
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I loved the rapid back and forth speed of that one.
Poor girl will never know what might have been!
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You certainly do keep me smilin’ John!!
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Thanks, GP. Music to my ears.
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Bahahahaha! The lawyer being a tougher sell for her old man . . that is hilarious.
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Hahahaha.
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Not sure how I missed this, John. Good job. I love the last line 🙂
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Thanks, Dan
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That was great, John. What a zinger at the end!
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There has to be a zinger in the end. Tha’t how I roll. Thanks, Jennie.
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That’s what makes it great instead of good, John.
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Aw. Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John. 🙂
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LOL! That was fun. Thanks for the smiles this morning, John!
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You are always welcome, Deborah.
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[…] The Message by John W. Howell © 2020 […]
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