Tuesday – A Little Personal -Kreative Kue #276 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo 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.

Kreative Kue #276

Magic by John W. Howell © 2020

“You aren’t going to do that now, are you?”

“No one is looking, so why not?”

“Just seems like a risk is all.”

“Okay, now that I’m halfway there, tell me about your view of the risk.”

“First off, you are not sure where you’re going to land.”

“Yeah, that’s true. I can’t see anything right now.”

“So come on back and let’s talk about it.”

“Good idea. So I’m back.”

“What makes you decide to up and dematerialize for no apparent reason. You know how dangerous it is. What if we are discovered?”

“Oh, come on. Aren’t you being a little dramatic?”

“Talk about dramatic. What if someone had seen you half here? They would have a fit. You should see yourself with one leg.”

“I’ve seen you plenty of times. It doesn’t bother me.”

“You dope. That’s because we are the same species. We are not humans.”

“Speaking of that. Did you ever see one of them without garments? Talk about a fit.”

“No, and I don’t want to. Besides that is off the subject. You know very well the rules of dematerialization require absolute privacy before engagement.”

“Look around. It’s just you and me and those young ones over there.”

“My point exactly. The young ones can see you.”

“What do they know?”

“Enough to tell their parents.”

“And we just deny the whole thing.”

“That may work, but right now, I’m tired of this discussion.”

“So, what are you going to do?”

“I think I’m going to resume my own appearance and go home.”

“Wait, I’ll come with you.”

“Suit yourself. I just think it’s time.”

“You homesick?”

“Maybe. I think when you started to dematerialize for no reason, it reminded me of how much I miss being able to do that whenever I want.”

“So what form are you.”

“Oh, that’s right, you never met the real me.”

“No. Just the human-like you.”

“Here I am.”

“A toad? You’re a toad?”

“Disappointed?”

“Well, I never expected a toad.”

“Show me you.”

“Here.”

“You are a toad as well.”

“I know, right?”

“OMG, this is amazing.”

“Maybe we were meant for each other.”

“Hold on there toady. Let’s take it slow.”

“Can I buy you a fly.”

“I would love that.”

 

 

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

65 thoughts on “Tuesday – A Little Personal -Kreative Kue #276 by Keith Channing”

  1. “Buy you a fly?” What a sweet toad. Another hilarious story, John. LOL Hope your day is full of chuckles; you’ve started my day with them. 😀

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Too funny. BTW, today…and others, I haven’t been able to make the “like” button work on your site. So, just know I like your response. 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Brilliant, John. I hadn’t considered the possibility of dematerialisation.
    My immediate reaction to your story was to propose a series called ‘Bufo the vampire slayer’. As the Bufo genus is restricted to Europe, northern Africa and Asia, however, it wouldn’t be well known in the Americas and, somehow, ‘Anaxyrus the vampire slayer’ just doesn’t work.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hahahaha. dematerialization was the first thing that came to mind. (i have little experience with vampire stuff so I never thought of that direction. Toads I know.) Thanks for the comment. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  5. I agree with Liz, you were very clever here, John. I figured something had to be wrong, he had a lifeguard shirt on, but only one leg – that is not conducive for adequate paddling out to save someone.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I would use the word ‘brilliant’ but someone already did. Wow! How on earth did you come up with that from the photo? I’m fascinated by the mind of John Howell! Well-done! A TOAD! Wow!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much, Jan. Most of these prompts evolve when I start writing them. This one kind of hit me when I first saw the photo. It started with trying to explain the photo and then moved on to a relationship that might have a chance at a happy ending. (If the guy doesn’t move too quickly.) Your comment made my day. 🤗

      Like

  12. This is absolutely great John. Suspense, intrigue, drama, and wonderful humor. Alien toads. With the ability to dematerialize! I’m in love with this tale, and think you should expand it straight into a full length novel!! 😀 Well, I’D buy it, anyway! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

        1. I do. When one comes I enjoy it very much. Sometimes others don’t catch them but that does not take away from my enjoyment.For example I describe Twiggy’s (French Bulldog) barking like this. “She can bark him to St Louis.”

          Liked by 1 person

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