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 Test by John W. Howell © 2021
“Are you sure we want to do this?”
“You heard the man back there. We need to pass the test of courage.”
“Yeah, but it seems like a risk.”
“Do you really think they would do something to harms us? This is a fake.”
“A fake? It sure looks real to me. What’s that guy doing over there.”
“I’m not sure. Why don’t you ask. You are closer.”
“Yeah, by two feet. Not sure I want to know.”
“Oh, very well. Sir. Yes, you, sir. What are you doing?”
“I’m trying to reach my wife.”
“Your wife?”
“Yes, she took the same steps you are about to take and disappeared.”
“Oh my goodness. Blanch, don’t put your foot down. In fact, don’t move a muscle.”
“Okay. I’m not moving.”
“Did you hear that, man? His wife disappeared doing this stupid test.”
“I heard, and I, for one, am not going to do it. What’s the matter with those people back there anyway?”
“I’m sure I don’t know. You’d think you could trust a greeter, right?”
“I thought something was off the way he cackled after he told us we couldn’t come into the store without passing the courage test.”
“I think it would have been wiser for us just to wear a mask, don’t you?”
“The sign said it is voluntary.”
“Obviously, the greeter doesn’t think so.”
“Let’s go to Target.”
Fiction Favorites 
Nice one, John. It does lend itself to a disappearance thing, doesn’t it?
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This was simular to one run before. I was too lazy to try and find it.
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Apologies for that. I only check that I haven’t used the image before (by filename).
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Target’s always a good option. 😉 Nice one, John!
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Thanks, Jill. 😊
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Yeah… I don’t think I’d chance it, myself.
Love the optional mask thing… Still can’t figure out why it’s so damn hard.
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I don’t know either. Thanks, Dale.
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Guessing it’s a Walmart. Target is more about arrow traps and rolling boulders.
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Hahahaha.
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haha, I didn’t think of that, but it works!
I thought the man would be saying, “I am trying to shut it off, Marg, but these cheap batteries aren’t working.”
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That’s a good one. Thanks, GP. 😁
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Fun read combined with a timely topic! Very cleverly done, John.
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Thank you, Mae. 😁
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That last line… perfect! Great job, John.
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Thank you, Joan.
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This was fun, John. I’m not sure I go in.
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No, I think we both need to stay away.
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Indeed it would have been easier to just wear a mask.
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Yes. The lesson here.
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The depth of your creativity never cases to amaze me, John.
Well done.
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Thank you, Hook.
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I think it’s time to order online.
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Hahaha.
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That’s a real WTH picture, and your response was done well. 🙂
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Thank you, Tim. 😁
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Nicely done, John — always good to start the day with a chuckle! Not sure I’d have tried passing the courage test either.
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I think the greater is going to be talked to before long. Thanks, Debbie.
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Oh my! I have no words, just chuckling sounds. 🙂 Good one, John!
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That is the best kind of comment, Jan. Thanks.
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On the best of days I am disinclined to shop. Yes masks are optional. And then again so is survival…
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Yes indeed. Thanks, John.
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I prefer Target anyways 🙂
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So there, greeter.
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Phew! That was close. 🙂
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Yes, indeed.
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Haha – I didn’t see it coming – great ending, John and so appropriate. 🙂
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Thank you, Barbara.
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Cleverly done, John. I like creative stories with a bit of social commentary, and I think you accomplished that with this effort.
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Thank you, Pete. Always try the social commentary. 😊
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Buahahahaha! More retailers might start using this . . .
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Or a deep black hole. Thanks Pilgrim. Glad you got a laugh.
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Yikes! LOL
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😊
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Haha! Good one! I don’t think I’d chance it either, John. And Target’s a great solution!
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Hahahaha.
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I was wondering where you were going with this story, and then you managed to surprise me with the dreaded mask. Brilliant, John. 😂
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Yes, the mask is everything. Thanks, Gwen.
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Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you, Michael.
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Good one, John. And I’d take Target over Walmart any day.
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Me too. 😁
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LOL! Yeah, let’s live to fight another day or not be disappeared! Target has Slurpee’s and soft pretzels too. 😂
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There you go. I haven’t had a Slurpee for years.
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😀
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[…] The Test by John W. Howell © 2021 […]
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What a zinger, John! Well done.
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