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 on 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 time.”
The photo.
The Deal by John W. Howell © 2022
“So, I’m glad you decided to join me.”
“Did I have a choice?”
“We all have choices, Stanley.”
“But in my case, not to meet might have been hazardous to my health.”
“Come, come, Stanley. I think you are being a bit dramatic.”
“Tell me what you want?”
“I guess we are skipping the amenities.”
“You know this is business, so why once around.”
“I find even in business, it doesn’t hurt to be pleasant.”
“How pleasant are you when you off someone?”
“Now, Stanley. I don’t think such talk is necessary.”
“Get to the point, will you?”
“Very well. The boss has an offer for you.”
“Which I can’t refuse, I suppose.”
“Not to get too existential, but we all have free choice.”
“God, Tony. What’s got into you?”
“Love for my fellow man, Stanley.”
“Sure. What’s the offer?”
“You know the boss care for his family?”
“So I’ve heard.”
“He considers you as one of his family.”
“What the black sheep?”
“So the offer is this. You sell one hundred boxes of girl scout cookies, and your loan is forgiven.”
“Come on, Tony. Get to the serious part.”
“That’s it. The boss’s kid is under a little pressure since she wants to be the high seller this year. So we have a deal?”
“Well…Yes, we have a deal.”
“Good. Here are the order forms. Go get ’em, Stanley.”
“The boss can count on me.”
“He hopes so, Stanley. The bay is way too cold this time of year.”
Fiction Favorites 
I wasn’t expecting that deal! Well done, John.
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To twist the twister is indeed a compliment. Thanks, Keith.
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🙂
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Such a deal!! 🤣😂
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I know right? I guess it could be worse. He could actually lay out the $300 or so bucks and be home free.
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These Mafiosi are such tough cookies 😂
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Oh my, Chris. I have to give it to you. 🤣
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😂🤣😂
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😊
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I hope Stanley works in an office… or better, in an office building. Those are always great places to save your kids from actually learning how to hustle… 😉
Love this twist!
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Thank you, Dale. 😁
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🙂
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😊
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Nothing to it. Those things practically sell themselves.
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I’ll take some Tag-a-Longs please.
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I’d be shocked if I didn’t think Girl Scout cookie sales work that way.
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Can we put you down for 30 boxes Charles?
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I can feel my blood sugar rising already.
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🤣
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Ha ha ha ha! 😀
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😁
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Only you could come up with a tale like that, John. I freaking LOVE it!!!
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Thank you, Mae. It was fun to do. 😊
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LOL! Good one, John!
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Thank you, Jill.
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Who can resist a little girl’s smile? I don’t know how many boxes I’ve bought over the years, and for the most part, I’ve left them for office staff. But, there are moms who pace the sidewalks pleading for buyers. They are less attractive in their desperation. I guess if a debt is due, your solution might be a possibility. Well done, John. Only you could have played this hand. 😂
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Thank you, Gwen. I once had a boss who would intimidate everyone into buying his daughter’s cookies. The plus side the daughter would deliver them and she was so darned cute.
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Where can I find Stanley? I’ll take 25 Thin Mints and a couple Tag-a-Longs.
Nice job, John.
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I’ll throw in a free Samoa too. 😁
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😁
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🤣
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I’ll take the peanut butter cookies. Great for dunkin’. (Loved the story and the direction you went with your bottomless imagination)
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Thank you, Steve. That bottomlessness makes a free fall pretty nerve wracking. 🤣
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Not a good mental image, John.
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No, indeed.
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Such a deal. That Girl Scout has a good family!
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Ha ha ha. Good one, Noelle.
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Ha! This picture reminded me of The Sopranos and I can see it did the same for you 🙂 Great story, John!
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Yes it did, Barbara. Thanks. 😊
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Nice move, and all in the family. I think the genius Jim Henson must be behind it all. 🙂
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Could well be.
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I’ve heard Cosa Nostra will do anything for family. I guess that extends to selling cookies. Great twist, John.
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Why not I say? Thanks, Staci.
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Good one! I already have my boxes of cookies 🙂
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Excellent. I’ll have Tony skip your place.
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Ha! I’m glad I had finished my coffee, John. Else I’d be cleaning it off my computer screen from the spew. The Girl Scout cookies slayed me. Hugs on the wing.
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Thank you, Teagan.
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Awww. That was kind of cute, John. I’m sure Stanley won’t have to strong-arm anyone for Girl Scout cookies. Yum
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He has you down for 10 boxes. Thanks, Diana.
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Ha ha ha. I don’t think that’s enough.
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Make it fifty.
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Lol, those Girl Guide cookies are serious business 🙂
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To Tony for sure. Thanks, Jacquie.
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Your last sentence made me laugh out loud! I think poor Stanley might find sales a better profession than crime. It’s certainly sweeter!
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I think Stanley might be good at it too. hanks, Debbie.
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Aww, the best deal ever! What a fun twist, John! I’ll take a few Thin Mints, please. 🙂
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Thank you, Lauren
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If anyone saw that coming, then they are a mind reader. Funny and entertaining!
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Thank you, Pete.
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I certainly didn’t see that coming. But I did know parents who would force employees to buy cookies from their kid.
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I did too. Thanks, Lauren
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The Baking Mafia! Are their hit men cookie cutters?
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Ha ha ha. I think you could say that if you refuse to buy.
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I like it. Knock knock. Hello. You are gonna buy my cookies. Or else. We have an extended payment plan…
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And concrete overshoes. Your choice.
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I would have never connected Girl Scout Cookies to this photo, John. Brilliant and entertaining!
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Thank you, Jan. I’m glad you liked it.
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Haha! Well done, John. Girl Scout cookies, that cracked me up.
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Not for nothing, but Girl Scout cookies are a business venture the wise guys should have gotten into long ago.
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I think so too. Using the “sleeping with the fishes” potential I would say sales would be unlimited.
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Off the charts!
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😊
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[…] The Deal by John W. Howell © 2022 […]
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