Before we get started on this prompt, I want to remind everyone that I will be taking a break from May 11th (Tomorrow) to May 19th.
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.
Detente by John W.Howell 2022
“Did you ever hear the story about stepping on a crack?”
“No. Can’t say I have.”
“Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.”
“That’s harsh. Anyway, these are lines.”
“Break your mother’s spine.”
“Come off it. We are not here to discuss fairy tales.”
“Doesn’t matter anyway cause these are shadows.”
“If I may get to the point.”
“Sure, go ahead.”
“We need to figure out boundaries.”
“Boundaries?”
“Yes. I’m tired of you wandering into my space as if it is your own.”
“What do you mean ‘your space.'”
“I was adopted first, so my space is what I choose.”
“That’s a laugh, small stuff. Where do you get this attitude anyway?”
“Around the folks, I have to be nice. Out here, I can be myself, which is someone tired of sharing the land.”
“Do you see all the space here?”
“Yeah, so?”
“Okay, what part do you want?”
“All of it. I need you to move to those hills over there.”
“And if I don’t?”
“You know what? I never thought you would refuse.”
“Well, I refuse.”
“Darn it. I’m used to getting my way. So what do we do now?”
“I didn’t start this, but if you want my advice, we come to a position of mutual tolerance.”
“Detente?”
“Exactly.”
“What do I get out of that?”
“The absence of nasty wounds.”
“Makes sense. Shake on it.”
“How about a wag instead?”
“Done.”
Fiction Favorites 
Good dialogue, John. Meanwhile, back in the real world, Trevor is now weaker, as well as being hearing- and vision-impaired. Eos, recognising this, has assumed the mantle of top dog – a fact that she impresses on Trevor at every opportunity!
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By the way. Have a good break – see you in a fortnight.
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Thank you. Sorry to break the continuous Kreative Kue chain but without my Mac it is impossible to carry on.
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I may take the week off, too.
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Good idea. 😁
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I have to feel sorry for Trevor. But again he has had a great life.
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He’s better when he sleeps all night but too often he doesn’t because of low levels of pain, and too much painkiller is bad for his liver. Having said that, I would rather he have 3-6 months pain-free than a year with pain. He’s 16 now, which is at the top end of his life expectancy.
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I had the decision to make with our Silky Terrier. I chose less pain for less time. Heartbreaking decisions.
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Thank goodness they came to an amicable agreement! Nicely done.
Have a lovely blogging break, John.
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Thank you, Staci. 😊
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for sharing, Michael
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Thats the pure reality, and dogs are not so different to humans. 🙂 Love it, John! Have a nice break, and enjoy the full flavour of the Texanian summer. 🙂 Best wishes, Michael
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Thank you, Michael. 😊
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This was great, John! Have a safe trip!
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Thank you, Jill. 😊
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I knew they’d figure it out eventually.
Enjoy the break (yes, since you’re going to remind us, I’m going to say that – I can’t not do it 😊).
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😁
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Yessiree, wag on it!
Hey – who’s going to feed me breakfast on Sunday?
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Do you have a Waffle House close? 😁
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Nope. Only a pancake house, but on Sunday, you can’t even get in the parking lot! I could stand one day of fast!
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Here put this in the freezer 🥓🧇🥯🍳🍓
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If only humans could be so reasonable.
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So true. Thanks, Craig.
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If only the people-world could resolve issues in the same manner! Well done, John. Safe travels and best wishes at the family gathering. 😊
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Thank you, Gwen. True about people. 😊
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Ha ha ha cute! We will wait for your return with bated breath…
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Aw. Thank you, Pamela
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Definitely siblings.
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Yup. 😀
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Doggie detente, I love it. Enjoy your blogging break!
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Thank you, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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Looks like the dogs are smarter than some human leaders.
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Most human leaders I would say. Thanks, Tim
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Yep, I think you’re right.
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😊
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I know I am in for a treat whenever I see dogs as the prompt. 🙂 Love this, and as others have said, too bad world leaders can’t learn from these two. Great stuff, John!
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I wish they could learn as well. Especially that thug in Moscow.
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Glad they resolved that!
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Me too, Denise
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I think these two pups could give a lesson in resolving differences, LOL!
Well done, John—and enjoy your blogging break!
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Thank you, Mae. It is a first
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Wow, and who said dogs aren’t smart?? They negotiated this spat admirably, with no bloodshed or wounded feelings. Would that humans could follow their lead! Happy travels, John — enjoy your break! We’ll miss you.
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Aw. Thank you, Debbie. I will miss you too. 😊
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Funny how the little ones they the hardest to show how big they are. Good thing these two are reasonable!
Have a fantabulous time, John. We’ll all be here when you get back!
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Thank you, Dale. 😊
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🙂
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😁
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They look just like my son’s dogs! I can’t get over it.
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A little for everyone. What a coincidence. Thanks, Luanne.
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Well done! Happy trails, John. Enjoy the wedding.
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Thanks, Jennie. 😊
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🙂
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and there it is; the reason why we don’t have world peace; not enough tails to wag.
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Or butts to sniff
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And there you have why coming back as a dog is not my plan. Shaking hands will do me just fine. Enjoy the break…
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😁
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Haha. I knew this would be fun when I saw those two scamps looking at each other in the photo. Wishing you an easy coast down the other side of this midweek hump, John. Hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan. Hope it is easy for you as well.
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There’s nothing like happy tail wagging, John. Great dialogue, as always, and I hope you have a wonderful break.
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Thank you, Lauren
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Diplomacy doesn’t have to be rocket science. I’m glad these two showed us as much.
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Me too
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Hi John, I was looking for your usual Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday posts and getting all worried because I couldn’t find them. I’m glad you mentioned you were taking a break at the top of this post. A cute story and I’m glad the dogs found a compromise position.
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Thanks, Robbie. I’m back now. 😁 First break in 10 years.
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Welcome back, John. It’s a little strange without you.
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Thank you, Robbie. Maybe it’s cause I’m a little strange. 😁
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💕
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😊
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[…] Detente by John W. Howell © 2022 […]
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Clever, cute story John. I love where you went with the cracks. 🙂
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Thank you, Debby. 😁
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