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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.”
If you would like to visit Keith’s post, here is the link. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/10/02/kreative-kue-401/
The Photo.

Masquerade by John W. Howell © 2023
“I still don’t get it.”
“They want to take some photos.”
“What for?”
“I think they want to run them in their paper.”
“Seems silly to me.”
“You and I have the same opinion, but we really should play along.”
“Who are these other little weirdos?”
“They are members of the court.”
“Court?”
“You know. The homecoming court.”
“How in the heck did we get wrapped up in this mess.”
“Remember when we first got here, we said we needed to fit in?”
“Yeah, I even said that.”
“Fitting in meant we had to join the festivities.”
“I know that. What I mean is, how did we win the contest? That mess.”
“We were chosen out of al the other candidates.”
“I thought we were just standing with them. Not contestants.”
“It seems everyone thought we were worthy.”
“But there is supposed to be a king and queen.”
“I think they overlooked that part.”
“Well, Lieutenant. As soon as this foolishness ends, we must complete the mission.”
“I know, sir. And we will. There is just one more thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Chocolate cake.”
“What?”
“They are serving Chocolate cake.”
“We are on duty, Lieutenant. Besides, chocolate cake is illegal back home.”
“But we are not home, sir.”
“I suppose one piece won’t hurt.”
“Oh, sir. You are the best.”
“But no more. You know what the next morning feels like after too much.”
“Don’t remind me, sir.”
“Okay, let’s go to the cake bar and relax.”
“After you, sir.”






















A cake bar huh?
Say no more, my man . . I’m on my way.
Salud!
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Give me a double cake with an ice cream back please.
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I’ll second that!
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😊
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There’s ALWAYS time for chocolate cake 🥹
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One would think so. Thank you, Chris.
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The things some people will do for illicit chocolate cake!
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Pssst. You want cake mister?
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🤣🤣👏
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😊
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Why do I imagine that two of the hats are talking?
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Cause you have a great imagination.
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Probably worth it for cake.
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I would say so too.
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Cake, yum. But yeah, too much gives you a sugar hangover the next day!
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There I was knowing the neighbors were well aware I had fallen off the cake wagon again.
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I want to go to the cake bar.
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I think we all want to go to the cake bar. Cakes are on the house.
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I’m all about it then. LOL
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😊
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Illegal to eat chocolate cake? Time to migrate!
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Good idea, Jill. 😁
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Good one, John. I think I’ll have some chocolate cake. 🙂
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Might be a good idea. 😊
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Illegal chocolate cake??? Hummmm….. Does it cause a carbon footprint? … Go eat it while you can!… 😉 🙂
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It causes some kind of wild reaction in those beings. Thanks, Sue
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haha.. 🙂
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😊
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Oh, John–I’m laughing too hard to comment. 😆😂🤣
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Rather you laugh than comment. Of course, you did anyway. 😁
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I can’t imagine chocolate cake ever being illegal!
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These guys are not of this world for sure. Thanks, Denise.
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We can always make an excuse for cake.
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Or go underground.
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By reading the comments of your other readers, I think you’d best get another cake – you have quite a few chocolate criminals on your hands!
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I can see that, GP. I’m ordering Door Dash right now.
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Glad chocolate cake isn’t illegal here. 🙂
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Me too. It’s my favorite
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Can you blame them for wanting to stick around just a little longer?
Your mind works in mysterious ways, John…
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Someday I’m going to have to figure out why it works that way. Thanks, Dale.
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Why? Just enjoy what comes from it!! We do 🙂
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Okay. Sounds like a plan.
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A very good plan!
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😊
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You have to wonder at a time and place where Chocolate cake is illegal. Surely it couldn’t survive the civil disobedience, the inevitable Cake Resistance Movement, the underground ovens, the slice dealers, the difficulty of adulterated chocolate substitutes, flooding the market…
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Not to mention the smuggling of cake carrying illegals and organized cake gangs.
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You had me at chocolate cake.
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I had me at chocolate cake.
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😀
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Everything looks better with chocolate 🙂
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It does.
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Cake bar?? Yum, count me in!!
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You are in. 😊
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A cake bar….hopefully it has ice cream, too!
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Yup. Doubles of both.
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Yum!
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😊
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[…] Masquerade by John W. Howell © 2023 […]
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