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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”
The photo.
The Procedure by John W. Howell © 2018
“So tell me. Is it going to be okay?”
“How long has this been going on?”
“No more than a couple of hours.”
“Well, that is a blessing. I’m glad you called me right away.”
“We didn’t know what else to do.”
“I think you did the right thing. Most people wait too long and then it is too late.”
“It’s not too late I hope?”
“Just a few more moments and I can give you a better idea of what we are facing.”
“I’m sorry for being so anxious, but we wouldn’t know what we’d do if we didn’t have Betsey.”
“Betsey that’s what you named it?”
“Her.”
“Excuse me?”
“Betsey is a girl.”
“Oh my gosh. I never would have guessed that the way it looks.”
“Her.”
“Yeah, I get it. Her. Hold on. I think I have found the problem.”
“Thank heavens. Can you solve it?”
“Yes, I think so. I have the instrument in my bag. Humm. Let me see. Oh, yes, here it is.”
“What do you have to do?”
“I’ll need you to help.”
“Anything. Just tell me what to do.”
“I’m going to make a slight cut here. After that, I need to use this to go in and remove the blockage. I want you to hold this instrument and when I tell you, place it in my hand. Can you do that?”
“Yes. I’m good.”
“Okay, so here we go. First the cut. Yes, that looks good. Hand me the instrument.”
“Here you go.”
“Ah. I’ve got the blockage. Hand me that cloth.”
“What is that thing?”
“Looks like a chunk of charred wood.”
“Charred wood? How is that possible?”
“You’re right. It’s a petrified piece of brisket. How often do you clean this thing?”
“Every time I use her.”
“Well, you better be more careful. You almost lost it.”
“Her.”
“Whatever. If you want to keep it in top condition, you better do a better job of cleaning. You’ll save my fee too.”
“We have a lot of hamburgers to grill. Is she up to it?”
“Yes. I sealed the cut. She is good to go.”
“You know they don’t make grills like this anymore.”
“Yeah, I know. Here’s my bill.”
“This bill is more than my doctor charges.”
“I know. I used to be a doctor.”
It is Saturday Stream of Consciousness time again. This weeks prompt is “roll/role. Linda Hill says we can use one or both. I’ll go ahead and use both thank you. If you would like to join in, visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link
