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 keith@channing.info before 6 pm 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.”
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.”
Here is the photo.
Business by John W. Howell © 2107
“Hello is this the repair office?”
“Yes, ma’am. You Fix-It at your service. What can we do for you?”
“I live above the Sears store, and someone was supposed to be over to fix a leak above my window.”
“Yes, ma’am. Could I have your name?”
“Oh, of course. It is Sharon Sears.”
“Thank you. I see your work order right in front of me. The man is supposed to be there now.”
“Oh, let me look outside.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I don’t see anyone out there. There is a ladder though.”
“Ah, that’s a good sign. Let me call our man and see where he is. May I put you on hold?
“Certainly.”
“Hey, Driskoll. Where you at?”
“I’m at the Sears store.”
“Okay, exactly where you at?”
“I’m on a tall ladder looking at the roof.”
“Okay hold on.”
“Ma’am?”
“Yes.”
“My man says he is on a tall ladder looking at the roof.”
“There is no one on a ladder. The one here is short. Ladder that is.”
“Hold on ma’am.”
“Driskoll?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What’s the address of the store?”
“Not sure. It’s the one at the Parkland Mall.”
“Okay, hold on.”
“Ma’am is your store at the Parkland Mall?”
“Oh no. It’s the one downtown. We have leather crafts and gifts. The other is a hardware and clothing store.”
“Yeah, I’m familiar with Sears. Please hold on.”
“Driskoll, you are at the wrong Sears store. Get off that roof and go to 121 Bakewell Street.”
“But boss.”
“But boss what?”
“The manager paid me in advance to fix the roof.”
“How much?”
“Two thousand.”
“Yikes. Hold on.”
“Ma’am?”
“Yes?”
“My man can’t get there today. How about tomorrow?”
“What is the forecast?”
“Slight chance of rain.”
“Okay then, tomorrow. Thank you.”
“Goodbye, ma’am.”
“Driskoll. I got the other job scheduled for tomorrow.”
“How’d you do that?”
“Told the lady there was only a slight chance for rain.”
“You know that’s a lie. There’s a typhoon forecasted for tomorrow.”
“Sometimes I hate myself, but business is business.”
