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 – 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.”

The photo.

The Spectators by John W. Howell © 2018

“Alright riders. Keep this side of the white line and in single file.”

“Why do we need to stay here, Boss?”

“What is the matter, Schmidt? Did you miss the briefing?”

“No, sir. I was there.”

“Then you know the answer to the question. Don’t make me say it out loud so they can hear.”

“Who sir?”

“You are getting on my last nerve, Schmidt. The ectators spec ey.”

“All those people lining up to watch us?”

“Keep your voice down. They’ll hear you.”

“So what, Boss?”

“In another minute I’m going to reach back and give you a smack.”

“I still don’t get it.”

“Before we started on this mission I told you there would be some who would not want us to complete what we need to do.”

“Yeah, but look at them. They are cheering.”

“Are you listening? They only sound like they are cheering. They are shouting out their orders.”

“Orders.”

“I told you before we started. This would be no picnic for us.”

“What the hell. What do you mean, orders?”

“What part of flesh-eating didn’t you get when I covered this earlier.”

“I thought they would be monsters.”

“Trust me, Schmidt, they are. They only look like us to lure us over that white line.”

“And once over the line, we are lunch?”

“Now you’ve got it. All we have to do is get by these things, and we will be free to ride out of this place.”

“This can’t be true, boss. Look at them. There’s a cute one up ahead.”

“Don’t fall for it, Schmidt. Stay in line.”

“It’s getting harder, Boss.”

“Schmidt. Come back. Everyone else. Stay in line. Schmidt, come back. That’s an order.”

“Can’t hear you, Boss.”