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 Intern by John W. Howell © 2018

“So what is going on here?”

“What do you mean?”

“Who is this European looking woman?”

“She is my intern, Pasha.”

“Intern? Where is it written that you need an intern?”

“There is no writing as you well know. I just decided I needed a little help around here.”

“And so we are now deciding things without any advice from me?”

“I already know your advice. So rather than put you in a position of being wrong I proceeded to get an intern.”

“I suppose I should be grateful that you spared my feelings.”

“That is a good way to look at it. In fact, I think you owe me.”

“Owe you? Whatever for may I ask?”

“Keeping your manliness intact.”

“What if I forbid this intern thing?”

“Then you will have the embarrassing situation of what to do with a miscreant wife.”

“You would defy my wishes?”

“Oh no, my love. As long as you wished for anything other than the dismissal of the intern I would be pleased to fulfill them.”

“I’m confused.”

“A natural state of manhood my dear. Now run along and issue orders and demands of the livestock and leave Shirley and me to work.”

“Shirley? What kind of name is that?”

“She is from Long Island in the United States and is visiting our country for a few weeks.”

“Does she have a work visa?”

“Of course not, my dear. She is an unpaid intern. She does not need a work permit.”

“Where is her husband?”

“I think he went back to the US.”

“And left her here.”

“No. He ordered her to return with him.”

“And?”

“He is now faced with an embarrassing situation of what to do with a miscreant wife. There is a lesson here.”

“I will leave you two. Welcome to our family Shirley.”