I get knocked out by Keith Channing’s photo prompts. Here’s what Keith says, “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

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 website, next Monday.”

Here’s the photo.

 

My Interpretation.

Our Baby by John W. Howell

“Mommy, when do I get a turn?”

“Just a minute Jimmy. I’m not sure she can stand. I’ll let you know.”

“But Mommy, you promised I could play with her.”

“I know sweetie, but we need to make sure you don’t accidentally hurt her.”

“Oh, mommy. I don’t want to hurt her ever.”

“I know sweetheart. That’s why we need to make sure.”

“Why is she having trouble sweetheart?”

“I’m not sure honey. She seems to have a balance problem.”

“She is happy, though.”

“I know. It is very hard to hold her. She wants to run I’m sure.”

“Did you ask her if she knows what the problem could be?”

“Yes but all I got was a bunch of baby talk. The agency said it takes time for the language skills to become natural.”

“Maybe we should call someone.”

“Might be a good idea later. The agency said to try several steps before calling.”

“Did you do them?”

“Well, everything but the last step.”

“The last step. What is that?”

“I almost hate to do it, though. I have heard of others not coming back after that last step.”

“Well, maybe there was another problem with the others. I’m sure the agency wouldn’t tell you to do a step that would harm her permanently.”

“I guess you’re right. Okay, the last step it is. I’m hitting the power switch now.”