The most recent post in my blog
(lines of communication at the top of ‘Other places we like’) refers to a poetry
anthology, and specifically to Vicki Feaver. This past week I have been working
my way through her ‘The Taste of Blood‘, and time and time again I find myself
compelled to read and re-read just for the sparsity of her word use and the
visceral kick so many of them give.
David
W’s desire to paint with spare strokes echoes this – it is something Prediction
certainly helps me achieve – so for that desire, and the gruesomeness of his
untitled piece, I declare him this
week’s winner
Words
for next week: extraneous indelible wean
Entries
by Midnight (GMT) Thursday 6th Words
and Winners posted Friday 7th December
Usual rules: 100 words maximum
(excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all of the three words above
in the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialised fiction
is, as always, welcome. All variants and use of the words and stems are fine.
Feel free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever
social media you prefer.
Well done David. My overly busy week meant I didn't write any comments to anyone's offerings this time, but I did read through them all. Prediction is a great showcase of some talented writers.
ReplyDeleteCongrats David, and you too, Jerry, for your part in the collaboration.
DeleteApologies if I omitted to name Jerry as joint winner - I seem to've been looking elsewhere when this collaboration got started.
DeleteCongrats David & Jerry!
DeleteOur collaboration was called Seething, about the cheating wife. I believe it was his vengeful father piece that won, of which I was only a pleased reader .
DeleteThank you one and all! It makes me feel really good that you like my humble offerings.
DeleteJerry and David... congrats on a marvelous joint effort.
DeleteCongratulations, David W. I knew you had it in you. And that it was visceral and disturbing. Glad you share it with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you young man
Deletemany congratulations, David, a nasty storyline brilliantly written.
DeleteThe Machine Shop
ReplyDeleteAndy, the white haired foreman paced the shop with a ring of indelible blue machinist dye around his ear. Joe kept his head down. He was trying to wean himself from the practical jokes, but maybe he went too far this time.
Andy approached, but not with his usual extraneous shop talk.
“I got your call, Joe.” Andy’s hand touched his blue head. “The least you could have done was say hello.”
“I haven’t a clue.”
“My daughter gets married tomorrow, Joe.”
Joe swallowed as Andy walked away. He told himself he would stop as shrapnel from his exploding toolbox ripped into his flesh.
Ouch. Cleverly multi-layered.
DeleteKarma is a b*John.***. A well written story
DeleteOne annoying joke too many! I loved the phrasing of 'a ring of indelible blue machinist dye around his ear'.
Deleteanother nasty one... Prediction is full of them and I love them all.
DeleteWell written story John with a brilliant final sentence.
DeleteI always expect something innovative from your talented keyboard and I am never...never...disappointed.
DeleteFYI: A common workplace prank in the old days was to spread machinist dye on the earpiece of a phone and then go somewhere else and call your victim. The best approach was to get someone else to call and be sure you were in plain sight when the call came through.
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations to the Dynamic Duo. What a match-up!
ReplyDeleteThings That Go Bump In The Night
ReplyDeleteI'm no longer allowed extraneous stimuli. They say it is an indelible negative influence on my psyche and they don't wish to deal with my tantrums again should it be necessary to wean me from the experience.
No matter.
The beings that slither, creep and crawl through the crack in my door when darkness falls provide me with all the inspiration I need.
Oh dear. Shouldn't have read this before I even start, because it reads as the definitive version, unfollowable. Well done: small and smooth, just like those slithery things.
DeleteSweet and quiet, with a good bite at the end. I like it.
DeleteThe one sentence, no matter, is really effective. Nicely done.
DeleteHorrifically lovely, Patricia. A very good story.
DeleteI can imagine all kinds of nasty things in the darkness, so this story definitely gave me chills. I love the phrasing of the last line.
Deleteoh oh, I am often woken up by 'something' coming into my room; cats usually, but in the dark, how do I know??
DeleteSo clever and well written Patricia. Short and scarily unpleasant, Brilliant.
DeleteA G A I N
ReplyDeleteI watched our car come down our street, again, and make the turn into our driveway.
She was watching me, smiling, so she missed the speeding hot rod racing towards her and Sarah. Our baby, still learning to walk. She still grabbed her Mother’s breast, childishly irritated at being weaned. If I had known, I would have let them bond.
It hit them broadside, our Toyota wrapped around it like hand. It rode the nose of the Pontiac, an extraneous and horrible accessory.
My family, once indelibly written, gone.
I woke.
I screamed.
Tonight, I would see it all, again.
I think, in the future, many people will start having dreams about self-driving cars. So much that can happen. Scary stuff, David.
DeleteNever thought of self-driving cars. This scary enough without that, as much for the very real possibility.
DeleteThe memory is more horrific than the accident. Nice use of prompts, David.
DeleteHorrifying and heart-breaking. 'My family, once indelibly written, gone' was a powerful line.
DeleteI've been thinking a lot about ongoing nightmares as I work on plans for the next Remembrance window (Far East prisoners) wondering and never knowing what nightmares my uncle had after 3 years of captivity. Continual memories you can't prevent are more horrific than realities, as Jeffrey rightly says. You captured all that in this piece.
DeleteI agree with all the above David, by turns poignant and horrific, the stuff of true nightmares.
DeleteI'm with Jeffrey. The horror of a repetitive dream magnifies the terror of this tale.
DeleteI just look inside my head, where I hide things from myself, and pull out the things that kill my soul.
DeleteShades of Stephen King's "Christine" here. What an awful future it must be to know you are going to live this tragedy over and over.
DeleteBut, he gets to see them, again. Maybe it's worth it.
DeleteWittering in alarm [Threshold 226]
ReplyDelete‘Ravenscar.’
The Norseman chief’s lip curled as he used the name the wider world knew Raven by which stemmed from Raven’s grandmother’s cicatrice-scarring of his belly when he was, as my grandmother would say, ‘but a wean’. The indelible message – ‘RIP’ for her husband – one of hate more than grief; he’d certainly lie more content in death than life with her.
Noises behind me, suggestive of an ambush grew closer. To indicate concern without causing alarm I interrupted their mutual face-off with an extraneous spiel about rowan sticks, trusting Raven would know it out of character and ask himself why.
The things that go through your narrator's head, man. No normal goings on for her, that's for sure.
DeleteIt's enjoyable to see your stories again, Sandra. Liked how you used a prompt or two from previous weeks. Thse from this week are well used also.
DeleteA sad glimpse into Raven's childhood. I liked the clever 'interrupted their mutual face-off with an extraneous spiel about rowan sticks, trusting Raven would know it out of character'. Feels like something I'd try. :)
Deleteit's good to have a look back but it's another horrific one. Raven is a powerful character to work with.
DeleteLoved the title Sandra … that's what I do when I'm nervous … I witter …. I like how you have cleverly keep us as readers in suspense I am wondering just what is coming.
DeleteLovely little glimpse into Raven's history. As ever, you leave us with tongues hanging out waiting for the continuation.
DeleteTicks and Crosses
ReplyDeleteWhen they could not wean us from our addictions, they deposited us in a walled town depopulated for the purpose. Our foreheads were marked in indelible ink. Some with a green tick. Some with a black cross.
These marks fired our paranoia. What did they symbolise? How were we categorised?
The manual they left for us held no clues. Pages of extraneous text with no apparent purpose.
We split into tribes. Ticks on the hill. Crosses in the hollow.
Now we plot war and wish genocide on those who carry the wrong mark.
Was this the intent?
I echo John. Disturbing in the insidiousness of the evil.
DeleteHow better for the emperor to gain more sardukhar? An excellent story David.
DeleteExcellently executed writing David. Chilling
DeleteDisturbing and clever. I enjoyed how this story flowed, and how you phrased the splitting into groups.
DeleteWhere this excellent tale may lead holds many interesting possibilities, David.
DeleteVery nicely composed. To me, this was a reminder of the varying symbols used by the Nazis to differentiate between their victims, such as the black triangle for the Roma. To me, this was particularly scary since I believe it could easily foreshadow where we might be heading in today's world.
DeleteThis sounds like some elaborate experiment, to see what people would do when put into groups with an obvious distinction separating them. Really top notch stuff David. Very intriguing.
ReplyDeletescary thoughts, how, why, and what will come of it?
DeleteChange of focus [305]
ReplyDeleteFilip sidled up beside Pettinger. Murmured, amused, ‘Don’t be deceived by the whiskers, they’re implanted. Soon to become extraneous, because, while rumour has it Rowena had balls before she was weaned, current hormonal fluctuations are due to having met a young Lothario intent on making an indelible mark upon her heart.’
‘Doesn’t mean she’ll control herself with that gun –‘
‘Exactly. Balincek fears what she might do more than he does you. Flatter her, he’ll let you have your way.’
‘Release Aleks?’
‘Certainly.’
‘Valdeta?’
‘If she wants to be released. Not impossible she’d prefer to stay with him.’
‘Bollocks.’
A solid installment. I enjoyed a softer side of Pettinger.
DeleteI like the word "bollocks.' We don't use it much in the US, but we should. Hormonal fluctuations aside, this piece flows well and creates even more intrigue for future episodes.
Deleteanother good instalment and even better than that, good to see your contributions again!
DeleteI am always impressed how well you use dialogue in these short pieces to move the story action along Sandra. I do enjoy reading about Pettinger.
DeleteI enjoyed how you portrayed Filip. The beginning instantly created a picture of him in my head that suited the dialogue. I also agree with John about 'bollocks'. :)
DeleteOh my, could there have been a more perfect last line to this than "Bollocks." Magnificent!
DeleteThe First Moon Shot
ReplyDeleteThe lunarnauts were checking out the small ridge, discussing last nights, ullamaliztli game.
“You’re crazy Eztli, the Hummingbirds are still the best, that was just a lucky shot.”
“Nelli, why do you argue with me? You don’t know anything about ullamaliztli.”
“I know that Tenoch is the best looking guy I’ve ever seen.”
“Wean your extraneous and lecherous thoughts of him, he’s mated”
“I can still dream?”
“Eztli, did you see that glint?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
When they arrived, they saw a human female frozen solid, covered with indelible spots.
“What language is that tag?”
“English, it says ALICE.”
And so, pow! To the moon she went.
DeleteNice, Jeffrey. Well written and humorous piece, except you spelled Tenoch's name wrong; it's spelled j o h n.
DeleteYou drew me along with the enticing dialogue Jeffrey, and I did chuckle at the last line .. clever.
DeleteAn interesting world. The dialogue felt so familiar, comfortable, but I enjoyed the fantastic elements woven into it.
DeleteInteresting AND fantastical. Well written piece to boot!
DeleteA question. What about my dialog makes it enjoyable?
DeleteCome Uppance
ReplyDeleteAware I was not fully weaned of him
I gave him one last chance
but as before, unbuttoning his shirt,
and despite assurances it was indelible
he insisted ‘Wipe off your lipstick.
Easier for you than me to scrub my cock.’
As before, he abhorred all notion of foreplay;
demonstrated sensual extraneous,
but this time, his post-orgasmic weight on me,
I seized the tube of lipstick I’d left handy
and indelibly mirror-wrote my name
across his back.
Uh oh, this guy really needs to learn how to treat a woman. Not only is foreplay a essential part of the act, it's often the most fun. I'd say now, she's officially weaned.
DeleteI'm sure there will be some post coital activity, just not with her.
Deletemore nasties! clever one, this.
DeleteClever revenge at the end with her lipstick. :)
DeleteWow! Sandra! This fellow definitely needs some schooling in the art of love (or lust) making. I suspect the lady prefers lust. A very interesting read.
DeleteYou do these types of vendetta pieces so expertly, Sandra. To be honest, I fear for the males in your life! I do hope they never do you wrong.
DeleteShut Up, Josie
ReplyDeleteBell eyed the mountain with all the affection of a half-starved cat contemplating revenge. She shoved herself upright, wincing as the torn skin of her knees stretched and complained. Her backpack lay half a foot away, the extraneous contents Josie had insisted she bring, scattered across the mossy stones, and muddy ground.
“One way to be weaned off hiking forever,” Bell grumbled.
“Did you break anything?” The voice floated beside her ear, hopeful, familiar and insufferable.
“Just my pride.”
“An indelible mark, perhaps?”
Bell grabbed the skull, and scowled at the empty sockets. “Shut up, Josie. We’re almost there.”
Such a clever mix of imagery and dialogue. I didn't even look for the prompt words. Masterfully written.
DeleteWonderfully done, Zaiure... incredible use of language. "The voice floated beside her ear, hopeful, familiar and insufferable" - it doesn't get any better than that!
DeleteMy joints were aching by the time O reched the dialogue - how well you made me feel Bell's pain, And how cleverly you planted and then betrayed my expectations.
DeleteWhat a kicker of a last line. I did not expect that...but then I should have known better considering the source.
DeleteVery clever, Zaiure. Loved the half-starved cat reference. I can see how Bell could get tired of the wry remarks of Jose, especially when the skull makes her bring things she doesn't need.
ReplyDeleteNice story with a good ending.
ReplyDeleteinteresting concept here, arguing with a speaking skull, I mean, don't we all????
DeleteStop the Week, I want to get off (25)
ReplyDeleteAll things extraneous to the shop floor are unceremoniously tossed onto shelves or even the floor of the kitchen and loo. Both are incredibly small, overloaded and a danger to fingers and toes. I mean, an engineering vice? Then a miracle happened, without being asked Shaun cleared the kitchen worktop. There is an indelible mark or two where the vice sat for a long rusting time, there are less cables now the ‘marked for the lockup’ kettle has been removed. Can I wean him off this chaos completely? Probably not, the four Victorian terracotta bath feet are still there…
Since these installments are non-fiction, it seems it would be harder to weave in the prompt words, but you do it effortlessly. Nice work.
DeleteHaving actually stood in your shop, I smile each week when I read 'stop the week' as you capture the atmosphere …. and Shaun .. so well Antonia. I am waiting to hear if you manage to find a buyer for the ornate xmas tree stand.
DeleteI'm also impressed how effortlessly the prompts disappear into each weekly installment. I loved the phrase 'Can I wean him off this chaos completely', and the ending line.
DeleteYou lead us so effortlessly through each installment, Antonio. This is like reading an absorbing novel chapter by chapter.
Deletesold the Christmas tree stand, Terrie, got the less dramatic ones left. I'm searching the shop (time permitting) for an odd little modern ceramic nativity scene. I found the empty box...
DeleteJD, I haven't succumbed to gender change - I quite like being the person I am.
Effortlessly inserted prompts was always one of your hallmarks, but I do think doing so to related Real Life happenings takes an extra level of skill. And always enjoyable.
DeleteI must agree wholeheartedly with the observations already made. That you are able to weave these prompt words every week into a cohesive tale that is also non-fiction is a testament to your talent.
DeleteThe Mad Italian 84
ReplyDeleteMany have left the Cabinet (so-called) since the fiasco of Brexit erupted, with many leaving for unknown reasons – I cite lack of moral fibre for many of them, asking whether they are extraneous to the running of the country anyway. Nothing has ground to a halt since they left without leaving an indelible mark on the government. Perhaps the PM should wean herself off a Cabinet as such and do the work herself. It might benefit everyone. Meantime the date for exiting the EU draws ever closer. If the country is ready for this, it will be a miracle.
Patricia, Leonardo is never an insistent spirit, he comes when he knows I am ready and is always considerate. Brexit is the shorthand for the result of the referendum on leaving or staying in the EU. My opinion, for what it's worth is, no one believed the people would vote Leave and so no plans were drawn up for that eventuality. They have been scrabbling for a solution for 2 1/2 years now and still there is no way of satisfying all parties, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, etc. etc. etc. and unlikely to be. A withdrawal is set for the end of March. There is not much time left, if we leave without a deal, it could be nasty. On the other hand, without the EU interfering all over the place, we British could just get on with our lives. (I voted Leave, BTW)
The prompt words worked well for Leonardo's thoughts this week. This installment gave me some nice insight as to what's going on over there.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteLeonardo raises the question. Can you have a benevolent prince? Which might have been answered by a fellow Italian. I do so enjoy his comments and your ability to transpose the conversation. A well written story andbgood use of prompts.
DeleteI do enjoy reading Leonardo's thoughts and observations, they often help me put things into perspective or help confirm my own feelings. I almost always never notice the prompt words which shows how well written each piece is.
DeleteIt is a confusing business to be sure, and I think you're right that no one thought the vote would pass so preparations weren't made. Politics always give me such a headache, but I do enjoy Leonardo's thoughts on them.
DeleteMiracles no closer, I regret. And despair.
DeleteThank you for the clarification regarding Leonardo, Antonia. I hope he bears me no ill will for my misunderstanding. I admire his insight far too much to be comfortable on his wrong side.
DeleteShenanigans
ReplyDeleteAssigned the extraneous task of assistant playground supervisor, Miss Turwell struggled to round up the kids while avoiding the eye of Miss Ravensway. Wearing an indelible scowl, Miss Ravensway took her job as supervisor seriously.
“No room for un-weaned children in this schoolyard,” Miss Ravensway would say, though Miss Turwell had no idea what the kids needed to be weaned from.
When Tommy Thompson furtively blew up a frog, spraying Miss Ravensway with gore, Miss Turwell didn’t turn him in. After all, it wouldn’t do for the principal to find out where the child got the firecracker.
A sneaky and very clever ending, John. Great use of the prompts.
DeleteVery nicely done and perhaps a reason why I'm generally looking up at all of your stories. Lovely ending, tight writing and good use of the prompts.
DeleteI always look forward to reading your offerings John and this week is no exception. Cleverly entertaining with a small snippet of horror. Most enjoyable. Thank you.
DeleteClever and humorous. I loved the contrast between the two teachers, and the surprise at the end about the frog.
Deleteinteresting visuals and then a really nasty one...
DeleteA useful lesson, vividly told. Regrettably, schools these days are tamer.
DeleteYou blend horror with comedy in a way that is unique. As I've said before, even if the pieces came with no name, I'd know immediately they were of your creation. For some reason, I found this one exceptionally satisfying.
DeleteCONSCRIPTION 5: AN AUDIENCE AWAITS
ReplyDeleteThe window of NIGHTHAWKS revealed four people tied to chairs and facing an audience obviously weaned of humanity.
I studied them, certain an indelible impression would be created: a one-legged dwarf dressed as a jester; a broomstick man holding a dagger between his feet; a monstrous mass of muscled flesh, his face wrecked with scars; a bloated girl, naked and smothered with white powder. Her lips were bright red, her eyes dark as moonless midnight, her smile crowded with needle-like teeth. These and others filled the room.
Feeling not at all extraneous, I entered NIGHTHAWKS. I would fit right in.
FYI: My new book, Christmas Poetry for Junes, is now available through Amazon and Dawnbreaker Press (the publisher), and will soon be available through Barnes & Noble, Kindle and other outlets. The collection consists of long narrative Christmas poems I've written for my wife over the years. 21 poems, 152 pages, some 37,000 words. If you're a poetry lover, this could be a nice Christmas gift.
DeleteExcellent descriptions and good use of the prompts. Very well done using description to provide us some description of the MC.
DeleteThis continuing story get better each week. Brilliant imagery, edgy emotion and a growing picture of the MC. Keep it coming please.
DeleteI agree with Terrie about the growing picture of the MC. It really makes one want to know more, which marks the success of a serial such as this. Nice going.
Deletetis full of horror images, brilliant ones!
Deletemany congratulations on the book, hope it does well for you.
Stuff of nightmares indeed. And best of luck with the book.
DeleteFascinating character descriptions, especially that of the girl. Congrats on the book release!
DeleteI am really loving this series. We have so many good ones ongoing here and this counts up there with the best. Oh...and good luck with the book by the way. I would also add those four descriptions were exceptionally visual.
DeleteThe Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry - 33
ReplyDelete‘Wot’s that foul-smellin’ crap stuck t’yu?’ Sarg asked.
Tosca grinned, ‘I uses me special stink t’ stick stuff toogever as camyflag.’
Nigel nudged Tosca, ‘Camouflage. Sarg…’ He suggested.
Sarg tried not to smile, ‘Wot’s yer name?’
‘Tosca.’
‘Sarg,’ hinted Nigel.
Sarg’s indelibly aggressive stance softened. She brushed away some extraneous rubbish clinging about Tosca head. ‘Neat trick, but it pongs a bit. Can’t even tell wot kind’a critter you are Tosca ’
Tosca sighed, ‘I wern’t weaned, when they found me, a mewling pup, in a makeshift nest all by me tod. I never bin sure what breed I be.’
I'll need to go back and read last weeks stories to catch up on this and several others. You were able to easily have me envision the scene in my mind. Tight writing, god descriptions and as always an enjoyable story.
DeleteWhat a special character Tosca is turning into. And to think, Tosca started out as a prompt word. Sandra will have to get special billing when you're rich and famous.
DeleteI agree, Tosca is one hell of a character, sparked by the Prediction, as so much good writing has been and will be.
DeleteToaca is indeed a joy, this installment no less than all others, your high standard reached every week.
DeleteAnd yes, I can attest to the series-launching power of prompt words - Threshold began with cotton, flatter and shackle,
I'm really enjoying hearing about Tosca, as well. Loved her use of camouflage. :)
DeleteOh those 'dillos! They get me every time. I'm also a huge fan of Tosca. And would agree with Sandra about the power of prompt words. Cripplegate's Marmalade was born in Episode Two, courtesy of "Ginger, Measure and Sentry." One of the fabulous things about this forum is that you never know where it will take you...and your readers.
DeleteSquatter’s Rite-12
ReplyDeleteBen had finished his work, when he heard a shuffling followed by a plop-sizzle, several times. He saw blood stains sizzle as they appeared on the rug.
“I need to wean myself from grandpa’s horror stories and amaretto coffee.”
“Are you Ben Cheveyo?” as Jacob Minor appeared.
“Yes.” Jacob’s blood dripped from his slit neck, an indelible image for sure.
“I was forcefully evicted from my house. In this box.” Jacob dropped it on the desk. “Contains your payment and proves my ownership under Adverse Possession and Color of Title.”
“Your an ahote!”
“Don’t be extraneous, I’m a paying client.”
Mmm, amaretto coffee. Then, after the coffee, all hell breaks loose pertaining to the senses. Very vivid.
DeleteLoved the imagery of the sizzling blood stains. What a fascinating client!
DeleteHad to look up "ahote." What a wonderful word. I love it when I'm encouraged to unearth something new.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 167 - Watching And Waiting
ReplyDeleteViolet studied the extraneous gathering on the platform below. Among the congregation, her sister, Poppy, and the Station Master, her not-so-secret obsession. The former Canteen Crossing waitress would have joined them but for Marmalade, the all-knowing station cat.
Convinced the tabby lurked outside her door at dark, Violet suffered indelible nightmares that prevented escape. Tiny fur bundles. Marmalade's missing littermates. Unweaned kits that mewled piteously. Violet was unrepentant. She loathed felines. But of Marmalade, she was also terrified.
From the train tracks, Marmalade's gold-green eyes narrowed at the pale face pressed with undisguised yearning against the Sanitarium's second storey window.
---------------------------------------------------------
To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
----------------------------------------------------------
The face in the window belongs in a horror movie. So perceptive of you to locate Cripplegate Junction adjacent to a Sanitarium.
Delete"You can checkout any time you like but you can never leave." Came to mind. A very well written story with complementary descriptions and prompt use.
Deletethe quiet threat of the ginger cat... not to be ignored at any price.
DeleteIs Marmalade about to show his true colours?
DeleteHorrible imagery about Marmalade's littermates. Marmalade has always been my favorite. Love the last line.
DeleteCan Do
ReplyDeleteWant indelible and embarrassing memories utterly eradicated?
Easy as pie.
Need to be painlessly and immediately weaned from any and all destructive addictions?
Walk in the park.
Wish to be forever shielded from unpleasant extraneous situations?
Piece of cake.
The cost? Oh, come now!
Let's not be naive.
You already know the price.
Another well written story, Patricia.
DeleteA marvelously creative piece, Patricia!
Deletethis is so clever!
DeleteYou so this so very, very well.
DeleteI really enjoyed how this flowed, and the mystery regarding the price. My imagination is burning. :)
DeleteSuch a sales pitch you weave...
ReplyDeleteReposting my little nasty story to clean up the editing...
ReplyDeleteLips
The simplest of rooms: walls, floor, ceiling, door. Closed.
Bed frame, mattress, a squat hole. Nothing extraneous, only what is required.
One occupant, now.
Nothing extraneous there, either. Skin, hair, certain marks that began to develop some time ago and are now indelible.
Sometimes - daily? hourly? impossible to tell - the door opens.
It enters with dry sounds and a waft of something: cinnamon, machine oil, a dry pan left on the stove too long.
Lips, like cellophane.
Not weaned, no, not yet.
The more I read this the nastier it gets, painting evermore sickening images.
DeleteWell done - that is some skill (and good, as ever, to see you deploy it here).
Ye Gods, this piece is dripping with horrific visions. It is indeed the stuff of nightmares. And yet your little picture up there is so jovial!
DeleteThis is to me old time scary. Black and white TV scary and well written. I'll sit in the front row and stare up from the bottom of the screen when the movie comes out.
DeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Forty One) - "Double Vision"
ReplyDeleteThe Kursaal was self-contained, invariably unaffected by extraneous events. In Arbuthnot Jester's eyes, however, the travelling circus warranted exception. A delightful hippodrome of fresh romantic conquests.
Even before being weaned, Arby was the darling of the fair sex, who "oohed" and "aahed" over the diminutive infant. Little wonder he carried the indelible imprint of supreme sexual attraction.
During Arby's visit to one of his new ladyloves, he was taken aback by two children playing with a small dog outside the mystic's tent. Not a particularly unusual sight to be sure, but they bore a striking resemblance to the Pepperdyne Twins.
--------------------------------------------
To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale, please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/kursaal.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
---------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Arbuthnot Jester, the Pepperdyne Twins (Lucy and Libby) and The Travelling Circus have all featured in previous episodes.
Which is where THAT doof, doof, doof ending strikes up!
DeleteThis installment flowed very well. Tight writing and all done with narration.
DeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #158
ReplyDeletePointed Sticks
Indelible bloody skull perfectly doodled, I continued on, instantaneously weaning passersby of staring by careful exhibition of my extraneous weaponry. I claimed the bench at the end of the platform and pulled out my knitting. Only 5 rows to go, then I can start the matching scarf.
Excellent. And having spent the weekend with a non-stop knitting daughter I can so easily picture the scene your words so entertainingly paint.
DeleteGlad I read this. A very funny installment. I was watching the scene as I read and was imagining someone looking like Anne Oakley doing this. Which gave me a good laugh. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGlad I made a last quick run through and caught this. I would hate to miss even a second of the enterprising Rosebud's adventures.
ReplyDelete