Kreative Kue 396

Kreative Kue 395 asked for submissions based on this photograph:27-02-2007 10-52-45_0130a

John W Howell is a multiple nominated and award-winning author who blogs at Fiction Favorites. Details of John’s books can be found on his Amazon author page

The Cabin by John W. Howell © 2023

“The realtor said she would meet us here.”

“Right away, I can say this is out in the middle of nowhere.”

“Does that bother you?”

“Hello. How many horror movies take place out in the middle of nowhere.”

“Come on. It’s not that remote.”

“Why did we have to walk half a mile from the road then?”

“Yeah, that was a pain. I could see us trying to carry groceries all that way.”

“I’m worried about how safe it is here.”

“What do you mean?”

“Woods have animals and creepy people who make booze and meth.”

“Not all woods do.”

“I’m just saying. How about when the sun goes down? I don’t see any lights at all.”

“I’ll bet it is pretty dark. Does the description mention electricity?”

“Yeah, it says electric, heat, and A/C.”

“So we can put up some lights.”

“At least there is no grass to mow.”

“Why would you care about that. Grass mowing is my job.”

“I know, but reminding to mow is mine.”

“Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.”

“We both want to have a vacation place, but I think this one is a little too rough for us.”

“Hi, folks.”

“Wow, you startled us.”

“Sorry about that. What do you think of the place?”

“We were just saying that it might be too remote.”

“Yeah, we noticed no lights, and the road is so far away.”

“But the price is right. You’ll never find a three bed two bath place at this price.”

“I don’t know. The price on the listing seems a little high.”

“There’s been a reduction. The seller is anxious to close.”

“Why so anxious?”

“He needs the money for his defense.”

“Defense? What kind of trouble is he in?”

“I shouldn’t tell tales, but he was caught making meth.”

“Meth? Please don’t tell me he was making it here.”

“Okay, I won’t tell you that.”

“What did I just say about people in the woods?”

“Now, dear. Let’s not bother our agent with our thoughts. How much is it now?”

“Half price.”

“That still seems high for a former meth lab.”

“It’s not former. Everything’s still there.”

“But he got caught.”

“Yeah, at his other place. This one is off the books.”

“Is this ethical or legal?”

“Ah, the preacher shows up. Do you want it or not?

“We’ll pass.”

“That is a shame. Two nice kids like you. Now that you know about this place, I will be forced to eliminate you.”

“I knew your name sounded a little weird.”

“How so. I think Soprano is a normal-sounding name. Now close your eyes. I don’t want to scare you with my big pistol.”


DSCF1507a

Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.

Kreative Kue 395

Kreative Kue 393 asked for submissions based on this photograph:scan0081a

John W Howell is a multiple nominated and award-winning author who blogs at Fiction Favorites. Details of John’s books can be found on his Amazon author page

The Island by John W. Howell © 2023

“What do you think, Number Two?”

“Looks deserted, Captain.”

“My thought exactly. I’m a little worried about that rock there.”

“How so, Captain?”

“When I was a kid, I saw a scary movie where a giant gorilla lived on such a rock.”

“You think this might be the rock?”

“No, of course not. There is something creepy about it, though. Is this island on our map?”

“No, sir. It is uncharted.”

“Hmmm. Have you ever seen a movie where an uncharted island was not filled with horrors?”

“Not much for movies, sir. If you’re saying this island may be dangerous, I will agree.”

“You will? Why?”

“For one thing, there are no birds flying around. I have never stood off from an island that didn’t have birds.”

“I don’t see any signs of inhabitants either.”

“That may be a good thing, but no birds? Bad JuJu.”

“We should send a landing party to check it out.”

“Suit yourself, Captain, but as for me, I would rather we lift anchor and leave this island in the uncharted category.”

“Tell the boatswain’s mate to assemble a party to reconnoiter the island.”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

“Make sure they are well armed.”

* * *

“Captain. We got a garbled message from the landing party’s radio.”

“It’s been twenty-four hours, Number Two. It’s about time. What’s the message?”

“It was hard to understand, but sparks figured it out.”

“Enough suspense. What did the message say?”

“Send more long pigs.”

“Long pigs? What the hell are long pigs?”

“We think they mean us, Sir.”


My effort was:

What’s in a name?

“What happened there?”

“What answer do you want?”

“What do you mean, what answer do I want?”

“Are you after information or, as is so often the case, a mere validation of what you already think?”

“Are you picking on me, William?”

“I don’t know what you mean, Darling. I simply asked a straightforward question.”

“Now I know you’re picking on me. I was just looking at the island and it …”

“And it what, Sweetheart?”

“It … I don’t know how to put this delicately.”

“Don’t worry, my precious, I’m not delicate.”

“No, but I am, and what I saw was… well, disgusting!”

“Now I’m intrigued. What did you see? Describe it in detail. Don’t miss out a thing. Go on, give me both barrels.”

“You’re loving this, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

“Do you seriously derive pleasure from seeing your wife discomfited, even embarrassed by things?”

“You know I do. Go on, spill.”

“Okay. But don’t look at me whilst I’m talking.”

“I won’t.” [he will]

“Well. Look at this photo of the island…”

“Okay.”

“Notice that low, rounded hill in the foreground?”

“Yes.”

“Now look at it in the, if I dare say the word in the circumstances, flesh.”

“It is different, isn’t it?”

“That just happened.”

“Just?”

“Just. Right in front of my eyes.”

“You saw it happen?”

“I saw it happen. I didn’t even know an island could have an ere—”

“Well, my angel, it is called Love Island.”


27-02-2007 10-52-45_0130a

Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.

What’s in a name?

scan0081a

“What happened there?”

“What answer do you want?”

“What do you mean, what answer do I want?”

“Are you after information or, as is so often the case, a mere validation of what you already think?”

“Are you picking on me, William?”

“I don’t know what you mean, Darling. I simply asked a straightforward question.”

“Now I know you’re picking on me. I was just looking at the island and it …”

“And it what, Sweetheart?”

“It … I don’t know how to put this delicately.”

“Don’t worry, my precious, I’m not delicate.”

“No, but I am, and what I saw was… well, disgusting!”

“Now I’m intrigued. What did you see? Describe it in detail. Don’t miss out a thing. Go on, give me both barrels.”

“You’re loving this, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

“Do you seriously derive pleasure from seeing your wife discomfited, even embarrassed by things?”

“You know I do. Go on, spill.”

“Okay. But don’t look at me whilst I’m talking.”

“I won’t.” [he will]

“Well. Look at this photo of the island…”

“Okay.”

“Notice that low, rounded hill in the foreground?”

“Yes.”

“Now look at it in the, if I dare say the word in the circumstances, flesh.”

“It is different, isn’t it?”

“That just happened.”

“Just?”

“Just. Right in front of my eyes.”

“You saw it happen?”

“I saw it happen. I didn’t even know an island could have an ere—”

“Well, my angel, it is called Love Island.”


This original fiction was written in response to Kreative Kue 394 published on this site earlier this week.