Kreative Kue 395 asked for submissions based on this photograph:
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.”
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.
Keith Kreates! 