Picture it and Write ~ FRIDAY NIGHT

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This is the latest Picture it and Write prompt from Ermilia’s blog

Picture it & Write

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Original image.

As usual the image is supplied and credited by Ermilia

FRIDAY NIGHT

by John Yeo

 Mary was at the end of her tether, she had tried every single way that she knew to stop the accursed violence every Friday night. He would arrive home after drinking heavily all evening in the bar with his friends, and pick a fight with her over the slightest thing. This last Friday was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. When he began to shout and upset their baby.

   ‘There is no way I want to go through the tedious backbiting and the embarrassment of a divorce.’ She had confided to her friendly Guru and spiritual adviser.

  ‘I can recommend a final solution to your problem, but the termination will be very costly and permanent.’ The Guru had been counselling Mary for several years and he knew her situation very well.

Mary cried, ‘Yes please’ I don’t care what it costs!’

  ‘I will give you a letter to take to a little known super store that caters for people who have suffered and reached the end of their tether.’

When she arrived , Mary was mildly shocked at the size of the warehouse, that was described as a super store, catering for many of life’s worries and the ups as well as the downs.

  ‘Good Morning Madam! Welcome to the super store, full of the magical flavours that can make the passage through time that much easier.’

  ‘Good Morning, I have a letter here from my marriage guidance guru , I need several items to solve a very difficult situation.’

  ‘Ah! Yes, we can certainly help you in this matter. Would you like the end to be quick, or a slow painful exit that can actually be reversed if you require.’

Mary smiled at the simple frankness of the proprietor.
  ‘I think as slowly and as painfully as possible. I’m not sure I would ever want my decision to be reversed.’

  ‘These few ingredients will add a delicious flavour to any meat course.’

 “How do they actually work?’ enquired Mary.

  ‘Madam the secret is in the sauce, your husband will love the flavour. My two late husbands died for a taste of the Orient. It is the only way to go, especially if they like alcohol to wash it down with. Alcohol dulls the senses and then the strong flavours mask the taste of the additives.’

  ‘I’ll take it , and serve it with a smile next Friday night.’

Copyright (c) ~ Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

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Fiction Friday Prompt ~LOVE ON SITE

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THE RATTLING BONES

The life and works of Lori Carlson

https://therattlingbones.wordpress.com/2015/07/03/fiction-friday-prompt-13/#comments

Good morning, fellow writers! It is the first Friday in July. Hope your summer is going well! It’s time for Fiction Friday!

Today’s prompt is to write a story about a construction worker who makes a discovery of a lifetime at a construction site. You set the scene, decide the discovery, and figure out how it will impact his/her life.

Keep the story between 500-1000 words.

2

Image from the net

LOVE ON SITE

by John Yeo

The construction site was a huge area, almost a mini town. Seven hundred and ninety-five men were employed here along with a good number of women.
One young lady in particular relished her job, she had always been a bit of a tomboy and followed her Dad into his trade much to the surprise of her Mum. Grace was a welder used to working under enormous pressure, she had worked alongside Paul for six months solid now. They were very good friends and some would say, almost an item. Paul was a loner he usually had no time for anyone, Grace had almost melted his heart of stone.
Monday morning and Grace arrived with bloodshot eyes, red-rimmed from shedding very many tears.
Paul shocked, shouted, “What’s wrong Grace, why have you cried so hard and so long? I have never seen you so upset!”
“Don’t worry Paul, it is very personal, I cannot tell you, please trust me and don’t ask questions.”
“I would like to know my friend, but when you are ready.”
The site hooter sounded and they began to work. Paul was deep in thought as he could see Grace was hiding her face behind the welding mask.
It was even more of a shock to everyone close to where they were working, when the site manager arrived with two uniformed policemen asking to speak to Grace.
“Would you accompany us to the office please Grace?”
Paul was mystified and very upset, he wondered what the heck was going on. There was very little welding getting done in their section that day.
Grace returned to work and Paul, full of a feeling of great relief embraced her unashamedly. “I am so happy to see you, what happened? Why were you questioned? I must have some answers? Please Grace.”
His face mirrored the concern as he gently tried to allay her fears.
“Paul I discovered a carton full of money in the communal changing room, after you had gone home on Friday. When I handed it in, I was informed it was stolen money from a break-in, hidden by the thieves on the site.”
Grace poured a cup of tea for both of them, from a flask that she had brought from home for her lunch break.
“Why were you crying so much, when you did the right thing Grace?”
“I am so sorry Paul, I didn’t mean to think badly of you, but I was in shock. I have been agonising all weekend, stupidly thinking that you may have been involved and led into trouble by the suspect. I know you and his group drink together in the local pub. Please forgive my stupidity!”
Paul was taken aback and quickly swallowed his cup of lukewarm tea. Realisation suddenly dawned on him.
“Grace you mean to say you were crying because you thought I was involved and you had got me into trouble?”
“Yes I am a fool I know, but I have grown very fond of you and I don’t want to lose you.”
Paul smiled broadly, then quietly took her into his arms. His mind was turning cartwheels as the situation began to sink in. He then knew he had found the love of his life and he never ever wanted to let her go.
“I always liked this job and I enjoyed working with you on this site. We have met on site and I plan to wed you and stay in our life together forever. Will you marry me?”
Grace blushed as she accepted Paul’s proposal. “Of course silly, I love you!”
The wedding took place six months later in the middle of a construcion site. The Bride wore overalls and a safety hat to match the grooms outfit .They arrived by truck and the priest wore a hard hat above his clerical collar. The best man had a welding mask attached to his face and there was a horrible moment when he could not find the ring, but after a quick lift of the mask, the priest mouthed the time honoured words. Paul slipped the ring on Grace’s finger
Then Paul and Grace said “I do!”.
The priest said , “You may now kiss the bride.”
Almost one thousand construction workers raised a cheer that was heard two miles away.

They were remarried in a local church six months later, after the banns had been properly read. The bride wore a dress of sparkling white and members of their families and many friends were there to see them on their way to a life of ecstatic happiness. Their lives were now welded together forever. They both found love on a building site.

Copyright (c) ~ Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved 

REVENGE

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Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge.

Hosted by Priceless Joy.

The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

This story is for adults over 18 only ~

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This week’s photo prompt is kindly provided by Dawn M. Miller.

REVENGE

by John Yeo

 Not a soul was visible in the beautiful little park at this early hour. I remember when she was alive we would stroll through here hand in hand. The fountain still spraying cool refreshing water looked inviting. Then a flashback in my mind when I discovered her body and the water had turned red, she was floating on the surface naked. Something inside me snapped, I went on a rampage of revenge when I discovered them drinking and laughing in a picnic shelter. Two scruffy young bucks, obviously under-age drinkers. I stood blocking the door to prevent an escape from the shelter.
 “What’s up man?”
“You killed her!”
 “What? We only had a little fun!”
 These were to be the last words this young man would ever utter as I broke his neck, fast, before the other jerk realised what was happening. He was a heavier man and he came at me fast. I killed him.
 I left the park and melted into the crowd. The repercussions would certainly come later…
Meanwhile I cried.

(175 Words)

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

This is in response to a challenge hosted by Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. If you would like to participate in this challenge or need more information, please click the following link:

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (30)

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I am taking part in Mondays Finish the Story 29/06/2015, which is a challenge that provides a photo prompt and the opening sentence to your story. The rules indicate that the story you come up with must be between 100-150 words, not including the given opening sentence.

The link below takes you to Part Twenty-Nine

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (29)

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© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

Finish the story begins with:

“The Mayor and the town manager waved as their next victim approached.”
Joe didn’t trust them at all, he waved back.
As he entered the City Hall he was on his guard. When the trapdoor in the floor swung open he jumped back and pulled a gun. ‘Raise your hands Gentlemen! We have some talking to do.’
There in the murky depths of an underground cell he found fifteen captives, including two operatives he knew well. Slave labour, starved, whipped and forced to work.
Hillary was puzzled to have lost two operatives in the little town of Sherman. News from the two in the USA had suddenly ceased twice over. Joe had solved the case and earned a bonus. Marg would be delighted.

Meanwhile Angelo was keenly interested in the Professor. As a result of enquiries by Don Fernando he was exposed as an imposter. Marg had him handcuffed and left him with Angelo as they approached the town of Miners Hill.

(150 Words)
To be continued

The link below takes you to Part Twenty-Nine

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (29)

mondays-finish-the-story-2

https://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com/

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

Sunday Photo Fiction – June 21st 2015 ~ INNOCENCE

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Sunset~Sunday fictioneers

The sun setting behind buildings

The image is supplied and credited by Sunday Photo Fiction

Sunday Photo Fiction – June 21st 2015

INNOCENCE

by John Yeo
 ~

Shadows cast by the setting sun, 

Gold and orange mingled and merged 

As the evening blended into the night 

With a breathtaking display of splendour.

 ~

A warm wind breezily rippled through trees,

Then quickly cooled as night drew in.

Clouds edged in gold by the dying sun

Skittered over grime-encrusted buildings.

 ~

Another day had passed, slowly adding to

Time dragging slowly and surely soullessly by.

Two free flying birds gliding, drifting together

Spinning cartwheels in a vortex of pure delight.

 ~

The innocence of the dying beautiful day

Reflecting my very real fight for freedom

I will be a part of the outside world again

Outside the confines of a prison window.

 ~

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved
Sunday Photo Fiction
~

Picture it and Write ~ THE EYES OF THE SOUL

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This is the latest Picture it and Write prompt from Ermilia’s blog

__picture it & write

ERMILA'S DRAGON

dragon eye of indigo blue (by paloetic)

As usual the image is supplied and credited by Ermilia

THE EYES OF THE SOUL

by John Yeo

Centuries of wisdom glare out of eyes that have inherited a killer instinct. The eyes were staring imperviously from a head that was absolutely still. I stared back to engender a feeling of unconcern to the beast. 

 I had worked hard in the lab for weeks to produce a serum from very rare plants and associated ingredients. I was now attempting to procure the final substance that would enable me to fulfil my desire to explore, and perhaps transfer the secrets accumulated by generations of reptilian invaders from the captive. I now needed a phial of reptilian spittle to complete the serum. My plan was to anger the beast and provoke a response by continuous aggravation and provocation.

 ‘Have at you!’ I cried moving quickly forward  with a sharply pointed blade. 

 ‘What are you trying to do, you fool?’ Came an unflustered thought, directly received in my mind, no sound was generated, but the voice in my head was very clear and understandable to me in my native language.

 ‘That was my imagination surely’ I thought. ‘No ignorant leather-skinned animal can speak English, I will continue to bait it!’

 Laughter then filled my mind, a deep repulsive mocking sound that grated on my nerves and made me shiver with a revulsion that shocked me deeply.

‘Where is the origin of that ghastly sound?’ I thought.

‘Right here, in front of you idiot, I am far too refined to be angered by your feeble efforts. Our race are, and always have been, the dominant species here on this beautiful globe.’

I stood there in the lab stunned! ‘Was I imagining this telepathic conversation?’ I began to doubt my mental wellbeing.

Then the creature interjected once again and these words entered my mind.

‘Do not be alarmed, I wish you no harm. I wish to communicate our feelings of unease about the way your people are destroying everything here on our planet. We will stop you if we have to, before it is too late. We have been here for centuries, We saw off the dinosaurs before man arrived and stripped the world bare of almost everything. What do you want to use my precious spittle for? I will spit on you for free you two-legged idiot.’

 Then I felt paralysed, unable to move an inch, rooted to the spot as the creature fixed his eyes on my eyes and stared deeply into my soul. I felt a warm comfortable feeling of deep relaxation spreading through my being as my mind seemed to fuse and expand with the creatures thought-waves. I was unable to counteract the deep hypnosis as my being and the creatures thought-control was expanded and merged into a unified force.

 Several hours later I awoke from a very deep sleep in the lab. My face seemed to be covered with a thick gooey substance. A sudden flashback and I had total recall of the events before I had been overtaken by sleep. 

 Laugher then filled my mind once again, with a deep repulsive mocking sound that grated on my nerves and  made me shiver with a revulsion that shocked me deeply.

Copyright (c) Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

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FAMILY TREE

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Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge.

Hosted by Priceless Joy.

The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

Graveyard ~ Flash fiction

Photo prompt is provided by Sonya O.

FAMILY TREE

by John Yeo

The funeral was extraordinarily well attended, people had arrived from all over the world. This man was respected, loathed, loved and hated in many places-. Some arrived to make sure he was actually dead and to raise a glass in celebratory style. Others were genuinely sad as the deceased had been extraordinarily generous to those who were loyal to him. Six black horses led the cortège pulling an ornate carriage, members of the family and very close personal friends walked slowly behind as the procession made its way to the cathedral.
The media were there. This man was a wheeler and dealer who had a very sketchy history of violence and contrastingly of genuine charity to those in need. This death was news and news kept the media arenas in business.
My research led me to an overgrown cemetery in a well-to-do suburb of London. I blinked tears away as the reality of the neglect of a forgotten mogul became clear. How the mighty are fallen in the dust of fragmented memory.
Goodbye Great-Great-Grandfather.

(174 Words)

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

This is in response to a challenge hosted by Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. If you would like to participate in this challenge or need more information, please click the following link:

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (29)

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I am taking part in Mondays Finish the Story 22/06/2015, which is a challenge that provides a photo prompt and the opening sentence to your story. The rules indicate that the story you come up with must be between 100-150 words, not including the given opening sentence.

The link below takes you to Part Twenty-Eight

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (28)

MI 29

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

Finish the story begins with: 

“Hey boys, how ’bout y’all makin’ yer Ma some wind chimes?”

 This incredible greeting was made by a very tall American, wearing a large stetson with a clerical collar, who appeared from a hut as they entered an Indian village in the Brazilian jungle.
 “Hi!” Replied Marg,” The wind blows freely in the jungle.”
 “Glad to meet you, Madame Marg. I have been expecting you, I’m Father Michael. Everything has been prepared, we have a meal ready for you and there is a pile of packages for your attention.”
 “I see now why we had to have an identification routine. I couldn’t understand why, when Don Fernando’s message came over the radio.”
Then another figure appeared from the hut, wearing combat fatigues, Angelo grinning all over his face stepped forward.
Marg was delighted. “Hi! What are you doing here?”
 “I am here to travel with you all the way to Miners Hill, there is a cloud of suspicion to counter.”
“What!”

(150 Words)
To be continued

The link below takes you to Part Twenty-Eight

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (28)

mondays-finish-the-story-2

https://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com/

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

Picture it and Write ~ DRAMA IN THE NIGHT

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This is the latest Picture it and Write prompt from Ermilia’s blog
https://ermiliablog.wordpress.com/2015/06/21/picture-it-write-64/

Ermilia Fire escape

As usual the image is supplied and credited by Ermilia

DRAMA IN THE NIGHT

by John Yeo

The silence of darkness had fallen swiftly over the cold unfeeling city. The silence was never truly felt as the distant sounds of police sirens and ambulances or fire engines was always a song in the background. He pulled his collar up and tightened the scarf around  his neck, the night had drawn in quickly and brought a sudden drop in the temperature.

 He could hardly wait to get to his destination, his mind drooling over the sight he would be enjoying yet again. Suddenly with a hissing screech, a black cat crossed his path. 

‘Wow! You made me jump pussy,’ He thought, ‘Still as the old saying goes a black cat is lucky.’

 He continued through the back streets of the city, he knew exactly where he was going, a frisson of excitement electrified his nerves as he got closer to his usual  viewing point. 

 A sudden shower of rain began, as he reached the iron fire escape and began to climb the metal steps. 

 ‘I will have to be very careful, it would be so easy to slip and fall.’ He thought, as he climbed to the top.

 He opened his backpack and drew out a pair of binoculars then he focused on the surrounding windows.

 ‘Hey! The big blonde is almost in her birthday suit, as pretty as the day she was born, except she’s much more curvaceously mature now.’

 His vivid tortured imagination went into overdrive. 

Another wide sweep of the windows and he whistled softly to himself as a couple were taking advantage of the privacy of their apartment without drawing the curtains. 

‘They must feel safe with just the bare walls of an office building opposite.’ 

 He smiled to himself and adjusted the optical lens to zoom in on them.

 Then he suddenly caught sight of a horror stricken face staring straight at him from one of the windows.

 ‘Oh! I have been spotted, I better get out of here fast.’

 He ran as fast as he could, slipping down, almost falling down the iron fire escape that was still damp from the rain.

 A distant police siren screamed, then another responded and as they got closer the echoes became louder.

 He reached almost to the bottom of the fire escape then jumped and melted into the shadows as two police cars raced up with lights blazing and a squeal of brakes.

 His heart beating fast, almost stopped as a hand grasped his shoulder, he turned and found himself staring into a pair of steel~grey eyes above a clerical collar.

 ‘You need help my son, give yourself up, I am with you, We will face your future together.’

Copyright (c) Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

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