PHOTO PROMPT © Karuna
Diana found them at the allotment one evening. The sun was setting through russet leaves and the scent of summer passing rose from the earth. Two teddy bears and one bald plastic baby doll, strangely sinister, fur and booties ruined by mud.
She almost left them on the compost heap. But then she imagined small, sticky hands gripping them to fast-beating hearts, brave sentries to keep the nightmares at bay.
Perched atop her barrow of squashes and windfall apples, they were battle hardened warriors.
Besides. Night was falling fast and Diana needed all the protection she could get.
Written for Rochelle Wisoff-Field’s Friday Fictioneers. See the pic and write a tale and pop along here to read the other stories.
A good story, filled with just enough mystery about her situation to keep one engaged. Loved the way it rolled out.
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Who put them there on her allotment, I wonder?
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Ah, well that is a good question. Maybe someone is trying to help Diana … or lure her into something. Thanks for reading Neil
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Life in the dystopia.
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I just saw it as a dark mystery really, with Diana having terrors (real or imagined) that haunt her nights. Thanks for reading James
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Wonderful stuff.I hope the children are still around to reclaim their toys, but I have a feeling they may not be.
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I have a feeling you may be right. Thanks Iain 🙂
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So, who is Diana, what does she need protection from, and whose toys were they? Come on, Lynn, don’t leave it here!
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Thanks Jane for asking the right questions! Yes, what does she need protection from and how can toys help her? Something bad is coming 🙂
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And I think we should be told what.
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I shall dwell on that a while 🙂
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And then tell us? Please;
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I’ll try 🙂
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🙂
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Oh, that is good, really good. It leaves questions without in any way seeming unfinished. “Squashes and windfall apples” – I don’t know why that’s perfect for the contents of her wheelbarrow, but somehow it is. I found myself thinking “Well, what else would it be?” There’s magic somewhere in your writing, Lynn!
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Ah, thank you so much Penny – such a lovely comment 🙂 Something dark is coming. Let’s just hope Diana survives the night! Thank you so much for reading 🙂
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Got to love those dark images and premises.
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Oh, sadly I do! Thank you Bill 🙂
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Wonderful tale! Thanks for the two new words . 🙂
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Ooh, which ones? I’m guessing Alotment and windfalls? Thanks so much Moon 🙂
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You guessed the allotment right😊The other one is sentry . I like your layered story . I love it 😊
Best wishes…
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Ah, half right at least 🙂 Thank you Moon for the kind comment and for reading
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The pleasure is mine , Lynn. Thanks for writing such wonderful stories.
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🙂
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I loved the image of tiny, sticky hands gripping them to fast-beating hearts. Cuddly toys bring such comfort in times of stress and anxiety.
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Very true, Russell. I remember my Panda well and he was often the only one to stand between me and whatever was out there in the night. They are absolutely important when you’re small.
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And thank you for the kind words 🙂
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Dear Lynn,
I think when the toys are cleaned up they’ll bring Diane comfort. Not so sure about protection. 😉 Lovely descriptions that set the tone and left me wondering what will happen next.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle. Yes, I’m wondering what will happen next. Perhaps there’s something very special about those toys, eh? Thank you for the kind comment 🙂
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Superbly woven tale of mystery and, perhaps, magic.
Your word choices are, as always, quite exquisite.
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Ah, thank you C. Very lovely of you. Just wondering what comes next … Thank you for reading 🙂
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This has so much intrigue that leaves one salivating for more. What word descriptions are these. In love, with your writing, Lynn.
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Ah, what a lovely thing to say. Thank you so much, Neel, you’re very kind and I’m so glad you liked it
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Something sinister is going on in the night, I think. Well done. :o)
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Ah, thank you so much. Yes, sinister indeed. I posted a short sequel today if you’re interested and have the time to read it 🙂 https://lynnmlovewords.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/never-be-alone/
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I felt at home reading this, you created lovely images for me and just enough mystery
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Thank you Michael, you’re very kind and I’m so glad the story worked for you. I wrote a short sequel that I posted today if you have time to read and want to know where the story is heading 🙂 https://lynnmlovewords.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/never-be-alone/
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You’ve clearly and cleverly left it to the reader to interpret this tale in whichever way they wish. Me? Not saying!
Cast Aside – a very short story
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Thanks Keith! Glad you liked it. Some people asked me what happened next, so I did write a sequel if you’re interested, or not if you’re happy wondering 🙂
https://lynnmlovewords.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/never-be-alone/
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This one gave me a smile at the end. Good job.
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Thank you so much. Glad it made you smile 🙂
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You truly do have a wonderful way with words, Lynn… I echo what Mr. Ayr said.
I loved this… and the sticky hands, beating hearts bit…
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Ah, thank you so much Dale. What a lovely comment. Those poor neglected toys – makes you think of the scared little souls we all once were at one time or another. Thank you for reading 🙂
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I have an allotment and a gnome dressed in my favourite football team’s strip to guard it. We all need such protection. Nicely told Lynn
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Whatever help you need to get by, Michael 🙂 Thanks for reading
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‘the scent of summer passing rose from the earth’ evokes a strong image. So many unanswered questions in this!
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Ah, thank you Clare 🙂
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