YE OLDE COFFEEE SHOPPE
Janine was so sunk in despair that
she walked into the cafė without realising it hadn’t been there yesterday.
A coffee appeared and a hand gripped
hers. “Tell me about it, dear.”
Mesmerised by the pulsating glow from a wall lamp, Janine spilled the whole sorry tale of love and betrayal.
“You want revenge,” the stranger said,
“Give him this.”
The bottle hummed in Janine’s grasp
as she walked home, but she mixed its contents into his curry without
hesitation. She only came out of her trance when he lay writhing, but by then
it was too late.
They never did find the shoppe.
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This photo, taken by Ted Strutz, is this week's prompt for Friday Fictioneers,, hosted by https://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/ . My offering is a little spooky - follow the Blue Frog trail from Rochelle's blog to read what other writers came up with.
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Dear Liz,
ReplyDeleteIntriguing piece of fantasy. I wonder what Janine will tell the judge. Nicely played.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I couldn't work out what the bottles were so the sotry grew from there!
DeleteWoo, very good! Re-visiting your dark side, Liz? :)
ReplyDeleteThey look like poinson bottles, don't they?
DeleteI'm not sure how much of a defence it would be even if they could find the shoppe. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteI don't think being entranced wouls be a defence either.
DeleteSomehow, this prompt truly brings out the dark side of human nature.
ReplyDeleteGreat write.
Such a pretty picture, too!
DeleteGrizzly! Betrayal is painful, but murder is a bit extreme :)
ReplyDeleteIn Janine's defence, I don't think she planned murder. Not that that argument will stand up in court.
DeleteIt's good when I want more...and I want more. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks ladybug - perhaps I'll see you next week?
DeleteHee hee! I loved that, Liz. Just up my street. Do you think it is still safe to visit Costa?
ReplyDeleteIf you can curb any urges to tidy the shelves!
DeleteIn her defence, she wasn't out for murder. Won't help her much though. Maybe she can claim temporary insanity? It's magical, dark, and mysterious, great story.
ReplyDeleteThaks GaH - she might get away with it if magical poinson is undetectable!
DeleteAn insanity plea my work. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt might - we're obviously all on her side!
DeleteNever make important decisions when you're in a dark place. That was her mistake. Great story.
ReplyDeleteThat was a comment with several layers , Margirene!
DeletePoor woman; no one would believe her.
ReplyDeleteWould you?
DeleteThis was spooky indeed, Liz. That was a real surprise twist at the finish. It's not the way most magical stories end. I'm afraid she got revenge but will go to jail for it. Good writing. ---- Suzanne
ReplyDelete