Iain Kelly

Reverend Timpson looked down at the packed pews. His congregation had more than trebled in size since last week. Their fearful faces stared at him.

It had all gone smoothly to start with. The annual church play had been a retelling of the Ten Commandments.

In the final scene Rosie appeared as the burning bush, a green glow behind her.

There had been an unexpected bang as the lightbulb popped, a flash of light and flames rose round Rosie’s feet. She carried on with her lines while Bill, the stagehand, desperately crawled round her dress, trying to beat out the fire.

Awe in the audience changed to fear. Rosie let out a strangled, unearthly shriek. Cries started spreading through the audience.

‘God forgive this blasphemous theatre!’

‘Lord forgive us taking your name for entertainment!’

The curtain was brought down as the panic-stricken audience fled from the hall.

The burnt spot where the event had occurred was turned it into a shrine to mark the miracle of Thornberry Hall.

Reverend Timpson knew he should explain the truth, but business was business and the church roof was in need of repair.

‘Last Friday night we witnessed a miracle, ladies and gentlemen. The Lord sent a message to us all.’

A ripple of ‘amens’ spread through the congregation.

Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Al Forbes. For more details visit HERE.

To read more stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.