HUNTING SEASON

White gives way to green. Cold to warmth. Life returns.

I feel invigorated. Hibernation is over. Fresh blood runs through veins.

Months since anyone came through. It’s been lonely recently.

I’m eager to entertain. Soon the tourists will return.

The young and adventurous. The healthy and vital.

The thrillseekers. I’m happy to oblige.

The highway will open again.

Final checks. Rooms cleaned. Fresh sheets. Walls painted.

Into the office. Hit the switch. Neon light.

Motel. Open. $12 a night.

Just like Daddy before me. Keeping the family business running.

The swamp no longer frozen. A watery grave once more.

The axe is sharp. It’s not needed for firewood anymore.

All is ready. Now I wait.

It’s hunting season.


photo-20170515154640540
Copyright Ioniangraphics

Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story in around 150 words, based on the weekly photo prompt. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visit HERE.

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

60 responses to “HUNTING SEASON”

  1. Really well written. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. What a gory family business! I shudder to think how many bodies went into that swamp

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think some of the family might have ended up in there too…

      Liked by 1 person

  3. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    The axe is I expect for cutting firewood.😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Sure, just firewood, nothing else 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I love this Iain – such vivid imagery!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Very vivid imagery. Well written Lian.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. What a picturesque description….

    Liked by 1 person

  7. You created beautifully that sense of expectation through the change of season..well done

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Very vivid. I love the way you’ve structured the lines.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, glad you liked it, trying to do something a little different.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. That’s an extreme, but effective, way of avoiding a bad review on Trip Advisor. Terrific writing though.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ha true, a lot of people check in there, no one ever writes a review… 🙂

      Like

  10. Very well written! I wonder if it’s only the not so nice guests he does this too?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m not sure what criteria he uses, but it would be best not to cause too many complaints! Thank you.

      Like

  11. I think I’d rather stay at Bates Motel! Nice one Iain.

    Click to visit Keith’s Ramblings!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think he may have seen that film… 🙂

      Like

  12. I am kind of scared. who are you really ?
    Amazing build-up, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Just your average Joe who likes to dream 😉 thanks for your kind comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Oh my gosh! Chilling! It reminds me of that movie, Psycho. Great story Iain! The twist at the end is chilling!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks PJ. Definitely a hint of Psycho in there!

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Yikes! Nice rhythm, an ironic intro to something potential grisly!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Annie. Grisly is a definite I fear!

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Yeah, tell me where that motel is so I know not to stop there on my next vacation! Great story!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. No stars on trip advisor last I checked!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. I love how creative you are Iain! The way you were able to concoct this eerie murder story from this photo. Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Jade, very kind 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  17. This post went so gracefully from most pleasant to outright Hitchcockian. Loved it!

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Well that’s particularly nasty. I don’t like swamps anyway but this seals the deal. Never visiting one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Best avoided. Thanks James.

      Like

  19. Somehow I knew that was going to take a dark turn, but you still surprised me with it. And thanks for the warning not to stop by this guy’s hotel!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Your welcome, keep driving, there’s plenty more motels down the road! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. In a good way? 🙂

      Like

  20. Uh oh, Nice transition Iian

    Liked by 1 person

  21. I log ethe anticipation in the narrator’s voice, he Is one eager worker! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. He’s certainly looking forward to it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  22. A different kind of hunter indeed. A vampire type creature or just a Norman Bates type human? Interesting tale!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I was going for the Norman Bates type. Thanks Mandi.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. I really like the way your story plays out Iain – and I didn’t see that ending coming! Hunting season has taken on a different meaning here. A gruesome tale with an intriguing main character. I’ll avoid staying in motels from now on. Very well written.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ha, I’m sure most motels are not run by people like this… hopefully! Thanks Millie.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. I was afraid of this! I like the way you unfolded this story. I could see it coming, but kept thinking, “Nooo…” Well done in anticipation and suspense.
    The Snow
    Annie at ~McGuffy’s Reader~

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Annie, glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I am following you, now.

        Liked by 1 person

  25. nice slow innocent build up to something more below the surface, nice!

    Liked by 1 person

  26. That certainly sounds alarming and thrilling too. I wonder what wickedness he’s up to.

    Like

  27. Okay, this gave me the chills. I should have known that when I’m reading your posts I have to be aware! Glad to read them 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, maybe stay away from motels for a bit 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Haha, you bet 😁

        Like

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.