The sound of the chisel chipping away stopped. Archie had been out in the garden for the entire week.
Agnes was skeptical about Archie’s latest hobby, but it kept him out of the house.
The neighbours had stopped her in the street to ask her about the chainsaw noise at seven in the morning. They didn’t appreciate the axe chopping late into the evening either.
‘Are you ready for the big reveal?’ said Archie when he appeared a couple of hours later. He was covered in green and red paint.
She followed him out to the garden.
‘Ta-da!’
‘Dear God, Archie.’ Agnes stared at the huge wood sculptures. ‘Is that a squirrel dressed up as the devil?’
‘Yes it is.’
‘And a deformed alien?’
‘Yes.’
‘Why?’
‘Well, the chainsaw got away from me a bit so I adapted my original plans.’
‘What were your original plans?’
‘The Devil in the Centre of Hell from the Inferno part of Dante’s Divine Comedy.’
‘Uh-huh.’ Agnes stared at the monstrous creations that took up their entire garden. ‘A bit ambitious for a first attempt perhaps?’
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.
Very inventive and imaginative story. Nicely written, Lian.
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Thank you
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Nice story, Iain. Now I want to read the epic poem too. 🙂
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It’s heavy-going but worth it!
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Ha ha ha, poor Archie…great story Iain
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He tries! 🙂
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🙂 Aliens to Dante’s Inferno – that is some imagination. Great write.
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Thank you 🙂
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I don’t think Agnes appreciates Archies artistic side! Haha! Cute story, Iain!
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I’m afraid not. Perhaps he is just a misunderstood genius 🙂
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Convience of peace in the house and fancy garden sculptures too! Deep down she liked it as he was busy. Chainsaw or not.
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Anything to keep him out the way 🙂 Thanks Mark
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Hilarious! Great depiction of the retired man taking up a ridiculous hobby, to the chagrin of his neighbors and wife — and yes, I agree that Dante was a bit ambitious for a first try!
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Thanks Joy, I can see myself giving wood sculpting a try when the time comes! 🙂
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Maybe start smaller, eh?
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If Agnes can’t see how talented Archie is, I bet there’s a woman out there who can. Keep up the good work Archie!
I loved the story.
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Ha ha, I think she appreciates his effort really. Thank you 🙂
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A smile came to my lips as I read this one Iain…ambitious first efforts, you have to love them…
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Everyone loves a trier! Thanks Michael
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“Archie, put the chainsaw down and nobody gets hurt.” -The missus
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He’s a danger to himself more than anyone else!
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Haha. A squirrel dressed as the devil. I guess it does look a bit like that. Good stuff.
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Thank you.
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Taking chain saw art to a new high (Dante’s Inferno) or a new low? A smiler of a tale.
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Thanks Lorraine.
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Ohhh that’s a clever take on the prompt. It’s not that bad especially considering that it’s Archie’s first attempt. 🙂
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Thank you. He may improve if he sticks with it too 🙂
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That was a fun and very creative take on this unique photo prompt!
Vacation
Annie at ~McGuffy’s Reader~
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Thank you Annie
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I’d say Archie did well for a first attempt. He just needs to master the use of his unruly chainsaw. I’m sure Agnes will encourage his practice sessions, if only to keep him out of the house. 🙂
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She is secretly happy he has found a hobby out of the house! Thanks Millie
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Oh, Agnes, think back. Remember, you married Archie for his ambition. How quickly we forget. Loved this one, Iain. Great ending!
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Thanks John
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That was definitely ambitious for a first attempt. Though, give him time, I’m sure he’ll improve. 🙂 A fun story, Iain.
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He can only get better! Thank you 🙂
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Like the masters in their time, Archie remains a misunderstood artist. His time would come, surely. Good take on the prompt, Iain. Brought a smile. Cheers, Varad
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Thank you 🙂
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I’d like to order a lime green alien for our condo garden please?
Smiled to read this piece.
Ellespeth
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Thank you, I’m not sure Archie can reproduce the same thing twice though 🙂
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