IAIN KELLY

ARCHIE’S INFERNO

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?’


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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.

39 responses to “ARCHIE’S INFERNO”

  1. neelwritesblog Avatar

    Very inventive and imaginative story. Nicely written, Lian.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Moon Avatar
    Moon

    Nice story, Iain. Now I want to read the epic poem too. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It’s heavy-going but worth it!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Balaka Avatar

    Ha ha ha, poor Archie…great story Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      He tries! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. yarnspinnerr Avatar

    🙂 Aliens to Dante’s Inferno – that is some imagination. Great write.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Priceless Joy Avatar

    I don’t think Agnes appreciates Archies artistic side! Haha! Cute story, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I’m afraid not. Perhaps he is just a misunderstood genius 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. any1mark Avatar

    Convience of peace in the house and fancy garden sculptures too! Deep down she liked it as he was busy. Chainsaw or not.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Anything to keep him out the way 🙂 Thanks Mark

      Like

  7. Joy Pixley Avatar

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Joy, I can see myself giving wood sculpting a try when the time comes! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Joy Pixley Avatar

        Maybe start smaller, eh?

        Liked by 1 person

  8. JS Brand Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Ha ha, I think she appreciates his effort really. Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Michael Avatar

    A smile came to my lips as I read this one Iain…ambitious first efforts, you have to love them…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Everyone loves a trier! Thanks Michael

      Liked by 1 person

  10. James Avatar

    “Archie, put the chainsaw down and nobody gets hurt.” -The missus

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      He’s a danger to himself more than anyone else!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. hombrehompson Avatar

    Haha. A squirrel dressed as the devil. I guess it does look a bit like that. Good stuff.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  12. Lorraine Avatar

    Taking chain saw art to a new high (Dante’s Inferno) or a new low? A smiler of a tale.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Lorraine.

      Like

  13. Shweta Suresh Avatar

    Ohhh that’s a clever take on the prompt. It’s not that bad especially considering that it’s Archie’s first attempt. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you. He may improve if he sticks with it too 🙂

      Like

  14. McGuffy's Reader Avatar

    That was a fun and very creative take on this unique photo prompt!
    Vacation
    Annie at ~McGuffy’s Reader~

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Annie

      Liked by 1 person

  15. milliethom Avatar

    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. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      She is secretly happy he has found a hobby out of the house! Thanks Millie

      Liked by 1 person

  16. John Davis Frain Avatar

    Oh, Agnes, think back. Remember, you married Archie for his ambition. How quickly we forget. Loved this one, Iain. Great ending!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  17. afairymind Avatar

    That was definitely ambitious for a first attempt. Though, give him time, I’m sure he’ll improve. 🙂 A fun story, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      He can only get better! Thank you 🙂

      Like

  18. L.E.R.T Avatar

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  19. Ellespeth Avatar

    I’d like to order a lime green alien for our condo garden please?
    Smiled to read this piece.
    Ellespeth

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, I’m not sure Archie can reproduce the same thing twice though 🙂

      Like

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