IAIN KELLY

THE CUP RUNNETH OVER RESTAURANT

The Cup Runneth Over, the latest trendy art restaurant, had been open for two months. The wait to book a table was three months.

Harold fought through the protesters. Their cries about the misuse of the scriptures for commercial gain had provided further publicity. Business was booming.

He was shown to his table where Cleo was waiting.

The abstract sculpturist was the only one of Harold’s clients successful enough to get a table in a place like this.

‘I ordered while waiting,’ she said, behind sunglasses.

‘Sorry I’m late,’ Harold mumbled in the dim light.

A waiter arrived with drinks. Cleo’s champagne fizzed over the side of her glass. Harold’s café au lait overflowed.

The food followed. Two plates of Kobe beef in a garden pea purée that dripped onto the table.

Cleo sighed in ecstasy. ‘Isn’t it marvellous? The statement about the rich overabundance in a world devoured by poverty.’ She crammed succulent meat into her mouth.

Harold burned his fingers as he tried to pick up his spilt coffee. ‘They could be more helpful by just serving smaller portions.’


photo-20170814154620751
Copyright Artycaptures

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.

37 responses to “THE CUP RUNNETH OVER RESTAURANT”

  1. Moon Avatar
    Moon

    I would make sure to not order warm beverages in that restaurant.🙂
    Great story , Iain .

    Liked by 1 person

  2. yarnspinnerr Avatar

    Lovely word-smithy. Especially liked the contrast you created.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Fandango Avatar

    The first thing I thought of when I saw that picture was “my cup runneth over,” but I couldn’t for the life of me come up with a story. You did. Nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks, definitely one of the trickier prompts to come up with a short story for, glad you appreciated my effort.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. James Avatar

    Not sure naming a restaurant after a phrase found in Psalm 23 would prompt protests, particularly since said phrase has long since made its way into common usage.

    I’d be more likely to protest opulent waste of food in a starving world.

    Good use of the prompt, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks James – I’m sure there is a group of people somewhere who will take offence – there always is these days.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Michael Avatar

    quality mate!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael

      Like

  6. Liz Husebye Hartmann Avatar

    So much wisdom in this flash!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Liz 🙂

      Like

  7. Priceless Joy Avatar

    So true! If they served smaller portions it would help humanity but then they would have to change the name of the restaurant. Great story, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      And the theme of the restaurant is more important!… Thanks PJ 🙂

      Like

      1. Priceless Joy Avatar

        Yes, so true!

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Varad Avatar

    Absolutely brilliant satire there, Iain. Brilliant.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, very kind.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. marja Avatar

    Very descriptive and good point is made The wasting of food in the west
    Well done

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Marja

      Like

  10. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    Perhaps the protestors should open a restaurant called My Cup Halfeth Empty!

    Click to read my story

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Haha. I bet they would attract a very depressed clientele!

      Like

  11. Susan Avatar

    I hope his overflowing cafe au lait did not look like the photo. Yuck!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I tried to not look at the photo too much – yuck indeed!

      Like

  12. any1mark Avatar

    Surely out will be a future stop on the Good Networks Gluttony shows. Nice work with the prompt!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Mark, much appreciated.

      Like

  13. Enkin Anthem Avatar

    Great take, loved the contrasting imagery.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Kalpana Solsi Avatar

    They could serve smaller portions but in the decadent place this thought would be consigned to a corner. the opulent and poverty are rightly juxtaposed.

    http://ideasolsi65.blogspot.in/2017/08/parenting.html

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Nis Avatar
    Nis

    Nice work! I am now suitably hungry and must be off to grab a bite to eat 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  16. athling2001 Avatar

    Great take on the prompt and well written.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  17. jacquelineobyikocha Avatar

    That resto will be a thorough mess.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I’d hate to be the cleaner!

      Like

  18. milliethom Avatar

    Great story, Iain, which suits your title so well. Love the punchline, too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Millie

      Like

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