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

    Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

  3. 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. 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. 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. 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. So much wisdom in this flash!

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Like

  7. Absolutely brilliant satire there, Iain. Brilliant.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, very kind.

      Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

    Click to read my story

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Like

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Like

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Mark, much appreciated.

      Like

  12. Great take, loved the contrasting imagery.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. 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

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

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Great take on the prompt and well written.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. That resto will be a thorough mess.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’d hate to be the cleaner!

      Like

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

    Liked by 1 person

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