Iain Kelly

‘Authentic Beach Barbecue’ the leaflet had assured them.

Archie had his doubts. The nearest beach was at least thirty miles away for a start. Just another anomaly in the zoo that combined as an amusement park.

Two pasty-looking teenagers wheeled out trays covered in tinfoil and started unwrapping the precooked food.

Agnes perched herself on one of the plastic flamingos that surrounded the glorified sandpit, glad to rest her feet after traipsing round the animal enclosures all day. ‘Hardly feels like we’re in Hawaii.’

‘Well, we’ve paid for it. Might as well stay and enjoy it.’

Agnes huffed but conceded. They joined the queue. Assorted meats were piled high. Archie couldn’t help but picture the sad-looking animals in cages they had been viewing all day as a slab of charred steak was deposited on his plate.

They sat down to eat, joined at the table by a group of noisy middle-aged ladies. The entertainment began. Jaded-looking hula dancing girls in grass skirts shuffled around while an ageing crooner appeared and gave tired renditions of Hawaiian songs.

***

Later that night, perched over the hotel toilet as the steak took its revenge, Archie vowed never to use an online discount deal again.

Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Susan Spaulding. For more details visit HERE.

To read more of the stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

This is the 25th story featuring Agnes and Archie – you can read more of their adventures here: THE AGNES AND ARCHIE STORIES.