STREET HUSTLER

~ Iain Kelly

This was her spot. Ideally quiet away from traffic at the end of the alley, yet near enough to the main roads of the city centre to guarantee custom.

She had fought off challengers over the last few months. Not just other, older, more experienced girls who knew a prime sight when they saw one, but drug pushers trying to claim her corner too.

She had a couple of loyal consumers that she could rely on to keep her income steady. The authorities had tried to move her on in the beginning, had given her a formal warning, but now let her be.

She adjusted her short skirt – always helped to show a bit of leg, cynical but true – and got set for another day of work.

She threw the strap over her head, adjusted the tuning on her guitar and then confidently hit the first chord.

Soon a small crowd had gathered and her guitar case held a few shiny coins and a couple of notes. Enough to add to her savings and finally get her out of this small town.

The big city beckoned.

steps
Copyright John Brand

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.

Published by Iain Kelly

39 year old writer, avid film viewer and book reader, employed in the media industry as a television editor.

46 thoughts on “STREET HUSTLER”

  5. A compact but beautifully formed story Iain. You’ve fitted in an impressive range of social issues. I thought early on that there was a twist coming, but you wrong-footed me and took me by surprise with what the twist was. Loved it.

    I wondered whether you’d sussed where the photo was taken?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Nice story, Iain. I liked the twist at the end. Her true profession was completely different from the one I was thinking of.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  21. Not the ending I was expecting… but a good one, nonetheless. I could picture the girl, skimpy dress…expected a john on the horizon… threw me with the guitar. Loved it! 🙂 ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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