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.

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.
Very nice twist.
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Thank you 🙂
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The story took an unexpected turn. I hope that she can save up to finally move out of the small town! Great story, Iain!
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Thank you 🙂
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that was a great beginning and a nice ending.
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Thank you
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Nice misdirection, Iain, unless it’s just my sordid mind!
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Not at all, I knew exactly where I was trying to lead the reader. Glad it worked as desired.
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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?
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I hadn’t thought too much about the location, but knowing now, I can see it belonging to S. Queensferry. Glad my twist managed to still catch you out a little 😉
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Nice twist Iain! It took it to a totally different place, amazing. Jordan
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Thank you Jordan, I’m glad the twist worked.
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Typical Iain work. You make us think one way and then BAM it ends another. Nice.
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Thank you Janet 🙂
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Lovely Iain. Glad she was a street busker, didn’t see that coming.
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Thank you Di, then my plan has succeeded!
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It did indeed!!
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A lovely teasing misdirect
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Thank you Michael
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Nice one Ian, sounds like the start of an interesting story. I like the leg detail to, done well. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! 🦃
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Thank you Mandi, always lovely to hear from you, hope you are well and enjoying Thanksgiving!
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Expected a different profession, Iain.
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Thanks Joe, that was where I hoped to take you!
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looks like a place for movie sence.
Coffee is on
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Thank you
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Great story, Iain. Love the twist.
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Thank you, happy you liked it 🙂
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A feisty girl, knows her mind and capable to fighting drug pushers and other girls who want her corner. Good luck to her.
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Thank you
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Nice story, Iain. I liked the twist at the end. Her true profession was completely different from the one I was thinking of.
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Thank you, exactly as I had hoped 🙂
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Either a tasty twist or she had two jobs! Nice one Iain
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Ah, I never thought of it like that, but then a lot of people today do need to work 2 jobs to get by!
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Your stories have a seamless narrative arc which is so very attractive. As usual, wonderful writing Kelly.
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Thank you Neel
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Wonderful. I wrote a story that started out like this one. You never know what you’re reading until you read it. Bravo!
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Thanks Darnell, got to keep the reader on their toes!
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Proves the old adage, “Sex sells,” even if it’s not what’s expected. Nice one.
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I’m thinking it might be the only way I’ll ever get that book publishing deal!!
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Nice bit of misdirection 🙂
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Coming from the master of misdirection 🙂
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Ha, I am but a humble student.
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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! 🙂 ❤
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Thank you, I knew I was cheating the reader a bit, but hopefully in a good way 🙂
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Nicely crafted twist Iain.
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Thanks Dahlia
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