IAIN KELLY

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY

He straightened from examining his ancient car engine as she approached. ‘Evening, ma’am. Can I help you?’

‘I’m a little lost. Is the road to Ashville around here?’

‘Sure is, you’re standing on it. You just follow it straight on ahead.’

Hilda looked perplexedly at the thick, untrammelled forest.

‘When you get to town tell the garage Bert needs a new carburettor.’

‘I sure will.’

‘And if you see my wife, ask her what’s taking her so long.’ The man smiled and turned back to his car.

Only then did she notice the gaping red hole where the back of his head should have been.


teds-car-in-the-woods
Copyright Ted Strutz

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.


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130 responses to “IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY”

  1. The Reclining Gentleman Avatar

    Wow I didn’t see that last line coming! That’s the last time I open the bonnet of my car without checking behind me first 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Always keep an eye on what’s behind you!!

      Like

  2. i b arora Avatar

    the end was totally unexpected

    Liked by 1 person

  3. magarisa Avatar

    A shocking ending! The thick, untrammelled forest was a good clue, but I didn’t pick up on it until I read your story the second time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Anshu Bhojnagarwala Avatar

    Though the thick untrammeled forest gave me a hint, the red gaping hole still came as a surprise! Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Sascha Darlington Avatar

    Excellent ghost story!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Sascha

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Susi Bocks Avatar

    :O Did not expect that!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Nice to cause a surprise!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. michaelwynnauthor Avatar

    Sounds like the wife is gone forever and has been sometime. Great shock value at the end

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Michael

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Varad Avatar

    Ah! Gotta love those friendly ghosts always ready to help stranded women 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Way better than the evil ones!

      Like

  9. Priya Avatar

    Sometimes a ghost is better than a living human, I guess. Well written, as always, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. lisarey1990 Avatar

    So unexpected!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. shaktikisharma Avatar

    Ohh my god the punch at the end! Did noy see that coming!

    Liked by 1 person

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