AGALMATOPHILIA

The old-timer doddered into the shop, heading straight for the wedding dress on the mannequin in the window. He stared at it, his eyes dewy. His hand reached out to touch the material.

Marge went over to him. ‘Can I help you?’

‘Thank you, dear. Just reminded me of something.’

‘Your wedding day?’ she smiled in sympathy, imagining a long marriage ending inevitably in old age.

His eyes changed, a mischievous glint. ‘Not the dress, dear.’

Marge watched his hand. It wasn’t on the dress anymore. It was stroking the mannequin’s arm. It reached up and touched the cold, smooth face.

‘How much to take this beauty home with me, dear?’

Copyright John Nixon

Written for Friday Fictioneers 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 more stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

For anyone on NetGalley, ‘The Barra Boy’ is now available to download until the 18th of July.

63 responses to “AGALMATOPHILIA”

  1. Nicely done, Iain. We thought along similar lines this week

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Neil, heading over to read now!

      Like

  2. Good take on the prompt Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Dear Iain,

    An apt title for your entertaining story. I really don’t want to know what he’s going to do with the mannequin once he gets her home. 😉

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Best not to think about these things Rochelle. I’m hoping he just wants some innocent quiet company!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Good story! If I was the shop keeper I think I would just give it to him so that he can get out of the store faster. LOL!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, and don’t ask questions! 😉

      Like

      1. Exactly! Some things are better not knowing. And take all other mannequins out of the shop before he comes back. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  5. The second-hand shop across the road from me actually has several unadorned mannequins lined up outside right now! Send him my way!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Rich pickings! 😉

      Like

  6. Oh, my! I don’t want to know what happens next! 😀

    Like

    1. I don’t think any of us does! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  7. I like the title – it really arrests the attention! You turned my feelings for the man from sympathy to distaste very adroitly – which is a bit challenging, because he’s not planning anything illegal, he’s just a lonely old man. It must be that glint in his eye!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, it could be just a slightly weird lifestyle choice, but somehow he seems more sinister in his intentions! Thanks Penny.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Eek, not sure I want to know how this one ends! Good one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. No, glad I ran out of words and couldn’t continue the story!

      Like

    1. Is the correct noise to make! Thanks Janet 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Now I’m feeling vaguely uneasy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. As you should. Thanks Sandra.

      Like

  10. Very beautifully written. The ending, though pretty much expected, was distasteful.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Interesting that the Stepford wife lured the man in two stories!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. A definite theme this week, although he didn’t need much luring in my story 🙂

      Like

  12. Something about him is a little more than creepy..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’d avoid him to be honest.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. I had to look up AGALMATOPHILIA, and got myself a little education. Kinda creepy 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Very creepy, but each to their own!

      Liked by 1 person

  14. There are so many weird places this story can go. You and Neil could could combine for some interesting but off-beat adventures. Well done, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Bill, reassuring to know I wasn’t the only who’s mind went this way this week! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Doddered. Now you don’t here that very often! Nice.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. A good Scottish word,still hear it a lot round here 😀 thanks Danny

      Like

  16. Still trying to sow his wild oats? Mmmmm … maybe, not.
    Somethings are best left alone.
    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Or certainly unsaid!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I guess he will die happy, but is she not the ice maiden,

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’ve heard she can be a bit aloof.

      Like

  18. Andrea Robinson-Decorating Pumpkins Differently Avatar
    Andrea Robinson-Decorating Pumpkins Differently

    I learned a new word today 😃

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Not one you will use much, but you never know! 🙂

      Like

      1. Andrea Robinson-Decorating Pumpkins Differently Avatar
        Andrea Robinson-Decorating Pumpkins Differently

        I’ve gotten to the age where few things surprise me anymore.😎

        Liked by 1 person

  19. agalmatophilia – i had to google it and find out what it means. it wasn’t as scary as i thought. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Not scary, but unusual!

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Oh dear. My head is spinning with visions of power drills and glory holes… Kinky and funny both.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha, just the images I hoped it might inspire 😄 thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome 🙂

        Like

  21. Poor old-timer. Perhaps all he needs is someone to sit with him in front of the TV in the evening. She can do that. Good story, and a bit sad.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. A very innocent reading of it, I like that you see the best in people! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  22. 👀 well!
    Does she let him purchase it or throw him out? I’m thinking he has plans ! Goodness. (Either that, or I have a terribly dirty mind haha)

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Your mind is in the right place, so terribly dirty minds together! 🙂

      Like

  23. That mannequin’s getting a lot of love this week. Unfortunately, it’s only reciprocated in ’80s movies. And I learned a new word that I already forgot.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hopefully you’ll never need it…!

      Liked by 1 person

  24. I’m a bad person, I laughed. As long as it is consensual and doesn’t hurt anyone… Great twist, poor Marge…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. Not sure how a mannequin gives consent, but so long as he keeps it private 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Joke aside, combined with Margaret’s story, it would be pure horror!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. A few horrific ones this week! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  25. Wishes!
    Pretty mannequin with the cold face still has admirers 🙂

    Mine-
    Are You There? – Anita

    Liked by 1 person

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