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?’
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.
Iain Kelly 
63 responses to “AGALMATOPHILIA”
Nicely done, Iain. We thought along similar lines this week
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Thanks Neil, heading over to read now!
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Good take on the prompt Iain.
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Thank you
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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
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Best not to think about these things Rochelle. I’m hoping he just wants some innocent quiet company!
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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!
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Yes, and don’t ask questions! 😉
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Exactly! Some things are better not knowing. And take all other mannequins out of the shop before he comes back. 😉
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Ew.
Well done!
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Thanks Liz 🙂
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The second-hand shop across the road from me actually has several unadorned mannequins lined up outside right now! Send him my way!
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Rich pickings! 😉
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Oh, my! I don’t want to know what happens next! 😀
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I don’t think any of us does! 🙂
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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!
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Yes, it could be just a slightly weird lifestyle choice, but somehow he seems more sinister in his intentions! Thanks Penny.
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Eek, not sure I want to know how this one ends! Good one.
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No, glad I ran out of words and couldn’t continue the story!
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EWW
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Is the correct noise to make! Thanks Janet 🙂
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Now I’m feeling vaguely uneasy.
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As you should. Thanks Sandra.
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Very beautifully written. The ending, though pretty much expected, was distasteful.
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Thanks Neel
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Interesting that the Stepford wife lured the man in two stories!
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A definite theme this week, although he didn’t need much luring in my story 🙂
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Something about him is a little more than creepy..
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I’d avoid him to be honest.
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Ewwww!
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Indeed!
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I had to look up AGALMATOPHILIA, and got myself a little education. Kinda creepy 🙂
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Very creepy, but each to their own!
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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.
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Thanks Bill, reassuring to know I wasn’t the only who’s mind went this way this week! 🙂
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Doddered. Now you don’t here that very often! Nice.
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A good Scottish word,still hear it a lot round here 😀 thanks Danny
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Still trying to sow his wild oats? Mmmmm … maybe, not.
Somethings are best left alone.
Isadora 😎
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Or certainly unsaid!
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👍🏻 definitely 😎
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I guess he will die happy, but is she not the ice maiden,
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I’ve heard she can be a bit aloof.
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I learned a new word today 😃
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Not one you will use much, but you never know! 🙂
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I’ve gotten to the age where few things surprise me anymore.😎
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agalmatophilia – i had to google it and find out what it means. it wasn’t as scary as i thought. 🙂
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Not scary, but unusual!
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Oh dear. My head is spinning with visions of power drills and glory holes… Kinky and funny both.
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Haha, just the images I hoped it might inspire 😄 thank you!
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You’re welcome 🙂
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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.
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A very innocent reading of it, I like that you see the best in people! 🙂
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👀 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)
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Your mind is in the right place, so terribly dirty minds together! 🙂
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🤣🤣🤣
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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.
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Hopefully you’ll never need it…!
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I’m a bad person, I laughed. As long as it is consensual and doesn’t hurt anyone… Great twist, poor Marge…
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Thank you. Not sure how a mannequin gives consent, but so long as he keeps it private 😉
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Joke aside, combined with Margaret’s story, it would be pure horror!
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A few horrific ones this week! 🙂
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Wishes!
Pretty mannequin with the cold face still has admirers 🙂
Mine-
Are You There? – Anita
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Thanks Anita
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