The Screw Turn Mansion

/ February 5, 2015

Friday Fictioneers is a weekly blog link-up. The Challenge – write a one hundred word (plus or minus) story with a beginning, middle, and end inspired by the picture. The Key – make every word count. Up to the challenge? Join in!

garden-maze

The Screw Turn Mansion

It was the tiniest of episodes, but some felt I needed the country air. I arrived to a welcoming host who explained the layout of the estate as she showed me to my room, the one with the view of the gardens.

Her grandson took my hand and dictated my week: running through the brook one day, rolling down the hill another. I was sad to say good-bye, but readied with enthusiasm to return to work.

“Thank you for your stay,” my host said.
“My pleasure,” I said. “Your grandson is wonderful.”
“I’m sorry?” she answered. “There are no children here.”

*****

101 words. Fiction. Feedback is always appreciated. Comments of any kind really — so long as they are related to the post. What story comes to mind when you see that picture? Join in! 

This week it’s one of my pictures. I’m thrilled to be able to contribute, and excited to read everyone’s stories (now that I’ve written mine). Thank you, Rochelle, for everything you do to keep this going.

*Image © Copyright: Melanie Greenwood
**The ads (which may appear) below are not mine, but they keep this free for me. Do with them as you choose.

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53 thoughts on “The Screw Turn Mansion”

    • Thanks Amy. No truth, really. This was a product of my imagination. But there was some talk of whether the cabin where we had our final dinner was haunted. The owner had visited it in Montana and fell in love with it. So he bought it, had it disassembled log by log and shipped to Wisconsin, and then re-built it and turned it into a shooting club by day and restaurant by night. There was definitely a presence there.

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    • The setting is open to interpretation. In my mind I saw it in modern times as a historic house turned into a bed and breakfast, but it could just as easy be late 19th century, or any other for that matter. “Country air” has been a remedy for mental breakdowns for centuries.
      Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙂

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  16. I just had an ‘oh, of course’ moment when I looked at the title again. So clever!

    And thanks for providing the picture – it made me write a strange story I didn’t expect.

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    • I wanted the title to be a reference, but also work as a stand-alone. I’m glad the proverbial “light” came on for you. I think it adds depth to the story, but that could be wishful thinking.

      You’re welcome for the picture. I’m honored to share one. I hope a strange story you didn’t expect was a good experience.

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      • Yes, strange story I didn’t expect was definitely good 🙂

        I don’t think it’s wishful thinking. A good title can add to a story, especially these very short ones, and I think yours does.

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        • I like to try to use the title as “free words” to add to the story. Sometimes it works.
          I’m making my way through the stories. I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s inspirations.

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  25. Great twist at the end. I wonder if it was really a ghost or part of the reason she needed a rest. I kind of hope it was a ghost. Well done. Thanks for the great picture that made our stories possible this week. 🙂 — Suzanne

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    • I’m glad it made you wonder. Thank you Suzanne. I’m also glad you liked the picture. I enjoyed all the great stories that came from it.

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