100 Word Story from Photograph (Heat)
Write a 100 word story about the couple in this photograph. See if you can include the sensory sensations of summer heat. Paid subscribers are encouraged to post your stories below. Can’t wait to read them!
Prompt words: banana, suntan lotion, toenails, sweat, mom, chirp, plastic, argument, peppery
Magic in LaLa Land
It was a peppery day, and even the sun seemed to sweat on Venice Beach. Just another stage for the LaLanes, they sauntered across the sand. The people spread out on beach towels peeked, but pretended not to recognize the famous couple. A few stared as Elaine rubbed suntan lotion on herself. Others heard her chirp, Can you do my back? Sure, Jack said, lifting her straight up over his head with one arm. He glazed the dry spot as she floated on his palm, flashing a smile. People still swear they thought they saw her spin.
So this kid got a new camera, stopped me on the beach, “Hey you look like Reg Park, betcha can’t shoulder press my sister.” I could smell his desperation through the suntan lotion. I thought if anything, free photo. They’d been arguing over her freshly painted toenails getting covered in sand and her mood was peppery. She’d been stress eating bananas. The salty tide took hold of my senses when I lifted her.
“You’re a bit heavy,” I said.
“You’re a bit hot,” she cocked an eyebrow.
Forty years later, we’re still trying to keep it a little of both.