NOT CAREFUL WHAT HE WISHED FOR

 

Photo Copyright: Sally-Ann Hodgekiss

This story was written for Sunday Photo Fiction–May 14th, 2017. Each week the host, Al Forbes, provides a picture prompt taken by him or donated by one of the participants in the group of writers. The challenge for each member of the group is to write an original story or poem with no more than 200 words, not including the title and inspired by the prompt. This week’s prompt was donated by Sally-Ann Hodgekiss. Thanks, Sally-Ann.

To read the other stories written by group members, just click on the link below, then on the little blue frog in the blue box.

The link to the other stories this week is as follows:

https://sundayphotofictioner.wordpress.com/2017/05/14/sunday-photo-fiction-may-14th-2017/

Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Word Count: 200 Words

NOT CAREFUL WHAT HE WISHED FOR by P.S. Joshi

In Rome in the Middle Ages a man named Rodolfo lived in the heart of the city not far from a large fountain. He was a powerfully-built man, proud of his muscles.

One hot day an old bent peddler pulled his cart down Rodolfo’s street. Noticing the well-built young man he stopped in front of him.

“Signor,” he whispered, leaning close, “I have something you might like.”

He reached under a cloth in the middle of the cart and pulled out a brass lamp. It needed polishing but was in perfect condition despite its ancient appearance.

Rodolfo studied it and decided he must have it.

“How much do you want for it old man? I’ve just finished carving some furniture for a client and may be able to afford it if you don’t overcharge.”

They haggled and Rodolfo paid.

As the old man hobbled off he said, “It’ll grant wishes but be careful what you ask for.”

Rodolfo just laughed. “You’re crazy old man.”

He took his purchase inside and started to clean it. In jest he said to the lamp, “I want to be famous in all Rome.”

The next morning there was a new figure on the fountain.”