Beware a politician bearing gifts   #writespiration #shortstory #flashfiction

Posted on May 12, 2016 by TanGental

She remembered two things from her first day as a minister – all political careers end in failure and nothing’s forgotten more quickly than a reshuffled minister. And here she was being reshuffled to let ‘Big Beast’ Bertrand Collins back in now he had won a by election.

Elise felt cheated. The PM’s oily sincerity while his people analysed her, checking for signs of rebellion. He hadn’t stayed in power for so long without such checks. And Elise couldn’t – didn’t want to – hide her disappointment. ‘Take a break,’ he said. ‘Use our island. Be pampered.’

Here she was, in tropical splendour. All sorts of fun and now this. They were to take a cast of her, like at Tussauds. She’d noticed the figurines already, lifelike if a little chilling. Maybe they seemed out of place here.

They wrapped her, while she sipped a cocktail and dozed.

Her brain felt fried. How could she be still wrapped up and why were they carrying her downstairs?

As the men tilted her upright she realised the awful truth and what it was about the eyes of the figurines that has so disturbed her.

This story is prompted by Sacha Black’s Writespiration here.

Write a story about Doll Island, maybe its doll island in Mexico, or perhaps another kind of dystopian doll island, maybe they are all robots. Is it scary or a little girls heaven? Whatever you do include an island of dolls in your story. Less than 200 words please.

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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20 Responses to Beware a politician bearing gifts   #writespiration #shortstory #flashfiction

  1. Jane Dougherty says:
    May 12, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    Nasty. Funny that there is really nothing else about dolls that stirs the imagination. I haven’t plucked up the courage to tackle this one yet.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Sacha Black says:
    May 12, 2016 at 3:37 pm

    WTF… you are disturbed Geoffle!! I fricking love it. You always seem to nail the horror despite not writing it very often. My eyes actually bugged out at the end!

    Like

  3. Mick Canning says:
    May 12, 2016 at 3:41 pm

    Ooh, dark one, Geoff!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Ritu says:
    May 12, 2016 at 4:51 pm

    Er ok… creepy! !!!

    Like

  5. Hugh's Views and News says:
    May 12, 2016 at 5:09 pm

    I wonder if this could really happen to certain politicians? I don’t think many would mind. Another great dark tale, Geoff.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Autism Mom says:
    May 12, 2016 at 9:55 pm

    Deliciously creepy!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Let's CUT the Crap! says:
    May 12, 2016 at 11:53 pm

    N.a.s.t.y. Chilling, but superb reading. 😀 😀 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  8. noelleg44 says:
    May 13, 2016 at 2:48 am

    You are one crazy dude! Good stuff. Politicians bearing gifts – we got one: Bernie Sanders: free food, free housing, free college education, free medical care. The millennials love him.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Sarah Brentyn says:
    May 13, 2016 at 3:04 am

    Ugh. This prompt was so creepy to begin with. Nice job with it! 😱

    Like

  11. Charli Mills says:
    May 17, 2016 at 5:40 pm

    Creepy, yet somehow poetic justice for politicians…they are turning on their own kind!

    Like

  12. Pingback: Flash in a Flash – #Writespiration 89 | Sacha Black

  13. Marje @ Kyrosmagica says:
    May 18, 2016 at 8:14 am

    Oh, Geoff are you trying to give me nightmares!! Very creepy ending…

    Like

  14. Judy Martin says:
    May 18, 2016 at 8:22 am

    Ooooh Creeeeeeeeeepy!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Pingback: Flash in a Flash - #Writespiration 89 - SACHA BLACK

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