This week’s #writephoto prompt is
It was a dark and stormy night…
‘Hello? Is anyone there?’
The man on the corner stopped the stranger. He held a large pipe. ‘Gotta light, Mac?’
‘No, but I can get hold of a short brown overcoat, if that helps.’
The man lowered his pipe and then turned away. ‘You want to be careful around here.’
The stranger watched him go. Exactly, he thought. He checked the slip of paper. Number 9. He walked along the gloomy alley until he reached the ninth door. He knocked.
A voice, at once both cheery and malevolent echoed from somewhere deep inside. ‘You want next door.’
‘I do?’
‘You counted from the wrong end.’
‘I did?’
‘Indeed. Though well done on getting us some peace.’
‘I did?’
‘You told that guy to pipe down.’
‘No, actually he did that of his accord.’
But there was no response.
The stranger went next door. He knocked.
‘What do you want?’ This voice oozed a sort of bland familiarity.
‘I’m looking for Banality and Bromide?’
‘Never heard of them.’
‘But I was told…’
‘Just bugger off.’
‘But I’m desperate.’
‘Desmond Perate? Well, that’s different. Did Ann Xious send you?’
‘Yes, she said…’
‘Shush, Des. Just come inside where no one can hear. If they weren’t deaf even the walls would hear.’
‘They have ears?’
‘Don’t be bloody daft; they’re made of bricks. Now if Ann sent you, you must be having an originality problem.’
‘Yes, exactly. Can you help?’
‘Take a seat. Now, bring it back and sit on it. How long have you struggled with your cliches?’
‘I noticed it last week. I promised myself I’d go round and round in circles only I started describing ellipses. I managed to force out one good turn…’
‘Did it deserve another?’
‘I hoped so, but by the I was at my wit’s end.’
‘Oh dear. What did you find?’
‘After the ‘T’ just a howling void.’
‘You must be desperate.’
‘I am. Though most people call me Dessie. Have you any idea what the problem is?’
‘I think so. Are you a writer?’
‘Yes.’
‘And you use two keyboards?’
‘How did you know?’
‘Oh, it’s not uncommon. You’ve been stereotyping.’
‘Wow. I never knew that could come on so quickly. Is there a treatment?’
‘There is. But you’ll have to do it on your own.’
‘Oh, my. Really. I’m not sure… I rather hoped to get some support.’
‘Everyone says that but in then end you’ll be pleased you did it singlehanded.’
The man from the corner poked his head round the door. ‘Can I put the pipe down now?’
Des and the man from number 9 glared at him. ‘Shush,’ they echoed.
TanGental 
Very clever.
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You are very kind
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My pleasure
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Clever, surreal and very funny!
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Thanks. Another case of letting ones imagination out on parole…
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Oh, Hus Geoffleship! Your imagination!
Cleverly done, though 😊
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a little tee hee
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I see clever Lee and Hugh Moore have been hard at work again. Nice indeed!
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oh wise words indeed
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Oh! Too clever for me!
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nah, course not
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🤔
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I couldn’t help myself – I had to laugh occasionally
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no self control
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I would say genius, but it would only encourage you to do more. Okay It’s genius.
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no, you’re right. ‘Sir, please put the ego down and step away…’
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Ha ha ha.
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Funny Geoff. A good start to the year!
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always grateful for your praise Di!
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Thanks Geoff!
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Bonzo Dog Doodah Band!
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someone picks up the cultural clues!! Gorilla was one of their best albums…
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Yes, I’m brilliant at the cultural clues as long as they’re 40 years out of date 😉.
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did you first see them on Do Not Adjust Your Set on children’s TV back in the 60s – early Python exposure
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I don’t remember exactly. However, they do still get played in this house!
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The stereotyping tickled me the most.
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I’m pleased to offer regular tickle updates to my readers
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Hilarious. I love it!
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Thanks
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‘You’ve been stereotyping’. Possibly the pun of the year. Oh, okay, this year, at any rate. Brilliant, as always 🙂
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Thanks. As a bear of little brain such compliments are gratefully received
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‘You’ve been stereotyping.’
Hahaha – this did make me laugh, Geoff. Very clever. Thank you so much for a brilliant contribution to the #writephoto challenge. KL ❤
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Some days brilliance emerges unbidden…. Apparently. I’m still waiting.
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