Pic from the National Portrait Gallery website, UK. Photographer Lewis Carroll
“Come on Alice, tell the tale.”
“We won’t be shocked, dearest.”
“There’s nothing to tell. He was a shy man, bit of a stutterer, and very good at storytelling and maths.”
Effie, the eldest, drew her shawl tighter, poking the bonfire with a glowing stick.
Sophia, years younger, as yet unmarried, leaned forward, eyes gleaming. “Yes, do tell, before the husbands come!”
“I don’t want to. Leave off, Sophia, please.”
The fire popped, a gunshot.
“I’ll tell you this, though!” Alice leapt to her feet, laughing.
“’Twas brilliag, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe*…’”
*Lewis Carroll (you know the poem, you know the book, 1871)
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2020)
Carrot Ranch Prompt (10/22/2020): In 99 words (no more, no less), write a spooky tale told around a campfire. It doesn’t have to include the campfire; it can be the tale. Go where the prompt leads!
Valley of the Trolls 
Pingback: Spooky Tales « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
Some tales indeed are best untold.
Great moral of the story – don’t be too nosy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But never fail to care, because that always carries the day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful sentiment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
To be Alice Liddel, telling tales around the campfire. The rabbit hole sounds spookier.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Inspired tale, Liz. Made me go all mimsy in the borogoves thinking about what really went on in private between Alice and the Rev.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Let’s hope it was bu an awkward young man’s fancy and nothing more…
LikeLike
Had me spooked in a similar way, Doug. Glad it went silly instead.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Spooky, Liz! Thanks for getting in touch this morning. I’d sure hate for your entry in Rodeo Contest #3 be your Spooky Tale! 🙂 Have a great weekend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person