From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge(09/29/23). No more than 250 words in length. Otherwise, let your creative flag fly!
The men waiting outside the gate varied in height and weight, age and attractiveness. They stomped and shivered, pulling at the unkempt grass beneath their feet, sometimes picking out a long, seeded stalk to place in between their trembling lips. Some gave the others the side-eye when high-pitched shrieks erupted from the nearby woods, others chuckled and rubbed their hands, while still others kept their eyes on the ground, having already cased the competition and found themselves lacking. They’d been here before, some several times.
The third group — the repeating cohort – found the creatures within the enclosure a little frightening and a bit too aggressive, even with their level of preparation. But they’d been told under no uncertain terms, that continuing in the manner they had been would no longer be tolerated. So here they were.
The metallic claxon sounded the alarm, urging them forward, toward the turnstile and toward the sign that gave them their final caution. The Chucklers pushed ahead of the others, ignoring the words of warning. The Side-Eyes had heard the stories, but nevertheless followed swiftly, confident.
The Repeats shuffled, wide-eyed, behind them into the open field, taking the words to heart: “Stop, Look, Listen. Beware of Trains.” They knew from witnessing; stepping on bridal trains in pursuit of a wife was sure death.
Another claxon call and the gate on the far side of the field squealed open. There was a tremendous thundering of high heels, chiffon and satin.
Here come the brides!
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2023)

I loved the clever, surprise ending!
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Thanks, Ann!
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Wonderful surprise ending, Liz. Great story!
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Thanks, Nancy!
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I was expecting Handel’s Wedding March as the soundtrack. What a hooting hoot of a train.
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Wait…is that a light at the end of the tunnel. RUUUNN!!
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Still smiling here, Liz.
That was unexpected and so well set up.
What a great take on the prompt.
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Thank you, Jenne. That curved gate, the sign in the picture prompt? Rich source of material! 💖
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Quite a build-up, and then that ending! I certainly didn’t see brides coming with the shrieks coming from the woods, from creatures frightening and aggressive! Well done :)
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Gotcha!
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A scary tale indeed! What do you think the collective noun for a group of brides should be? A captive of brides?
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In this case, maybe an Uprising of Brides?
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Perfect!
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Wow! Quite unexpected.
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😉😂
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😂😂😂
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I did not see round the bend of this story but there it is, and that’s as fine a tradition as any.
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Desperate times…
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What an ending. I was scared from the beginning wondering who was going to get clobbered. I’m glad I wasn’t on that train.
Cute and clever story.
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Thank you, kind Lady!
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Brilliant, Liz!
Totally off the wall.
(Send me your dealer’s contact details, okay?)
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No dealer. It’s all natural. 😂
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No dealer. It’s all just me!
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