Many thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr for their photo prompt, THE UNICORN CHALLENGE.  (04/18/2025). No more than 250 words in length.

It was a toss-up, for sure. What was the look for the evening gala? And what kind of statement did he want to make?

The gala was a high-stakes fundraiser for the Poseidon Society, Ariel division. Funds for environment and public welfare had been axed by the New Republic Dictatoress, on a drastic mission to prove herself by cutting costs with the simple act of eliminating services of any kind. Why consider need when all it takes is a little cost-shifting? Lower levels of government could bear the cost with added fees, sales, and property taxes.

And not-for-profits could take up the slack with galas like tonight’s event, featuring a nationally acclaimed celebrity as guest speaker, local stars and Wanna-be’s willing to dress up as their favorite aquatic creature, or  undersea adventurer. Lots of photo and reel opportunities, and if he played his cards right, he could get contacts and public exposure for his own film project.

Given that this was the Ariel division of the International Poseidon Society, he was expecting a lot of red heads in clam shell tops, but hopefully not too many Prince Erics in wet shirts and tight black pants. As long as they could both act and sing, he’d keep an open mind.

But he had a big decision to make: should he go colorful or classic? Should he go red power wetsuit, or would a black-tie wetsuit seal the deal?

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2025)