The Nature of the Beast
Walking this beautiful passageway one could be forgiven for not seeing the true reality of life here. To the left Madam Shaffener kept a house of ill repute, her sixtyone cats terrorised the neighbourhood birds. To the right Mr Nutter sat each day at his work bench, whittling pieces of flotsam into small animals, which he sold to the many tourists who arrived daily on cruise boats. Both Mr Nutter and Madam Shaffener however held a secret passion. Each was indebted to the other for this passion. When darkness arrived, they would climb their staircases, then one would cross the arch.
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There’s a real old world charm to this
Thank you, Neil. I am reading a less well known book by Daphne du Maurier [called Mary Ann] at present, perhaps some of her magic rubbed of on me.
Intriguing story , Michael .
Thank you Moon,
Dear Michael,
Enchanting little story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, Rochelle. I am reading a less well known book by Daphne du Maurier [called Mary Ann] at present, perhaps some of her magic rubbed of on me.
Love this – the two curious, quirky worlds united by passion. Gorgeous
Thank you so much Lynn. I so wanted to write about all the residents of this street, in one hundred words. Of course I failed
You did a grand job, Michael. Lovely work
Thank you Lynn, I really appreciate your comment
My pleasure
This is great. I love their secret passion.
I so appreciate your comment. I am reading a less well known book by Daphne du Maurier [called Mary Ann] some of the magic rubbed off on me.
I hope they are not up to anything naughty! Nice one.
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Now what makes you think that.
Passion can rule it all! Well done! 🙂
Thank you Courtney; nothing wrong with two lonely souls comming together. I am reading a less well known book by Daphne du Maurier [called Mary Ann] at present, perhaps some of her magic rubbed of on me.
Lovely idea to look at the people who live behind the doors. Well done.
Thank you Iain, writing about behind closed doors or walls etc is a past time of mine.
Nice take on the prompt. I like that you looked beyond the walls.
Sadly it is something I do, then again perhaps all writers try to look deeper into their characters. I am reading a less well known book by Daphne du Maurier [called Mary Ann] at present, perhaps some of her magic rubbed of on me.
Things aren’t always as they seem 🙂
That is so true.
Lovely little tale.
Gives a feel-good feeling
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Thank you, that is the sort of feeling that I was hoping for.
Collusion. I guess more than just a friendly business transaction, huh? Or maybe it really was.
Great read, Mike!
Thank you so much, they had found that they had so much in common. After they both moved overseas to start new life’s
How wonderful! A secret love. Great story Michael. :o)
I think they also find their situation wonderful.
Well told.
Thank you Christine.
Me like a lot! This is really great! Mr. Nutter and his muse are enjoying life for sure! Nan
So glad you enjoyed this story, thank you, Nan
that was lovely, Michael! Love in secret in the autumn of their lives!
Dale I am so glad that you enjoyed this story
ouuuu, a little bit o’ ‘closet’ romance at work! Love it!
So kind, I am so pleased at your comment. Thank you.
Beautiful. Why do they meet in the secret? Fear of judgement by the society? And I like the way that the invisible top part of the arch (in the picture) plays a vital role in your story. Cheers, Varad
They enjoy the edge that being secret lovers gives to there meeting, I was so pleased to get your comment. Thank you.
There are mazes of old colonies in cities of India. I know passions and idiosyncrasy often festers in such places.
I agree, passion and or idiosyncrasies are good for the human soul
Excellent piece, Michael.
But why not play their dominoes in the front room?
But the neighbours would see all! And the beds more comfortable
Each has two passions in their lives.
Even possibly more! Time will tell. Thank you James
Lovely romance and I enjoy how you wove this beautiful arch into your story 🙂
That is kind of you to say so. I am hoping that this pair of characters return to feature again
Me too 🙂
Well done. So the crazy cat lady runs a brothel? That’s a good take. 🙂
The cats think so. I am pleased you enjoyed my story. I have high hopes that these characters will return.
I think eccentric characters are always welcome! 🙂
Me to Sascha
Thank you. Sascha
Secret, charming and sort of surreal liaison, I enjoyed this
I am so pleased. Thank you Micheal
Oooooooh! Cross-arch passion! I like this! Well done, sir!
Now I am wondering what this pair of characters will bring to the table next. Thank you for your comment Miles
Ah, a nighttime world of unsuspected passion. Good writing, Michael. 🙂 — Suzanne
Sometimes I find it is strange what comes out of a prompt picture.
I love this. I can almost picture these two off-beat people finding solace in each other’s arms. Really nice!
Your comment pleased me, for off beat was how I saw things. And we all need companionship at some piont