Writing Prompt 19: Mannequins
There’s so much potential for stories in unexpected places. Sometimes, all we need is time for them to take shape in our imagination. Let’s see what story you find here in this group of mannequins.
I remembered, all of a sudden, this picture buried within my photo stream, taken a few years ago.
How often do we scroll through our digital photo albums only to find ourselves down a rabbit hole of forgotten moments? It's like unearthing buried treasures, each image holding within it a story waiting to be told.
This week's photograph captures a strange still moment taken amidst the hustle and bustle of a late Fall afternoon at the local shopping mall. Peering through the window at the lifeless mannequins, I wonder at the countless stories you could find here.
The beauty of storytelling lies in its boundless possibilities. What story will you uncover within this photograph? Will it be one of adventure and discovery; of friendship and camaraderie, or something entirely unexpected?
Look beyond the surface of the image and delve deep into the intricacies of each detail. Allow yourself to be transported to a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and every moment is ripe with potential.
So, away you go. Find a story here, in surreal picture buried within my photo stream. And when you do, let it sweep you away on a whirlwind of imagination and wonder. After all, the greatest stories are often found in the most unexpected of places.
Fresh from the Assembly Line
A hand caught on the belt of the back seat as he pushed her into the cab.
The driver eyed Fisher in the rear-view mirror. Fisher adjusted the body of the mannequin until it stretched across the back in a diagonal line.
"Can you open this window?" he said, leaning forward. "Then I can leave her arm out."
The driver got out of his seat and walked around to the other side of the car.
"Please," he said, gesturing to Fisher to move out of the way.
Fisher moved out of the way.
The driver reached in and made some adjustments as Fisher stood waiting, his breath creating small clouds in the cold air. A strong smell of tobacco drifted from the pocket of the driver’s jacket. A lighter fell out clattering and bouncing along the kerb. Fisher bent down, picking it up, holding it in his hand until the driver had finished.
Rain began to splash on the ground and dribble down the back of his neck. He pulled up the collar of his jacket. The driver stepped back from the car and with a confident swing, shut the door. He gestured to Fisher to ride in the front passenger seat. The rain was falling heavily now beating hard on the metal and glass. Fisher got in and looked around to see the mannequin in several parts lying along with the back seat, looking disfigured. A disturbing sight of unscrewed limbs and a head turned in an awkward position.
"Thanks," Fisher said, pointing to the back. "She's my friend. We just met."
The driver raised his eyebrows and shook his head.
Story first posted October 2020 / Photo: Tanya Clarke - Forever 21, North Vancouver 2019
