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Final Curtain

June 19, 2023 14 Comments

By John Holmes

Background:
This is real-live theatre.
A one-scene passion play.

Stage Layout:
Two empty wine glasses on a dining table, creating a false comfortableness. One gyuto knife under a blue, cotton napkin.

Leading Lady:
Actions researched. Words practised. Hint of inebriation.

Preparation:
Suitcases packed. Documentation collated. Bank accounts emptied. Car fuelled. Flights booked.

Setting:
Lights dimmed. Curtains closed. Soft music playing.

Props:
Hotel receipt and credit card statement, leaning against a wine bottle.

Action:
Front door clicks open.
Husband enters, smiling.

Opening line:
Male voice;
“Hi. Fantastic, no work for three weeks.”
(Approaches his wife).

Final Act:
Uncover knife.

Director’s Call:
“Cut.”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Geja Hadderingh says

    June 19, 2023 at 7:47 am

    Clever, unusual writing style. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this.

    Reply
    • John Holmes says

      June 20, 2023 at 1:39 am

      Thanks Geja -,enjoyed writing it.

      Reply
  2. Laura Besley says

    June 19, 2023 at 8:13 am

    I love this! It’s such an usual way of storytelling, especially in micro, but you’ve packed so much in. Fabulous!

    Reply
    • John Holmes says

      June 20, 2023 at 1:41 am

      Thanks. It was one of those stories where I knew the punchline before I knew the story itself.

      Reply
  3. Cathryn says

    June 19, 2023 at 11:03 am

    Hello John,
    Devilishly delightful. Very creative writing.

    Reply
    • John Holmes says

      June 20, 2023 at 1:42 am

      ‘Devilishly delightful’ – lovely phrase. Thanks.

      Reply
  4. Maggie Elliott says

    June 20, 2023 at 5:34 am

    Great stuff. Loved the original style. Well done.

    Reply
  5. John Holmes says

    June 20, 2023 at 7:07 am

    Thanks for your comments Maggie.

    Reply
  6. Karen says

    June 21, 2023 at 7:21 am

    Love this… very 3D with a great ending!

    Reply
    • John Holmes says

      June 21, 2023 at 1:03 pm

      Thanks Karen. You can’t beat a good murder!

      Reply
  7. Pamela Cartlidge says

    June 22, 2023 at 3:22 am

    Wow!

    Reply
    • John holmes says

      June 22, 2023 at 3:01 pm

      Very happy with your one word comment!

      Reply
  8. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    June 23, 2023 at 2:17 am

    I love your stories, John. Another fab snippet of something more sinister..

    Reply
    • John Holmes says

      June 23, 2023 at 4:02 am

      Thanks Kelly. Many of my stories seem to end up with a dark punchline – not sure why. ??

      Reply

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