A Wrinkle
Pansy followed directions to the man on the sidewalk in a slim suit and Brooks Brothers shoes. His wrist flashed in the summer sun. A ripe plum, pleading to be plucked.
She spied as the dandy tucked his phone in a breast pocket. A black sedan sidled up, and a chauffeur popped out. The suited man crouched to crawl in.
Perfect timing. Pansy strode forward to bump her mark.
He straightened, scowling. “Excuse you, Miss.”
“Excuse you, Mister.”
As he rode away, Pansy fingered the diamond-studded watch in her pocket. As cold as if slipped from a mannequin’s arm.
.
The Meta-Story:
*Again, I wrote two stories for the prompt, but won’t expect anyone to suffer through another horrific Chloe installment. If interested in reading, the link is here, Burning Angel.
*On a lighter note, I’ve used both words, mannequin and manikin, this week in stories. According to my source, either is acceptable and means the same thing. English is a language, I believe, of unlimited power and beauty, as grand for exploring and explaining the universe as mathematics. It must be true as English reflects and expresses nothing less than the human heart and brain.
Proven each week at Friday Fictioneers: 100-word stories. Keep writing, my friends!
photo prompt:© Jennifer Pendergrast
Muninn's Memories 
March 15, 2017 at 2:41 pm
You have to protect your valuables when Pansy’s around, or perhaps just look like you don’t have anything worth taking.
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March 15, 2017 at 2:49 pm
She never misses an opportunity! Thanks for reading, as always. 🙂 🙂 🙂
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March 15, 2017 at 3:46 pm
I couldn’t quite follow the mannequin’s arm, but I see it was part of a challenge.
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March 15, 2017 at 4:02 pm
Neil, I’m afraid the confusion goes both ways. I don’t understand what you mean by a challenge.
I did use mannequin quite intentionally. The first was to reflect the man’s mannequin-perfect clothes and shoes. He looks as if he could have been displayed in a shop window. The other was to indicate he lacked warmth, which is why the wrist watch was cold. Neither of these change the plot, which is a simple adventure.
The other layers are strictly for my enjoyment or, once in a while, the enjoyment of people who happen to spot the themes I often lace through my stories.
Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
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March 15, 2017 at 9:20 pm
What a great take on the prompt, Kecia! I got the mannequin reference… 😉
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March 15, 2017 at 9:23 pm
Thanks, Dale! Glad to have you reading and commenting.
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March 16, 2017 at 12:38 pm
I got that he was cold like a mannequin, but I didn’t think of the well-dressed part. What caught me was the first line, where Pansy “followed directions” — if it weren’t for that, I’d think she was just pick-pocketing. But the directions seem to suggest that someone else told her to steal this particular thing from this person, adding a whole new layer of mystery!
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March 16, 2017 at 12:56 pm
Good eye, Joy! If you’ve read other Pansy stories on the website, you’ll know where she got her directions. 🙂 Thank you for reading and for commenting. It’s fun to get feedback.
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March 16, 2017 at 1:27 pm
I haven’t read the other Pansy stories yet, but they sound fun!
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March 16, 2017 at 6:21 pm
This felt like part of a larger story about Patsy and who was manipulating her. I enjoyed the language that you gave to Patsy, but i was rather slow in getting the link to a mannequin.
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March 16, 2017 at 6:54 pm
Mannequin is not essential to the plot, only a bit of color and layering. Probably no one would have noticed if I hadn’t pointed the word out afterward.
There are now five (maybe) Pansy stories scattered on the website. I’ve used that character when she suited the prompt, and I’ve posted a couple of short stories for her. I have more stories and timelines in hiding, as well. She’s part of a larger plot and world idea I’ve had for a novel.
By the time I get around to writing the book, I will probably have revealed the whole story 100 words at a time!
Thanks for reading and taking time to leave feedback.
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March 17, 2017 at 5:17 am
This Pansy was certainly no wallflower.
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March 17, 2017 at 8:19 am
Hehe, no shy violet. 🙂 Thank you for reading.
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March 17, 2017 at 11:34 am
Pansy sounds like a true professional. I thought it was sinister that the watch was so cold. Good one.
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March 17, 2017 at 11:45 am
Thank you, Sandra. I value your opinion.
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March 17, 2017 at 8:32 pm
Oh! i love this. Nicely written, Kecia.
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March 17, 2017 at 9:36 pm
Thank you. From a writer as excellent as yourself, that means a lot.
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March 20, 2017 at 4:02 am
Wonderful story, Kecia. But I just wanted to hone in on some of the technical aspects for a second. You’ve painted quite a scene in a few words. The description of the ‘dandy’ with the slim suit and Brooks Brothers shoes, the use of his breast pocket, his expensive watch, and then the chauffeur; and the name Pansy — a delicate flower — contrasting nicely with her less-than-delicate behaviour. This is very succinct (and distinct) characterisation. And that’s quite a feat! Well done.
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March 20, 2017 at 7:23 am
Thank you for the generous critique. I’m so glad you could see my scene and characters, especially since I hope Pansy will be a main character someday. These flash pieces are excellent exercises for developing characters and ideas. Thank you again.
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March 20, 2017 at 5:18 pm
You’re welcome. Sounds like she would blossom as a character. 🙂
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March 20, 2017 at 4:06 am
She sounds a true professional, timing and confidence. She is a very interesting character, especialy if she’s controlled by someone else.
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March 20, 2017 at 7:24 am
Thank you, Michael. That’s very kind of you to say.
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