Cover Up – it’s not what you think.

I’m so fortunate to have talented friends. Local author, poet and editor Susan Skowronski has kindly given me permission to share her latest flash fiction. Thanks Susan, love the story. Titled Cover Up the story is part of  ‘The 52 Flash Fiction Challenge March 2015 – March 2016

A picture is supplied from which the participants write their story. www.facebook.com/groups/flashfictionchallenge/ 

Ellie headed for the framed prints at the back of the Vinnies shop. A few of the ‘better’ ones were on display along the wall, but there were plenty to choose from in the three large cardboard boxes stacked in the corner. A huge sign announced a clearance sale – all prints reduced to $3 each. Surely she would find what she was looking for.
The weekend had been hectic with some of the guys helping her move all her possessions into the new unit. She had checked the lease and she was allowed to add prints to the walls provided she used removable hooks.
A colourful print caught her eye immediately. It looked a bit like a square moon sinking into a sea of vomit. That would look good at about eye level on the blank wall at the top of the stairs, she decided.
Next she picked up a delightfully artistic painting of cogs. Or wheels? Or maybe flowers of some sort? The purple and aqua went so well together, and would complement the sickly yellow moon in the other one, especially if she placed it slightly higher and to the left. She added it to her basket.
Delving deeper into the box, she came across an intriguing picture of ‘a stairway to nowhere’. She wasn’t sure … she hesitated…she put it back in the box and turned to the next painting. But she soon returned to the ‘stairway’ – it had gripped her imagination. Blocks spiralling upward. Up towards her cog-flowers and sick moon. She closed her eyes and saw the big picture. Yes she could use it down low on the wall, just a foot or so above the skirting board.
It would look quite artistic and hide the fact the guys were a bit over-enthusiastic when moving furniture up the stairs. Perfect! All three holes taken care of. She picked up her treasures, handed over nine dollars and left the shop.
© Susan Skowronski 2015

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