Short Story

The Continuing Adventures of George and Martha, Vol. 3: Chicken Scratch

Written for The Unicorn Challenge where we are asked to get
creative in 250 words or less using this photo as inspiration.
Here is my story. If you would like to read previous adventures
of George and Martha, you may click here and here.


© Ayr/Gray

“This can’t possibly be the right place, George.”

“Must you always be so negative, Martha?”

Take a look around, George. Do you see any sign of fine dining?”

“Perhaps it’s the shabby chic part of town. The French are famous for that look.”

“You know, George, for a man who prides himself on having the navigation skills of a homing pigeon, you’ve achieved the impossible and gotten us lost …. again.”

“Objection! May I remind you, Madam, that you’re the one who wrote down the name and address of this place.”

Overruled! What’s your point, George?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Is it my fault that your chicken scratch is indecipherable?”

“It’s called cursive writing, you plebian, and it’s perfectly legible.”

“Ha! That’s highly questionable, Martha! Looks like hieroglyphics to me.”

Bottom line, George …. we are lost.”

“Speaking of lost, Martha, I do believe we just passed a bar. I’m going to lose myself in a nice dry martini.”

Don’t even think about it, George! We came all this way for a decadent dessert at ‘Le Sugar Factory’, the most exclusive pâtisserie in Saint-Tropez. I’m not leaving until I have it.”

“Settle down, Martha. I’ve heard hippopotami pass a kidney stone quieter than you!”

Look, George! What’s the name on that building?”

“Mon dieu! That’s the same name you wrote down, Martha. See …. we’re not lost!”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, George! That says, ‘serrurerie’, locksmith; I wrote ‘sucrerie’, Sugar Factory! We’re still lost!”

“Chicken scratch, Martha. And I still need a martini!”

NAR©2024
250 Words

Vol. 2 can be found HERE

This is “Sugar Shack” by Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

27 thoughts on “The Continuing Adventures of George and Martha, Vol. 3: Chicken Scratch”

  1. Yeah, I blame Martha for pretty much everything, and think George should get his drink and some peace.

    But I have to say, Nancy, that I’ve been in too many relationships like this one you depict so well…

    Liked by 1 person

  2. You made me laugh out loud, Nancy – ‘…I’ve heard hippopotami pass a kidney stone quieter than you!”’
    It’s such a great and realistic conversation – I can just hear them.
    Loved it.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I see what you mean about ours starting similarly, but they definitely end up differently. I liked the story and I can just picture them arguing. A good piece for the prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

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