Short Story

With Friends Like Gonzo

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for The Unicorn Challenge where we are
asked to get creative in 250 words or less
using this photo as inspiration. Here’s my story.

© Ayr/Gray

“Kevin! Wake up, man! You gotta see this. Wake up!”

“Quit it, Luke! I’m trying to sleep!” Kevin mumbled crossly. The disgusting smell of stale beer, Slim Jims and weed slammed Kevin in the face; gagging, he pushed his brother away.

“C’mon, Kev. Something heavy happened down at the beach, man. I swear it’s not of this world, bro!”

“The only thing ‘not of this world, bro’ is your breath. You’re stoned, Luke; go to sleep.”

“I swear on the Bible, Kevin. If you don’t see this, you’re gonna kick yourself.”

Kevin sighed deeply and swung his legs out of bed. “Alright, man. I’m up. Let’s get this over with.”

Kevin and Luke drove out to the Pacific Palisades beach where Luke had his sighting. Kevin recognized the beach right away.

“Hey, Luke … doesn’t your buddy Gonzo clean this beach?”

“Far out, man! I forgot about that. This is gonna blow his mind!”

When they reached Luke’s spot, he dropped to the sand and began to belly crawl to the top, motioning for Kevin to do the same.

“Check it out, Kev. Have you ever seen anything like this, man? They’re crop circles, like in that movie!”

“You got that right, Luke. This really is something else! Could be an alien vehicle way out on the left side. If I squint I can make out the words ‘GONZO’S LUNAR ROVER. I BRAKE FOR WEED!’ Brilliant detective work, Carl Sagan! C’mon, bro. I’m buying breakfast. I’ll explain it on the way.”

NAR©2024
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-06/09/24

This is a delightful video of a Japanese pufferfish creating underwater sand art. Photography by Yogi Ookata. Check it out, dudes!

Here is a rare rap song by Carl Sagan. Enjoy, yo! 😎

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

31 thoughts on “With Friends Like Gonzo”

    1. Thank you, dear KK. The way I see it is I can get all depressed and cry about things (which is easy to do when in pain) or I can try to keep my head above water and my mind occupied. It’s not always easy, especially when I’m hurting and my mind says one thing but my body says “Oh no you don’t! Where do you think you’re going!? Get back in this recliner!”

      I’m doing the best I can and greatly appreciate your encouragement. Thank you! 🫶🏼

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  7. That was fun, Nancy.
    Poor Luke’s going to be so disappointed when he – er – comes back down to earth.
    You really keep the pace of the dialogue going so well, and Luke’s wonder and joy.
    Glad to see you back and to read that the doctor thinks you’re progressing well. I hope the pain is diminishing too. Take care.

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    1. Thanks so much, Jenny. I wasn’t sure what I was going to write at first, then I got the idea of crop circles and just had fun with it. I’m glad you enjoyed my story.

      Recovery from surgery is a process. I’d like it to be faster but I keep telling myself a total recovery is better than a quick one. Keeping my mind occupied definitely helps. I also have some new meds to get me through this week; after that, the pain should be significantly less. Fingers crossed

      Thanks again!

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  9. Storissimo!*

    (to borrow from a scene in Harry Met Sally), all in an entirely platonic inference, “I’ll have what the Author’s having.”)

    • not a ‘real’ Italian word..

    fun wordage, yo

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  11. Love that puffer fish! Fun story, Nancy. Laughing at the crop circles. And I’m glad you’re back in action after your surgery. I do hope all is well and that you don’t have to stay on that pain medication too long. Horrid stuff that.

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    1. Thanks so much, Margaret! This was a fun story and a great way to keep my mind occupied.
      The doctor said I’m progressing very well and right on track. I feel like I’m going at a snail’s pace. Doctor prescribed 10 pills. No refills so when they’re gone, they’re gone. Fine by me; I hate the damn things, too, but for the moment they are a necessary evil. Alas, I am not Superwoman.
      Thanks for your good wishes, Margaret; they are deeply appreciated.

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    1. Thanks, Keith! We’ve certainly had our assortment of pix over time; I wonder why this one was more difficult than the others …. at least for me. I find when I’m struggling it’s best not to get too pithy. 😁 I had fun with this; glad to know you enjoyed it.

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