Written for The Unicorn Challenge where we are
encouraged to write creatively in 250 words or less
using the photo below as inspiration. Here’s my story.

âNo! Didn’t do it!â wailed Robbie, the dishwasher at Michaelâs.
The waitstaff ran into the kitchen when they heard the crash. Shattered crystal covered the kitchen floor …. the new glasses for the loungeâs grand opening.
Robbie huddled in the corner like a little boy, wiping his runny nose on his sleeve. He was a 32 year old man with the mind of an eight year old, courtesy of that one decisive extra chromosome âŠ. a little thing called Down Syndrome. Robbieâs brother Gary, the maĂźtre dâ, crouched next to him while everyone stood in awkward silence.
âRobbie, accidents happenâ Gary said calmly. âCâmon now. Everyone will pitch in.â
The crew began sweeping up …. everyone except Vic, the bartender.
âNot me. I ainât helpin’!â snarled Vic. âIt was that moronâs fault. He shouldnât be around normal people!â
Michael Banks, the lounge owner, stormed into the kitchen. âWhat the hellâs going on?!â Slowly he looked around, taking in the whole scene, then asked everyone to leave except Robbie, Gary and Vic.
âRobbie, itâs okâ Michael said. “Talk to me. Tell me what happened.â
Robbie sniffled. âI saw the boxes but I didnât touch them, cross my heart and hope to die. Vic rushed in the back door and pushed me into the boxes.â
âYou lyin’ freak!â sneered Vic. âLook, Mr. B. Iâm tellin’ ya I didnât do nothing. Who ya gonna believe â that retard or me?âÂ
âThatâs enough! Itâs over!â Michael barked. âGrab a broom. Weâre opening tonight on schedule.â
NAR©2024
250 Words

This is âHey Bulldogâ by the Beatles
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantâs Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.