The Mother, the Burglar and the Frog – Sunday Photo Fiction

AnElephantCant always be consistent
He tends to write stuff erratically in fits and starts
So when he sees this week’s pic
He knows just the trick
He cheats and writes a story in three parts

This is a weekly invitation to write a short piece of fiction (c. 150 words) based on a photo prompt (below) provided by Alastair.
Sorry, Al, this week’s spectacularly splintered specimen kinda got loose and went on to have a life of its own.
Just click on the link to see some more rational responses to this week’s excellent prompt.
But please be kind and read AnElephant’s fractured fantasy first.

Copyright Al Forbes

The Mother
Stop right there.
I have a gun.
You should be more careful about whose balcony you climb onto.
I may look like someone’s mum and I am.
That is why I am armed, to protect my children.
Are you nervous, standing on that rail, four floors up?
Good, stay still, I want to tell you something.
My son collects frogs.
He says that if someone throws a frog at your face it is not possible to catch it without taking a step backwards.
I thought that might confuse you.
But you see, I lied about the gun, I only have a frog.
Catch!
Oh dear….

The Burglar
I step across onto the balcony rail, my hands reaching for the brickwork overhead.
Four floors up, but heights don’t bother me.
Stop right there.
I freeze at the woman’s voice.
She tells me very calmly that she has a gun.
Her face is in moonlight, but her hands are in shadow.
She looks like someone’s mum.
I wait, knowing she won’t shoot me here.
I listen in amazement as she tells me her son collects frogs.
Is she crazy?
She says that if you throw a frog at someone they have to step backwards.
What????
She tells me she lied about the gun.
I start to relax, thinking about my next move, I don’t want to hurt her unless I have to.
I have a frog, she says, hurling something at my face.
I grab for it, stepping backwards.

The Frog
Her hand is soft and she smells nice, much nicer than that horrid boy who put me in a bucket!
And I can see her face now, she is very pretty.
Maybe she wants to kiss me, turn me into a handsome prince.
I can have a sword, a horse and a castle, that will be great.
Pucker up, baby!
Who is she talking to?
Oh, that guy on the rail, he doesn’t look very safe there.
Now she is talking about me, cool!
Wait a minute, throw a frog, what do you mean?
I want to be a handsome .. aaaarrggghhh!
Ouch!
Oh no, it looks like a long way dooooowwwwnnnn!!!!!!!!