Please Come In – Sunday Photo Fiction

AnElephantCant forget these old lamps
Although he hasn’t seen one in about 300 years
But when it is night
If he gets a fright
He turns it up to dispel all his fears

This is a weekly invitation to write a short piece of fiction (c. 150 words) based on a photo prompt (below) provided by Alastair.
Just click on the link to shine a light on some scary stories in response to this week’s excellent prompt.
But please cast an eye over AnElephant’s poorly lit piece first.

Please Come In

The woman at the door is wearing the clothes and the harassed look of an over-worked, underpaid, low-level government employee.
She is from the Child Protection Agency, with questions about a neighbour who has applied to foster a child.
He is delighted to help Ms Buchanan, a lovely lady.
But this poor woman is cold and damp, he invites her in for tea.
While she cradles her mug gratefully, he lights the lamp and peruses the form she has given him.
It is a cheap photocopy which she confesses is typical of her office conditions.
When it slips from his fingers he is amazed he cannot pick it up, cannot move his arms or legs.
Only his eyes.
She tells him suxamethonium is a fascinating drug, immobilising but not rendering unconscious.
In answer to the horrified question in his eyes, she smiles for the first time.
Because it is fun.
Then opens her shabby briefcase to show him an impressive selection of scalpels.