PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz
It stands above them and everyone is drawn to it. After a few drinks, folks swear it has changed; it’s different than last time. “Yeah, sure it has,” their companions rib.
The man in the canvas watches, listens. He absorbs their wild lies, heartfelt truths and mundane facts. In the morning, when the light is good and the room empty, he paints them around himself.
“Whosh the paintah?” A woman slurs.
The bartender adjusts her glasses. “Last name’s El Mundo. First name, Todd? Todo? That’s it. Crazy foreigner. Nothing like that around here.”
The man in the canvas just smiles.
As always, many thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! Stop over and read a wonderful array of 100-word-fiction pieces based on this photo prompt!
Angela Writes... 
El Salvador del Mundo
LikeLike
El Pintor del Mundo at the very least! I’m not sure if he’s saving or just observing. Thanks for commenting, Neil.
LikeLike
A form of living art, amusing and a little scary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. At least he doesn’t seem to have any nefarious intentions at the moment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Creative and a good metaphor for the bartender. I wondered if anyone would include the artwork in their story.
LikeLike
Yes! The bartender takes it all in (I think it becomes part of him) and he doesn’t really reply, just lets it be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Angela. Well said.
LikeLike
This bar is growing more interesting–and creepy–with each story 🙂
LikeLike
Creepy indeed! Although I think there’s a “painting” in every bar. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very clever take, Angela
LikeLike
Nancy, thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very clever, indeed.
LikeLike
Thank you, Dawn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like James’ living art idea. Excellent story.
LikeLike
I’m so glad you liked it, Violet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Delightfully different, Angela!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Keith! I’m glad you enjoyed my odd twist on the photo :).
LikeLike
Ha! Very clever. I enjoyed this concept immensely
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laurie, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Querida Angela,
I love the painter’s name. Very clever story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Muchas gracias, querida Rochelle! I’m delighted you caught that… 🙂
LikeLike
Querida Angela,
I love the painter’s name. Very clever story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I took this too literally until I read the comments. Great take.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was actually meant literally (the painting paints itself every night), but I was trying for a second meaning as well! Thanks for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person