Jump to content
RIP - Comicality

O. Henry Short Story Prompt 3 – Hour Of The Dogman

AC Benus

By AC Benus
in Peeks and Prompts

Recommended Posts

  • Popular Post
AC Benus Fabled Scribe

AC Benus

Posted
  • Popular Post
Posted (edited)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Note: See my opening remarks on the purpose and intent of this prompt series here. As always, feel free to alter the characters' genders or ages if you like.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

O. Henry Short Story Prompt 3 – Hour of the Dogman

 

 

Urban life. A melancholy picture of a certain time of the evening comes into focus. Life in the big city means apartment living for most, and that goes for pampered pooches as well. More often than not, it’s the one not-so-in-love with Fido who has to take him out as soon as he gets home, before any mention of dinner is made. 

 

Sam Telfair is one such person. While his spouse's obese, precious little terror inspects every tree base, and snarls at every other dog – and Sam alike – his mind wanders over the scene. First he notes with sadness how he is hardly alone. Several young men walk dogs they obviously have no connection with. Primped dogs with bows, ribbons, and frilly pink leads.

 

Next he wonders how his life got to this point. He never wanted to live in the city in the first place, but his partner snagged him in the Western town where they resided, and ambition to 'make something of your life' was forced down his throat; that and having to move to the city because that's 'where everything happens.'

 

Sam is not so sure. He muses that perhaps he left a good thing behind – Sam has a romantic past too with someone, and regrets.

 

While he's walking, he gets the surprise of his life. As if by some trick of fate, 'he' of all people is there.

 

Jim Berry slaps the Dogman on the back and says, "There you are!" It turns out Jim is in town for the day and was on his way over to Sam's place for a visit.

 

Sam says it's better if they go to a bar. So they sit outside and drink freely. They catch up, talk about their current lives, and of their past too.

 

It's getting late. Jim has a train to catch; Sam regards the canine ball-and-chain he's tethered to – the dog's anxious to get home and be fed – and realizes he has a decision to make. 

 

 

 

The prompt: write your own version of this story. You decide what Sam does at the end, and why. 

Edited by AC Benus
  • Like 7
Link to comment
AC Benus Fabled Scribe

AC Benus

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Cool!  I was just thinking of the O. Henry prompts the other day.  I'll have to tackle this one at some point.   :)

Okay, but *wink, wink; nudge, nudge* no time like the present, strike while the iron's hot, and all that jazz ;)   

  • Like 3
Link to comment
AC Benus Fabled Scribe

AC Benus

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Well, I can think of one way I'd like this to go, but it's probably too trenchant....

Picant is a good thing. Nothing says an approach has to be treacly-sweet, or milksop bland. I'm intrigued by your comment and hopeful we'll see your own version of Sam's dilemma.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Mikiesboy Mythic Scribe

Mikiesboy

Posted
Posted

Thinkin' about you today.... Speedy recovery, dear friend :yes:

 

I'm doing okay. Bit sore, but following suggestions of my sweet nurse, Tomm: Don't be a hero the first few days, take the pills before the pain gets too bad. Looking forward to brekkie....
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Aditus Grand Master Scribe

Aditus

Posted
Posted

I'm doing okay. Bit sore, but following suggestions of my sweet nurse, Tomm: Don't be a hero the first few days, take the pills before the pain gets too bad. Looking forward to brekkie....

*very gentle hug*

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Mikiesboy Mythic Scribe

Mikiesboy

Posted
Posted

*very gentle hug*

Thanks Adi...I look like someone gave me a kickin today, feels like it too. Gotta walk today, and eat. All I've been thinking of is food!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
  • Site Administrator
Valkyrie Heroic Scribe

Valkyrie

Posted
  • Site Administrator
Posted

Glad to hear everything went well and you're on the mend.  Walking is good, so is eating.  Just take it easy and give your body time to heal.  Everything else can wait.  *gentle hug* 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...
  • Site Administrator
Valkyrie Heroic Scribe

Valkyrie

Posted
  • Site Administrator
Posted

My prompt response is here!!

I'm going to wait to read it until after I've tackled the prompt myself, so probably sometime next week.  I look forward to reading your interpretation of it. :) 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
AC Benus Fabled Scribe

AC Benus

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I'm going to wait to read it until after I've tackled the prompt myself, so probably sometime next week.  I look forward to reading your interpretation of it. :)

Oh, I'm so please to hear you are going to try it too :yes:

  • Like 1
Link to comment
AC Benus Fabled Scribe

AC Benus

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

My prompt response is here!!

I think it's pretty brilliant, Tim. As far as using the prompt challenge, you did great. You also took the reader on a touching and funny ride, and that's right at the heart of what O. Henry always tried to achieve.

 

Bravo!   

Edited by AC Benus
  • Like 1
Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Our Privacy Policy can be found here: Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue..