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

[Former Member]

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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.

 

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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 November 15, 2016 by AC Benus

[Valkyrie]

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

[Mikiesboy]

Once I can write... I'll be doing this. Love these prompts!!!  In the meantime.. I'll think about this...

Edited November 14, 2016 by Mikiesboy

[Aditus]

Ahrrgh...the wheels are turning, the plot bunnies hop around...nonono!

[Former Member]

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    

[Former Member]

Once I can write... I'll be doing this. Love these prompts!!!  In the meantime.. I'll think about this...

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

[Parker Owens]

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

[Aditus]

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

Again a word I have to look up... I'm learning many new words.

[Former Member]

Ahrrgh...the wheels are turning, the plot bunnies hop around...nonono!

Hopping ideas are a blessing, in my book! Cage a few and see how they work out.

[Former Member]

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.

[Mikiesboy]

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

 

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....

[Aditus]

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*

[Mikiesboy]

*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!

[Valkyrie]

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* 

[Mikiesboy]

My prompt response is here!!

[Valkyrie]

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.  

[Former Member]

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

[Former Member]

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 November 25, 2016 by AC Benus

[Defiance19]

Here is my response:

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/story/defiance19/shortsandprompts/2

[Former Member]

Here is my response:

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/story/defiance19/shortsandprompts/2

Thanks, Def, for taking the challenge! I love the story, and will be leaving you a glowing review