Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge to write a 200-word story based on a photo prompt. This week’s photo is courtesy of Fandango.
“Norman Bates.”
“Who?”
“The loony who dressed up like his mother and killed the blond dame in the shower. In the movies.”
Pete and Harvey sat with legs dangling over the edge of the 41st floor. High-rise construction was a lonely business, and Pete was glad he had Harvey to help pass the time.
“What makes you think your brother-in-law Jimmy is like Norman Bates?” Harvey asked.
“He has one of those shower obsessions. Last week I was out back burning some burgers when, you know, nature called. I walked to the bathroom, and there was Jimmy, standing in the shower, smelling the soap.” Pete stopped to take a bite of his ham sandwich. “You don’t think he is one of those…?
Harvey paused before answering. “What kind of soap was it?”
“It was the missus’ soap. Dove maybe?”
“Yeah, I like Dove. It makes the wife’s skin smell clean.
“It does have a nice aroma.” said Pete.
“About Jimmy, don’t worry about him. Once I caught my brother Davy holding up the wife’s brassiere to his chest. You can’t pick your family, but you can pick your friends. Know what I mean, Pete.”
“Yeah, Harvey. I know.”
Redbuds and Roserocks 