Howard paced the corridor on his nightly rounds, overhead lights receding to the vanishing point. On each side, shutters protected treasures he had never seen: the deeds to a castle; a dragon coiled tight around an oak chest of jewels; diadems of starlight.
Howard Carter felt destined for greatness. He wouldn’t be a security guard all his life.
“What do you see in there?” people would ask him.
“Wonderful things,” he would reply.
But he knew what dreamed behind those shuttered doors remained beautiful only until the moment a door was opened on cardboard boxes, overstuffed sofas, and cricket bats.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
Dear Neil,
Howard is a man with dreams, aspirations and his feet firmly planted on the ground. The last paragraph says it all. Very well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle
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I love this.
A cool variation on Schrödinger’s cat.
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You spotted one of the sneaky references then. Thanks so much
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I love this – Howard should be a writer I think!
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Thanks so much
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This is thoughtful stuff, taxing my mind. 🙂
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Thanks, Michael
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I like it. A kind of Walter Mitty-type, it seems. The theme of ambition and a more positive spin on things makes this very enjoyable. Nice going, Neil!
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Thanks, William
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Intriguing balance between the imaginary and the real, of what could be’s and what are’s ….
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And between history and what never happened
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I love the reference to Howard Carter and “wonderful things.” Richly rendered and well told.
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I’m really pleased you spotted it
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Very clever! I admit, I had to Google Howard Carter, and I’m so glad I did!
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I think the story works without knowing who Carter was or that he saw beautiful things, but I’m glad you took the trouble
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As soon as I saw “Howard Carter,” I asked myself, is he going to say… Yes, he is. Nicely done. 😉
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Sorry, I couldn’t help myself
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Anything is possible until you open the door…. A bit like lottery I think.
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Our world is what we make of it 🙂 Nice take!
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Thanks so much
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I love that we see his imagined world first, and then get that underlying reality that he is resigned to live
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Thanks, Siobhan
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The last line mad me laugh. Poor Howard, but also lucky Howard. He has a grand imagination.
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And in a parallel universe, he does much much more
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Imagination is often better than reality. Keep on dreaming, Howard.
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I’m for opening the door, but that’s just me
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Like birthday presents – they’re always more exciting when they are wrapped!
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Thanks Clare
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I think Howard reads a lot of fantasy stories in his leisure moments. Good writing, Neil. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks Suzanne
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Ha, you got me at Howard Carter. I suppose the sarcophagus of King Tut is in one of those storage bins. I’ve been to one of those storage auctions. When they raise the door, you never know what treasures you might find amidst the junk.
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Or what treasures you’ll find in a person’s mind
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Sometimes it’s better just to dream, the reality often disappoints! Nice story.
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That’s the seduction and the danger of dreams
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Oh! I like Howard! I would be imagining fantastical things as he did! Reality sucks sometimes! Great tale!
AshleyDannie
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Thanks. Ashley
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I have to admit I had to google Howard Carter but I am glad I did. Knowing who he was made the story more uplifting. I loved the idea that the unknown is better than the known.
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Thanks so much
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A cardboard box is a cardboard box no matter what’s inside or who owns it, right? I think it’s probably amazing how, when packed, a lot of stuff probably looks very much the same. But there’s nothing wrong with dreaming. Lovely story, Neil.
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Thanks Amy
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I liked this and I know it’ll be cardboard boxes and old sofas but don’t open the door, I’m enjoying the dream and the possibilities. I’m with him, let’s dream and imagine.
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I always open the door
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a unique take. love the balance of dreams and realities.
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Thanks so much
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you’re welcome, Neil!
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A hint of Schrodinger’s cat about this – the potentiality of the contents. Just like Christmas presents – they’re all Ballerina Sindy dolls (with the special pointy toes and pink tutu) until you open the box and find lily of the valley bath salts. Great tale, Neil 🙂
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Imagination is a wonderful gift.
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This is great. Anything is possible as long as you don’t open the door. And I learned something new by googling Howard Carter.
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Thanks so much
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