One look at his violin and I knew things had turned offbeat. It was saddle-stitched leather, the neck inlaid with mother-of-pearl. I didn’t like offbeat.
“That’s a very unusual instrument, friend,” I said.
He didn’t deny it, but capered, grinned and replied, “Well, I’m a very unusual person.”
Events could have gone in myriad direction from there. Perhaps he might grant me three wishes, or maybe his playing would summon ancient heroes. Magic was available in that moment.
Instead, I asked “How much does such a violin cost?”
The moment passed.
.Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
Money does tend to take the magic out of things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Iain
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice! You captured those fleeting moments when a person with imagination gets caught up in possibilities but then succumbs to simple reality. Well done!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much
LikeLike
Sometimes it’s fun to go with the magic. Others perhaps it’s best to leave it untouched. I enjoyed your character’s thoughts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLike
Yes, off key questions with strangers do tend to miss a beat or two. When praise is expected and mundane takes its place, emotions are hurt. Loved it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, James
LikeLiked by 1 person
You played your story just right, Neil. That magical pause, wow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jade. I’m glad you felt the pause
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome.
LikeLike
The moment he capered, I could see what the owner of the violin looked like. Very neatly shown.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jilly
LikeLike
LOL…you sure know how to burst a bubble!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was touch and go as I got to the end
LikeLiked by 1 person
“magic was available in that moment” Love that phrase. How many magic moments do we pass on?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Tracey
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent story, Neil.
The appearance of the violin set me to learning more. I cannot play a lick, but I now know more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Bill
LikeLiked by 1 person
Money does tend to get in the way of magic, doesn’t it? Think of all the possibilities that were lost in a blink.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oil and water
LikeLike
Ooooo I wonder what might have been too… great sense of potential whimsy here
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Lairie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gosh darn! (Seriously, a fun read).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLike
Back to reality
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or the world we take to be reality
LikeLiked by 1 person
how much does it cost? i’d say priceless. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The price of everything and the value of nothing
LikeLike
It’s unfortunate that he missed the magic and went right for the dollars and cents. The moment passed indeed. I felt it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Brenda
LikeLike
beautifully captured 🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
Money plays no part in magic. Nice one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Keith
LikeLike
Some questions should be strangled before they reach the tongue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He blurted it out before he could think
LikeLike
That’s sad he missed the moment. We often regret the things we didn’t say or do. Nice one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
Every moment is singular and fleeting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And never to be retrieved
LikeLiked by 1 person
Magic was available in that moment – an excellent turn of phrase! Those lost opportunities. I loved reading this story. It was so interesting to read what my photo triggered. The fiddle is actually from Hardanger in Norway and quite probably priceless! cheers,
Amanda
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Amanda. I saw the inlay as saddle-stitching, and the rest followed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The stitching on the fiddle is beautiful indeed.
LikeLike