Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

Today’s prompt is to describe finding a tattoo on your body unexpectedly.

I found this prompt inspiring and can see it developing further. I hope you like my short story.

I trudged to the bathroom, peering through half closed eyes avoiding the bright sunlight streaming through the windows. In my drunken state, I had forgotten to close the curtains. My head thudded in time to my footsteps. My body ached – what had we done last night?

Turning the faucet, I braves a glance at myself in the mirror. Black smudges of mascara gave me the look of a panda. What a state!

Pulling back the shower curtain across the tub, I stepped in and let the hot water refresh me, slowly revitalizing my body and mind. With a large amount of shower gel on my hands, I began washing. Ouch! My left shoulder smarted as I rubbed with the flannel.

I looked at my arm to see a multi-colored tattoo. What the hell? When did that happen? Oh my God, how drunk was I?

I inspected the new ink, a sword across a shield embossed with a bear’s head, it jaws open, teeth bared;. As I gazed at the image a memory emerged. The tavern at the lake had been crowded and my friends and I had joined in with the locals as they relayed stories of a local legend. A massive bear larger than life, who took pet animals in the dead of night. One hunter among the group showed us a huge scare across his back, the result of an encounter.

I ran out of time here for the prompt but can see the story continuing.

Now it is your turn. Have fun. Happy writing.