copyright Ted Strutz
Down among the subway tunnels, past the sign of the pansy crapper is the lair where the Donkey-boys rave. Anyone’s welcome, but they have a trial—test magic, they say—a special stone passed across your forehead. If it turns blue, you’re free to party but if it’s red, you have to leave something behind.
I’ve gone twice: two reds and two terrible losses. The first time I hopped out; the second time hobos carried my legless body out.
Come back anytime, they said. If it’s blue, all is forgiven and all is returned. I just need a way back.
The Green-Walled Tower 
March 24th, 2016 at 6:29 am
Dear David,
Wow. I wonder what a tour of the inside of your head would reveal. I shudder to think what another red will bring. Totally unique and imaginative story. Wonder-full.
Shalom,
Rochelle
March 27th, 2016 at 12:08 am
Dear Rochelle,
I guess that you have kind of gotten a tour of it through the last 171 stories or so, although I suppose no mind can be fully illuminated 100 words at a time. Personally, I quite like it in here; of course, even I think this story is a bit weird. 🙂
March 24th, 2016 at 8:59 am
Chilling and inventive. A gambler’s double or quits bet.
March 27th, 2016 at 12:09 am
Thanks, Neil. I’m not sure what I would do in his situation, although I suppose I wouldn’t have gone there at all.
March 24th, 2016 at 9:18 am
Dark and frightening, amazing optimism, wanting to return.
March 27th, 2016 at 12:10 am
Yeah, third times the charm, right? 🙂
March 24th, 2016 at 9:20 am
Strange story, but I liked it! Nice job.
March 27th, 2016 at 12:10 am
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
March 24th, 2016 at 11:18 am
Yes, what Rochelle said… what does go on in that head of yours? Strange and imaginative indeed!
March 27th, 2016 at 12:11 am
Thanks, Dale. It would be interesting to see into other people’s heads. This is normal for me. 🙂
March 24th, 2016 at 3:08 pm
Really original David.
March 27th, 2016 at 12:04 am
It is that. 🙂
March 24th, 2016 at 4:14 pm
If he makes it back, I wonder what he may lose next! He’s a glutton for punishment. Maybe he will get lucky and get a blue Great, interesting story.
March 27th, 2016 at 12:03 am
Thanks. 🙂
March 25th, 2016 at 5:38 am
Gamblers always think they’ll hit it big on the next roll. These Donkey-boys must have been used car salesmen. They certainly charge and arm and a leg.
March 25th, 2016 at 4:42 pm
Nice image of gambling dangers/loses. The fact that he wants to go back is so disturbing! Well written piece.
March 27th, 2016 at 12:02 am
Yeah, you think he’d cut his losses (no pun intended). Does he just want to get his legs back? Does he want to be admitted? Is it all rigged? You can decide.
March 26th, 2016 at 2:01 am
can’t say I will place flowers in a commode but ah! better use of the commode for sure.
March 27th, 2016 at 12:01 am
It’s an interesting sort of artsy thing. It would make a unique garden. 🙂
March 26th, 2016 at 5:31 am
Wow.
March 27th, 2016 at 12:00 am
🙂 Thanks.
March 26th, 2016 at 8:59 am
I’m speechless at where your mind takes you.
March 27th, 2016 at 12:35 am
So imaginative! I do hope he finds a way back and gets his legs. What would another red bring. This is like a slow torture. That first sentence is on fire. Love this piece, David.
March 27th, 2016 at 5:48 pm
That’s a great and scary fantasy story. I wonder if they give him an addiction to return with this stone.
March 27th, 2016 at 7:23 pm
Awesome story. One red would have been more than enough to keep me away.
March 29th, 2016 at 4:02 pm
Well, I’ll tell you David, they’re weird, but he’s weirder. Well done. 🙂 — Suzanne