Cap't Monkey And Tooele Boy And The Big Decision...A Short Story

Flash Fiction Photo Prompt

I had to edit this week's story. It was too long, but it was fun. Here are the rules if you'd like to give it a go yourself!

1) Use the photo and the 5 words provided in your story
2) Keep your word count 500 words or less.
3) You have until next Tuesday to link up your post.
4) Link up your story at these sites: Nicole, Carrie, Leanne, or Tena.  

5) Have fun, don’t stress, let those creative juices flow.

And the five words -

Bingo

Courage

Saliva

Ant

Brooch

 Enjoy!

 Cap't Monkey And Tooele Boy And The Big Decision

"Cap't Monkey?"

"Yes, Tooele Boy?"

"I'm thinking of buying a boat."

"What?!" A solution of milk and saliva spewed from the captain's mouth as Tooele Boy chose an inopportune time to share his latest ambition while the two lunched at Arbys. "Are you crazy?"

"I don't think so. Is it crazy to buy a boat?"

"For someone responsible? No. And why do you want a boat, anyway?"

"Last week I saw a picture of a couple on a boat. The man was full of courage and the woman was...well, she was full of something else. They looked like they were having fun."

"Fun? I don't know if I'd call it fun. Remember, I was a ship's captain for seven months back during the Clinton Administration?" 

A puzzled look spread across Tooele Boy's face.

"That's why I'm a Cap't."

"I thought it was because you ate sugared cereal."

"Listen," Cap't Monkey fought to control his rage. "I'm tired of telling you that's not true."

After a moment, Cap't Monkey continued. "Tooele Boy, I know that you know that I know a lot about a lot of things...printer toner, jury nullification, ant species. But if there's one thing I know very well, it's boats. I just don't think it's a good decision for you."

"Gee, Cap't Monkey. I know you're trying to help, but I still want a boat."

The wise former boat commander thought of a way to stop his friend from making a monumental mistake. Suddenly, an idea came to him.

"Tooele Boy, follow me." The two left Arbys and walked across the street to the city's thirteenth-largest arcade.

"This place is amazing!" Tooele Boy said, his eyes dancing to to the brilliant lights of the den of electronic entertainment. "Do they have boats in here?"

"No boats, but they do have this!" Cap't Monkey pointed to an older machine. "This, Tooele Boy, is one of my favorite games. Magical Moleo!" Inside the game was a weathered plaster face with mysterious eyes. Fading paint adorned the head covered in a red turban with a crystal brooch. Moleo had seen better days.

"Ooohhh," Tooele Boy gasp with wonder. "Moleo. Is he really magical?"

"He is, indeed."

"Will he tell me if I should buy a boat?"

"No, not directly. Let me explain. Do you have on you, by chance, a quarter?"

"Got one right here."

"Now, follow the instructions." Tooele Boy obeyed.

The men watched as lights flickered on the game, then Moleo's head slowly turned until it rotated 360º. After a few seconds of silence, Tooele Boy finally spoke.

"That's it? That's all that happened? I worked hard for that quarter, and that's all I got? I've been robbed!"

"Exactly!" Cap't Monkey said. "If you can play this game a thousand times without flinching, then you'll be ready to buy a boat."

"But I'll be throwing away all my money," Tooele Boy said.

"Bingo."

Word Count: 493