No Place Like Home (Unconventional Zen Master Challenge)

by John Perkins

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“Todd.”

“Todd. You OK man?”

A ten piece orchestra of percussionists played violently in Todd’s head. “Ugh. What the hell?”

“Holy cow dude, I thought we were gonna have to call 911.” Brent laughed as he crouched over Todd.

“Yeah, man, I didn’t think it would knock you out like that,” James said through a nervous laugh. “My bad dude.”

“Wha… what happened?” Todd sat up, grabbing the back of his head.

“You got knocked out man. James was sitting up at the top of the stairs with a paint can tied to a rope.”

“Like in that movie,” James interrupted, “Home Alone.”

“Yeah, Home Alone. When you turned around it whacked you in the back of the head and it must have knocked you out. You were out for like five minutes or something.” Brent helped Todd to his feet. “You think you’re gonna be ok?”

“I will be after you buy me those tacos. Asshole.” The three walked across the street to the Taco Bell.

Later that night—as Todd was taking off his shoes—he noticed a surfboard strap attached to his ankle. It was still damp.

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Comments

Average Reader Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5

  1. No Place Like Home (Unconventional Zen Master Challenge)

    Ana Cristina's Buddy Icon Ana Cristina

    Posted 3 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    I’ve never read such a vivid description of a headache: A ten piece orchestra of percussionists played violently in Todd’s head.

  2. No Place Like Home (Unconventional Zen Master Challenge)

    PyroPunk 51 (PPP LoA)'s Buddy Icon PyroPunk 51 (PPP LoA)

    Posted 3 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Thank you John, that twist gave me goosebumps.

  3. No Place Like Home (Unconventional Zen Master Challenge)

    KevMullins' Buddy Icon KevMullins

    Posted 3 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Wow, I agree with Ana, A ten piece orchestra of percussionists played violently in Todd’s head was a great line. Bravo!

  4. No Place Like Home (Unconventional Zen Master Challenge)

    JMSquire's Buddy Icon JMSquire

    Posted 3 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    I loved the classic remnant from the “dream” that still exists even after the fact. One day he will regret wanting to leave the Zen masters hideaway so quickly.

  5. No Place Like Home (Unconventional Zen Master Challenge)

    THX 0477's Buddy Icon THX 0477

    Posted 3 months ago

    Fun duality of reality and dream through the ficlet. The twist ending came a bit quickly though.

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