Killer Tomatoes

It’s Day “K” of the A-to-Z Blogging Challenge, where I’m writing 100-word flash fiction stories every day in April based on your prompts. Looking through yesterday’s suggestions for today’s story, I have to say either y’all have a macabre streak, or I’m bringing out the worst in you. In the end, Dena Pawling‘s prompt suggested to me something a little… different. So, here’s today’s story:

KILLER TOMATOES

His whole life had been building to this moment. From Chef Tanner, his first boss, who beat him and told him he’d never amount to anything, through culinary school, then owning his own restaurant.

Karl set a bowl before each of the judges. Competition was tough at the State Fair cooking contest, but he was confident that his tomato soup was a winner.

They each took a sip. The first three judges nodded. Smiled.

The last judge coughed. Gasped. Collapsed on the floor. The other judges tried to help. Someone called for medical assistance.

Karl smirked.

“Something wrong, Mr. Tanner?”

These prompts are awesome, so keep them coming! Tomorrow’s letter is “L”…

P.S.: If you’re doing the A-to-Z Challenge, don’t forget to add a link to your blog when you comment. Also, if you enjoy my work and you’re on Twitter, look out for my daily #vss365 stories (@colin_d_smith).

cds

Colin D. Smith, writer of blogs and fiction of various sizes.

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14 Responses

  1. Jane Burgess says:

    I think we must be bringing out the worst in each other ! Re readers and the author😂.
    How about murdering Malcolm for m or making marmalade or massive mike!😂
    I really look forward to the morning blog. You’re doing a great job Colin

  2. debscarey says:

    For some reason I saw the face of Brian Turner as your Chef Tanner :O

    Mystic, mongrel, mattress

    A-Zing this year at:
    FictionCanBeFun
    Normally found at:
    DebsDespatches

    • cds says:

      Ha! I confess, I had to look up Brian Turner–I’ve been out of the UK too long, clearly. Tomorrow’s letter is “L” but I’ll hold your suggestions over to Saturday. 🙂 Thanks!

      • debscarey says:

        D’you know, as I typed today’s suggestion, I thought “hang on a minute …”
        Duh! Doesn’t know her alphabet 🙁

  3. AJ Blythe says:

    Heehee, not quite what I was expecting when I read the heading, but this was better =)

    L’s: lecherous, liege, lemon and one of my favourites: ludicrous

  4. Dena Pawling says:

    Killer tomatoes! LOL

    Glad you liked my suggestion =)

    L is for Love your stories. Laughing (all the way to the bank). Lamb chops. Living in the fast lane. Love at first sight. Live from New York. Lightning bugs. And you’re Loony for not pre-writing your stories!

    Dena
    https://denapawling.blogspot.com/

    • cds says:

      Thanks for suggesting it, Dena. And I’m glad you love my stories! Or was that an L-suggestion? Anyway, some good ones there. Thank you!

  5. lissa says:

    I shouldn’t be surprised at the ending especially with that title but I am a little.

    suggestions:
    lost horizon
    leaving on a jet plane
    left to my own devices

    sorry, I could only think of song titles today.

    have a lovely day.

    my latest a-z is: keep calm

    • cds says:

      I hope that’s a good surprise, lissa! Thanks for the prompt suggestions. I’ll take song titles! That worked for me two years ago when I used Paul McCartney songs as flash fiction prompts. 🙂

  1. April 15, 2018

    […] K: Killer Tomatoes […]

  2. May 7, 2018

    […] K: Killer Tomatoes […]

  3. January 9, 2022

    […] K: Killer Tomatoes […]

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