Heartburn
January 20, 2021 at 3:51 pm 30 comments
For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 22 January 2021
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| Photo Credit: Rochelle Wisoff-Fields |
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Regularly scheduled programming was interrupted by a special news bulletin of a self-styled guru being rushed to the hospital.
Initial reports indicated that he experienced chest pains while indulging with a second helping of his favorite steak.
An hour later, the doctor who attended to him reported that he only suffered heartburn. It brought relief to thousands of his followers who believed that his death would signal the end of the world.
No doubt about it, seeing their guru on TV smiling and flashing the thumbs up was enough motivation to keep donations flowing to his ashram and life’s mission.
Entry filed under: Blogroll, Daily Post, friday fictioneers. Tags: 100-word challenge, fiction, humor.
1.
Dora | January 20, 2021 at 6:09 pm
Never try to separate a “guru” from their marks. An impossible feat, alas!
2.
plaridel | January 21, 2021 at 9:23 am
dora:
it’s unfortunate but true.
3.
msjadeli | January 20, 2021 at 8:18 pm
Spiritual snake oil salesmen are a sign of the times. We are in a desert, looking for water.
4.
plaridel | January 21, 2021 at 9:22 am
msjadeli:
in the face of uncertainty, we often cling to someone promising to lead the way.
5.
draliman | January 20, 2021 at 10:21 pm
Phew, I’m glad he’s okay. I’d better send some more money to make sure he stays healthy…
6.
plaridel | January 21, 2021 at 9:22 am
draliman:
any amount would certainly be appreciated. 🙂
7.
neilmacdon | January 21, 2021 at 1:41 am
Narrow escape!
8.
plaridel | January 21, 2021 at 9:22 am
neil:
at least for now. 🙂
9.
justjoyfulness | January 21, 2021 at 1:43 am
Sheep, sheep everywhere, not a brain in sight! No wonder ‘gurus’ thrive.
10.
plaridel | January 21, 2021 at 9:22 am
justjoyfulness:
it’s a sign of the times. 🙂
11.
Iain Kelly | January 21, 2021 at 3:21 am
You wouldn’t be suggesting that the whole thing was staged? Would you?! 😉
12.
plaridel | January 21, 2021 at 9:21 am
iain:
who knows? it could be akin to trump getting covid and recuperating rapidly. 🙂
13.
Sandra | January 21, 2021 at 3:37 am
Well, he’s got them eating out of his hand for sure.
14.
plaridel | January 21, 2021 at 9:20 am
sandra:
true that. 🙂
15.
rochellewisoff | January 21, 2021 at 4:01 am
Dear Plaridel,
I’d say the guru needs to change his dietary habits or the next “heartburn” might be the genuine article. Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
16.
plaridel | January 21, 2021 at 9:20 am
rochelle:
i’m sure the doctor has suggested it but i wonder if he’d listen. 🙂
17.
James McEwan | January 21, 2021 at 4:16 am
There are always those likeable con men in the world – as long as everyone is happy.
18.
plaridel | January 21, 2021 at 9:20 am
james:
good point. 🙂
19.
Keith's Ramblings | January 22, 2021 at 8:07 am
Heartburn’s a small price to pay if it gets the cash rolling in! I wonder how much a headache’s worth?
My story!
20.
plaridel | January 23, 2021 at 10:19 am
keith:
good question to ask. hopefully, the price is right. 🙂
21.
Susan A Eames | January 22, 2021 at 10:43 am
Ah, clever story, clever ending. Well done!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
22.
plaridel | January 23, 2021 at 10:19 am
susan:
i’m glad you liked it. thank you.
23.
Tannille | January 22, 2021 at 8:32 pm
One might say it was “staged” 😀
24.
plaridel | January 23, 2021 at 10:18 am
tannille:
wink! wink! you maybe right. 🙂
25.
liz young | January 23, 2021 at 8:46 am
I never did understand the Americans falling for those fake religions – though, cone to think of it, Trumpism is hard to fathom too!
26.
plaridel | January 23, 2021 at 10:18 am
liz:
it think it’s fear and hopelessness that draw people in.
27.
ahtdoucette | January 24, 2021 at 8:32 am
Wow that was a thought-provoking story in this age of who knows media. I liked it!
28.
plaridel | January 27, 2021 at 1:51 pm
anne:
thank you for reading. much appreciated. 🙂
29.
pennygadd51 | January 25, 2021 at 8:43 am
Bother. You’ve made me fancy steak and chips and I’ve actually got sausages…Great take on the prompt, Plaridel!
30.
plaridel | January 27, 2021 at 1:50 pm
penny:
now that’s funny. 🙂