Authentic
“So, no cruise then?”
“Ugh, they’re just so artificial. Now, this medieval experience. That’s authentic.”
“Like, how authentic?”
“Oh, the whole deal. Straw mattresses, pigs and chickens staying in the same room, even real fleas and lice!”
“Real? Not robots?”
“Nope. They breed them specially. Plus, there are daily excursions out to the fields to plow and plant for 12 hours a day!”
“Wow. All inclusive? So, how much?”
“Well, the basic package is 750, but the premium upgrade is only 150 more.”
“Which includes . . . ?”
“Bubonic plague!”
“Well, I guess that is authentic. Fine, let’s do it. Happy anniversary, honey!”
The Green-Walled Treehouse 
This creates a new level for adventure holidays and the experience of living the basic life. I expect the travel insurance is astronomical and the expectation of returning safe and sound part of the excitement of risk.
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And we’d have to wear masks with the plague and all. 🙂
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You always make me laugh David, the way you spin a tale. I love the old cobblestones in Sandra’s picture. If they could only talk. Bubonic plague indeed. Bet they’v seen more than that. Keep writing FF. You’re so good at flash fiction 🙂
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Thanks! 🙂 I like to take things to their absurd limit.
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Atishoo, atishoo, we all fall down
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There’s such a thing as too authentic.
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Yeah, I mean personally, I don’t mind a bit of amenities, even if they’re not authentic.
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I’ve always felt a holiday is never complete without bubonic plague. Call me picky, I know, but once you’ve experienced it… well – nothing else can compare.
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I don’t know, it’s no cholera. 😉
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The plague the plague! What a fun holiday that sounds, does it end with a man and a cart shouting “Bring out your Dead”?!
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Sure, it could I suppose. 🙂
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Oh my! This is terrifying and hilarious all at once. Nicely done!
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Thanks, Angela. I don’t know if this is dark comedy, but maybe dim comedy. 🙂
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This is hilarious! Specially bred fleas and lice? Now that’s dedication. Excellent take, David!
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Thanks, Nancy. I’m glad you liked it. I like a little absurdity in my stories. 🙂
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Dear David,
Our anniversary is coming up. I think I’d rather take an artificial cruise. And definitely wouldn’t want the “upgrade.” Quirky fun.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yeah, me too, I’m sure. My wife read this and I’ll think she’ll be planning our next vacation. 🙂
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It’s not a real vacation without the plague. This was a fun story!
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this made me smile
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Thanks! My wife read this and now won’t let me plan our next vacation. 🙂
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