Warning – don’t look at today’s photo prompt if you have a weak stomach. It was so gross-looking Madison Woods wouldn’t even use it as a cover photo on the Friday Fictioneers Facebook page. So, eat your breakfast first, or not, before you take a peek.

When I took a look at the picture I was reminded of being sent into the corn field (not like the old Twilight Zone episode, by the way) to pull corn for dinner to find myself surrounded by ears of corn with this really icky-looking fungus called corn smut. Totally harmless to humans but just plain yucky to look at. I’d lose my appetite for fresh sweet corn every time.

Before you look at the photo, I’ll explain what it shows–a cut grapevine where the sap has oozed out and bacteria and fungi have grown in the sap, which is a really tasty growth medium for such critters. Completely natural but gross to look at. It was, however, a really inspiring photo, in an odd, warped way, but, hey, I’m a writer. These things happen.

Today’s story is called “Try Not to Notice.” If you don’t see the link on the title, hover your cursor over the Friday Fictioneers tab above and select it from the drop-down menu. At the bottom of the story itself you’ll see the link to read other Friday Fictioneers’ offerings. Just be prepared for grossness because we’re all going to go there.

And here’s a virtual sick bag, just in case.