Cardboard Bob peeled back his tarp and took out the magic basket. Atop the photographs was the charm Marnie had given him, a Barbie wrapped in rainbow pipe cleaners. “This will keep them demons out of your head,” she’d promised. “You won’t want to drink no more.”
That hadn’t happened, but Cardboard thought the cham might have other properties. Lately he’d taken to asking it questions about the people in the pictures.
He’d found the basket last year, setting atop a pile of furniture with a sign saying FREE.
He knew when he saw it that it contained secret messages.
Cardboard Bob, what a great name. I’m not sure whether I’m more scared for this fellow, or of him.
Great name. Sad but true depiction of schizophrenia. I hope he stays safe and that the ‘messages’ he gets are gentle … (most mentally ill are a danger to themselves a lot more than they are a danger to others …).
Mystical. Brings back memories of “The Fisher King” movie with Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams.
Such a deep feeling of sadness in this…You produced a great story.
Oh, this is a very very very good one! Having worked with homeless, I can entirely envision this story in all too real a format. Great one!
I like the sound of his charm Barbie!
I think this poor man was suffering from schizophrenia. I love the name you gave him. The Barbie charm is brilliant. So much to like about this story 🙂