The Cruel Trick

Photo by: Al Forbes

Dana the Park Ranger said, “It’s okay. Rhianna is very tame. You can even pet her if you want.” She stepped back. “I’ll be right over here.”

Norman looked at the massive Rhino on the other side of the fence. Steeling himself, he walked toward her slowly with his hand outstretched. “Hi Rhianna, you beauty,” he cooed.

The powerful beast raised her head and said, “Really? You think I’m beautiful?”

Norman froze in place. He looked around. Dana appeared out of earshot. “Uh, what?”

“You said I’m beautiful.”

“Well, uh, yeah. In a Rhinocerosey way.”

Rhianna sighed. “I know. You don’t have to lie. I’m huge and fat and ugly.”

“No! I didn’t say…”

“I wasn’t always like this. Before that damned witch and her spell…well, I was beautiful. They were grooming me to be a lingerie model.”

“Yeah right, a spell. That old line.” Norman suddenly shook his head. “Wait! A talking Rhino?”

“Isn’t that proof of a spell?” urged Rhianna. “Who’s ever heard of a talking Rhino?”

“I suppose you’re right,” said Norman, tapping his lip in thought. “But aren’t you supposed to be a frog?”

Rhianna snorted. “That’s so old school. This witch really hated me. Her cruel trick is punishment for my beauty and…I’m embarrassed to say.”

“What?”

“I’m a nymphomaniac. I can’t help it. All I think of all day is sex. That’s why the witch made me a Rhino. My punishment because I was horny all the time.”

Norman smirked.

“It’s not funny!”

“Oh! Sorry, sorry. I mean, that’s awful what she did.”

Rhianna rolled her massive head side-to-side. “Oh! It’s alright. Look, I can see you’re a kind man, and very sexy I might add. This spell could be broken the traditional way.”

“You mean…?”

“Yes. Kiss me. Kiss me and I’ll be yours forever!”

“Sounds too good to be true. I mean…”

“I’ll be the same beautiful girl I was, but better. I wouldn’t shag just anyone ten times a day like before. I’ve learned my lesson. I’ll just want you, only you, all day long.”

Norman’s pulse raced, “I don’t know.”

“C’mon Norman! A talking Rhino, remember? Take a chance. Take a chance on LOVE!” Rhianna raised up her hairy, pebbly, crusty mouth.

Norman closed his eyes and leaned forward.

Behind him, the Park Director finally caught up to Ranger Dana and whispered, “Dana. I see your skills at ventriloquism are improving.”
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Happy Valentine’s Day! Written for Sunday Photo Fiction. Look here for this week’s prompt and a blue link to many other stories: https://sundayphotofictioner.wordpress.com/2016/02/14/sunday-photo-fiction-february-14th-2016/