This post is written for Mondays Finish the Story challenge. This is a flash fiction challenge where we are provided with a new photo each week, and the first sentence of a story. Our challenge is to finish the story using 100-150 words, not including the sentence provided. The sentence provided is underlined in my story. For other interesting stories click on the little blue fellow at the bottom of this post. Enjoy!
Diamond Jack had his hideout next to the Rattle Snake River.
After his parents’ death in 1995 he had lived alone in this out-of-the-way shack three miles from the nearest road. He installed booby traps in corridors and doorways to ensnare intruders.
He began venturing out of the house only after midnight and would walk miles all over the city to get food, sometimes going as far as Bridgeport to buy as little as a loaf of bread. He would also pick food out of the garbage and collect food that was going to be thrown out by grocers and butchers to bring back. He also collected countless pieces of abandoned items and trash that aroused his interest.
They found Diamond Jack’s body last week in the midst of 130 tons of books, furniture, musical instruments and other items. Among the items found were his unpaid electricity, water, and gas bills which he had failed to pay. Those services were turned off in 1997.
Oh Danny Boy! 
Sad story, but well done. This probably happens oftener than we realize. — Suzanne
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More than we realize!
DJ
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A very sad tale. Diamond Jack lived a life of poverty as a total recluse, shunning all contact with other people – even to the extent of installing booby traps! I’m sure there are other such tales and I suppose we could read all sort of reasons as to why Jack chose to live this way. The hoarding is another interesting point of discussion. Thought provoking story, Danny.
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Sad story that is true in many cases. At least he had beautiful surroundings outside.
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Agree!
DJ
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A very sad excellent response to the prompt Danny ~ Hoarding can be an illness ~ Sorry to hear about your Uncle Ralph ~ Well written ~ 🙂
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Diamond Jack, the hoarder. I like your take. Sad story.
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Seems to be a lot of them around today.
DJ
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Interesting story… It fits the photo.
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Thanks Ted!
DJ
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A sad tale DJ. I knew a guy who was a little like your DIamond Jack, he walked all over town to specific shops for what he wanted.
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The post was based on my Uncle Ralph, Kept everything.
DJ
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Interesting take on the photo and opening line! I like what you did! Thank you Danny for participating again! I hope that you will come back for next Monday’s challenge! Be well… ^..^
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Thanks for the nice comment. See you next week.
DJ
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LOL! I will see you next week! Until then…
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Quite a sad story. I guess his parents’ death hit him hard.
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