Shock Totem "Contest"

I've finished my 1000 word entry in the Shock Totem Flash Fiction Contest that runs for seven days, ending Sept 7th. A locked forum for those who entered by the deadline, we were given a photo and needed to come up with a story that includes what was depicted in the photo. It needs to be the central theme in our stories, in otherwards, if it were to be taken out of your 1000 words, would your story still survive?

I've been chopping away and editing, since my first draft came in 350 words over the max of 1000. I expect to have it polished off and submitted tomorrow.

I"ll keep you posted.