YOLO

 

"Your nails look nice," I complimented my friend as she tapped her long, red-polished nails on the table while we waited for our food to arrive.

"Thanks!" she said, blowing at them gently with an arched eyebrow. 

"So, how do you keep them clean while you're cooking and doing other stuff in the kitchen?" I asked, trying to learn some tips and tricks.

"Cooking and cleaning?" she repeated with a shriek. "Urgh! I have help doing all the work in the house." She shrugged her shoulders and glanced at mine with a playful smirk. "You only live once, babes!" 

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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about someone (or something) strutting. What has caused the overconfidence? Is it arrogant? Foolish? Legit? How does strutting shape a story? Have fun and go where the prompt leads!

A Leak

 

"I need you to hurry up!" she yelled.

"Relax, it's just a small leak!" I yelped back as I walked towards the kitchen to get a pan to collect the drops falling from my roommate's rooftop.

"Just a small leak?" she countered, "This small leak will sink the whole house."

"Not unless we repair it and stop procrastinating about it," I replied as I put a pan under the drop and searched for a repair person online.

"Wait! What if we can't afford it?" she asked, concerned.

"We'll pay in installments," I reassured her, still looking at my phone.

March 12, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about leaving a leak. What (or who) is leaking? How can you use the leak to create tension? Expand the idea of leaks. Go where the prompt leads!

The Mask of Pretense

 

We often seek happiness in external factors such as material objects, situations, and occasions. 

However, life is unpredictable, and not everything is in our control. 

It's best to avoid having expectations from anyone. This way, we can teach ourselves to find happiness in whatever we encounter. 

The power of pretending to be happy is extreme and can help us keep our pain at bay. 

By training our minds to be present and aware, we can better cope with life's challenges.

Training your mind and being aware of the present situation will help you cope with everything thrown at you.

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about an intolerable mask. Who is wearing the mask and why? What is so intolerable about the mask? Is there empathy for the one behind the mask? Go where the prompt leads!

My Dignity

Menon saw his wife, Sarita, flipping the pillows on their bed and checking under the comforter, ruffled sheets, and behind the chest of drawers.

 He asked irritatingly, "What are you looking for? And why aren't you dressed?" 

Sarita whispered, "I'm looking for my dignity?" 

And she continued to search other rooms.

With crossed eyebrows, Menon followed her and asked, "Is that a new cosmetic? Just get dressed without it." he said, glancing at his watch. 

She squinted at him with crossed arms and said sternly, "I can't go to places where I am a mere puppet. Go without me!"

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something lost now found. Is it an object or person who is lost? How are they lost? What happens when what was lost is found? Go where the prompt leads!

Are You Coming Tonight?

Sarla asked, "Hey! Are you coming tonight?" 

There was a slight pause on the other end. 

Sarla urged, "Oh! Come on, the pandemic is over. We all have to meet in person. Everyone is coming!" 

Macy sighed heavily before responding, "What's the point of meeting? We talk on the phone every day. I have nothing new to add." 

There was a lack of enthusiasm in her tone. 

 "I understand where you're coming from, but we must bring the fish out of the water. Let's cherish the moments of physical touch and not let technology take that away from us," 

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a fish out of water. What is the source of the tension? The characters, the action, the setting? Or, is it literally a story about fish, real or metaphorical? Go where the prompt leads!

What's your Pace?

 

"Congratulations! Your vitals are good, and you'll be discharged from the hospital today," announced the doctor as he reviewed the patient's medical file. 

The caretaker was thrilled. 

However, the patient seemed less than thrilled. Upon noticing his solemn expression, the doctor inquired, "Is everything alright? You don't seem very happy." 

After taking a deep breath, the patient replied, "I'm relieved that I have recovered from my illness, but the thought of conforming to society's demands makes me anxious."

"Hmmm, you can choose the pace of your life. Your rhythm will determine the length of your recovery," said the doctor. 

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a recovery story. What instigated the recovery? What is being recovered? Data, athletes, illness — expand the idea of recovery and find your story. Go where the prompt leads!

Are the results out, yet?

 

I shouted, "Are the results out yet?"while quickly pulling on my pants and zipping them up, then pushed the door open. 

Mom was busy knitting, and she shook her head no.

"Mom!" I shrieked, refreshed the screen, and exhaled deeply. 

Our eyes met. 

She was calm, wearing a gentle smile despite my reaction. 

The results had not yet been released, so I sat beside her. "I can't take this waiting game!" I lamented.

"Sing a song!" Mom said. 

"Huh?" I responded. 

"Keep your mind busy, Sara. Time will tick away! Besides, the results are not in your hand." 

In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about waiting. Where does this waiting take place? Does it have a past or a future outcome? Who is waiting and why? Go where the prompt leads!