A New Bride

"Dad, I can't take it anymore!" the new bride lamented over the telephone.

"Give it some time. Don't make a hasty decision."

"But, Dad his family's so different than how I've been brought up! They have weird tastes, and most of the time they live with us." she sobbed.

"Look at the positive side; you have a loving husband. Give it some time; otherwise, we're always there for you!"

She put down the phone as she wiped her tear, "For the sake of Sam, I shall become sisu for a few days and then decide what to do next."


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A brief note: In Indian marriages when a bride marries she has to 'learn' to adjust with the groom's family and their various tactics!  As the saying goes, "If you marry an Indian guy; you tend to marry his whole family!" 

In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about sisu. It’s a Finnish concept of enduring strength, the ability to consistently overcome. Think long-term. Go where the prompt leads!

A Choice

“Come on! you can do it, Nate!” Mom urged her teen as he sat all heartbroken with a droopy head.

“Beggars can’t be choosers. I shall take what’s offered,” he shouted back at her.


There was silence.


With moist eyes, but a stern voice she said, “That’s untrue! Cause even beggars get an opportunity 

to choose. But they choose to take the easy route!” The son looked at her with a frown as she

continued, “What do you choose to do about your low grades? Accept defeat or get your concepts

right and take the retest?”


“Choice is yours!”


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 In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story using the phrase “beggars can’t be choosers.” You can play with the words, alter them or interpret them without using the phrase. Give it any slant you want — show what it means or add to its  meaning. Go where the prompt leads!
Join in the fun at CarrotRanch

Love to Let Go!

Sarah aimed her long stem glass at him, but instead, it hit the floor crashing into multiple pieces. 

She could see her slivered heart in each of those broken fragments as she wept uncontrollably. 

He looked from a distance but dared not to come near.

Minutes ticked by, which seemed endless to both.

“Go, Live your way!” 

“Thank you” he squealed and exited the room with a flying kiss at her. 

 ‘Love is to Let Go!’ Sarah muttered as she wiped her tears and got up to clean the mess while her beau traveled continents to live his passion. 

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about valentines. It can be Valentine’s Day, the exchange, love for another, romance, or friendship. Have a heart and go where the prompt leads!

Good Bye!

In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a sign. It can be a posted sign, a universal sign, a wonder. Go where the prompt leads.





"Take these! Don't need them, now!" Maggie offered to return a pair of earrings to her friend, Pam. 

"Are you kidding me! Wear them. These suit you more than when on me!" Pam commanded and pushed her hand away.

Hesitant Maggie kept it back but was still very reluctant. 

Days turned into a week.

One fine morning Pam got the news of Maggie's demise.

Devastated Pam could not digest the news. 

She pondered, 'Maggie offered to return my jewelry. I should have inquired the reason rather than brushing it off quickly.' she sobbed silently, 'Could have said my Goodbye.' 

In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a sign. It can be a posted sign, a universal sign, a wonder. Go where the prompt leads. Join in at CarrotRanch. 

A Turn of Event!

"I hate my life!" Jaya kept growling with anger teary-eyed as she walked with stern steps towards a mid-sized wall that faced the ocean.

She climbed the wall and eyed her home with a sulk; then looked towards the ocean.

"I do not belong here!" she closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath to take the plunge. 

Just then her face got wet by the sea mist. That made her freeze on her drastic step.

She was in tears.

Again!

This time for good since memories of Love, Care, Play and Laughter with family changed her mind.

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write a story about sea mist. How does it create an environment for a story? It can set the stage or take the stage. Go where the prompt leads. 
Join in the fun at CarrotRanch

Darn Memories!

"Thank heavens it broke!" Jules said with relief as she raised her hands in jubilation. 

She was quick to call for help to clean up the mess. 

As the helper was collecting the pieces that got scattered around the room; Jules watched with a keen eye. 

Her fragile grey neurons of 80 years old were quick to make synapses as that cup's history took her to her home surrounded with laughter, and then to an old age home all alone. 

Memories were threatening to overwhelm her, but she would be seen fighting them with an expletive now and then. 


 In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about shards. You can write about the pieces, the item they once were, or who picks them up and why. Go where the prompt leads. Join in the fun at CarrotRanch

Over the years...

"Always look into ways to enrich your life." used to be the mantra of the moral science teachers of my school. 

Initial years I would carry a frown and a confused look, but as the years added on; I realized the true meaning! 

Studying in a convent school had its perks since being of service came upon early, along with the environment of my home which was very nourishing as my parents not only took care of my natural nutrition but also fed my soul the right ingredients to carry forth the idea of living my purpose with gratitude. 


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 In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes the idea of enrichment. Join in the fun at CarrotRanch. 

Happy New Year!

As I ring in the New Year lots of memories flood before me: the good, the bad, the ugly while 'am so involved with that flashback that 'am unaware of the various expressions on my face.

When reminded 'am filled with apprehension yet gratitude to be able to enjoy the coming year of whatever it may bring, as I continue to leave my carbon imprint.

I may be an ordinary person, but my consciousness allows me to breathe with appreciation as I ponder back and realize that I have been able to touch atleast a handful of souls each year.



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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a character who looks back. 

Pam, the Comet

1990
High School reunion
 Pamela, the brunette at the age of 23, was huffing and puffing about her new husband to her friends.
"Then, what do you do?" inquired one.
"I raise my voice. I argue. I fight until he bows thee!" she said with a wink and a triumphant smile.

2015
Pamela meets her old friends who inquire about her life. She blushed at first then pushed the stray grey hair behind her ear, " I was like a comet, bright at the head, but years changed my perception allowing me to tail away from the headstrong attitude.

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a comet. 

I-scream disaster

"I'll have the butterscotch, please!" Meghan requested politely.

"One scoop or two," he asked in a hurried tone

"Ummm!" 

"Be quick, young lady! I ain't the whole day." 



"I'm sorry, I can't decide," she said as she put her index finger in her mouth and swayed her 4-foot skeleton from left to right allowing the frills of her frock to bend along. 

"Next," he shouted leaving her cup as is and attended the next person in line. 

She was devastated, and tears came along.



"Nothing is lost! Do not cry," the mom ushered her on one side, "Let's share!" 

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about “not all is lost.” It can include recovery from disaster, an unexpected insight after a fall, Join CarrotRanch for fun! 

Hope beneath the Loss

"Hi, Pink Carnations!" 

"Hi, Chrysanthemums!"

"Oh wait there come the Lilies," said the chrysanthemum.

"I also see Yellow Roses in that lady's hand." 

The Daffodils, Tulips, and the Gladioli with the yellow and the white carnations come along. 

****

All these flowers are placed on the coffin while humans stand in a circle with folded hands.  

At first, these flowers greet each other. Excited to form a concoction. 

These blossoms together emit a fragrance that makes the Homosapien realize as they cry softly upon the loss that there is hope and promise even when pain and heartbreak surround them.  

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a bouquet. Join in the fun at CarrotRanch. 

The Fetch Game

"Attagirl!" he shouted as he threw a stick.

She narrowed her eyes and walked gracefully while eyeing it at times. Just then she saw berries hanging from a tree. She chose the latter, allowing the stick to land on the ground. 

Jack bawled.

She was unperturbed as she continued to pick the fruit with her long neck. 

He had no choice, but to wait until she was content. 

Threw the stick again, and this time she caught it in her beak effortlessly. 


Jack was quick to clap in jubilance, and she moved her feet and body to the tune.

In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story defining “the charisma of cranes.” 

The Mom

"Sam hurry up! it's time to leave for school." 

"Yeah" came a response amidst the wide yawn.

"Did you put your lunch box, water bottle in your bag?" 

"Yeeees!" he muttered.

"Sam eat your breakfast! Why are you daydreaming? The school bus will be here any minute!" she stressed.

Sam rolled his eyes, and he could not contain himself, "MOM! Let it go!" he shrilled.

Mom paused. 

Took a deep sigh as she placed her hands on her hips, she responded, "I am aware dear. But someone has to delegate it, and that ugly task falls upon me!" 

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a busy character.

The Pride

"Look at this Red-breasted Flycatcher. Wonder how they were created." said one hawk to another while perched on a dead frog.

The latter one paused from tearing the muscles of the prey, "You Betcha! One has to be so vigilant to catch them."


"But they would be tasty since they are so pretty!" the former confessed.

"Sure. But only if we are able to snap them."

"Talk softly. We are supreme. We are the Lords in this terrain." the latter cautioned.

That made the former chuckle, "Wonder for how long since everyone has a time scale of supremacy."

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a raptor. Join in the fun at CarrotRanch

The Big Brown Dog

"Cappie Go. Go!" I would shout at him as he would come near me.


The fear factor of a four-legged animal creeping onto me was still going strong although that episode happened as a toddler.

The howl, the shriek still fresh in my mind thus, making me very conscious if a dog would come near me.

Today Cappie, the big brown dog, was one of them.

I unknowingly was sitting on his blanket thus making him wag his tail around me, and I was on the yelling end.

Until his owner came and swooped the blanket beneath me.



In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a Big Brown Dog.

Secret Birthday Wishes

"Cheater!" she accused him.

"Prove it!" he demanded.

"You peeped into my paper," she said with confidence.

"I did not," he expressed in an agitated voice, "I just eyed your partner."

"Over what?" she questioned.

"Why do you care?" he said with authority.

"Well, your eyes went past me. So, I am now entitled to all the conversation" she claimed.

"Gosh! You are such a sensitive lassie." he shrugged his shoulders and irked as he opened a birthday card that had wishes all over, and it was addressed to her.

She had glee and guilt all over her face.

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a prickly story. Is it the temperament of a character that is prickly or is it a hardship he or she faces? 

The Shore of a Lake

"Wow!" she exclaimed.

He made an "ugh" face as he continued to read his book on the shores of the Lake Tahoe.

"What!" she said irritatingly, "Did you even bother to give a second glance?"

He pulled down his shades partially and gave a brief look, "The water is muddy so why to give me the trouble!" he admitted.

"Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Now if the beholder is a grumpy old man, beauty does not care to show her true self" she said while continuing to click the picture of the pebbles amidst the mud.

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story using a lens. Join in the fun at CarrotRanch

Sacred Space

Morris squealed,"Get out you wrinkled hairy creature!"

The girl panicked and ran out of that four by four space that was her shrine, and NO one was allowed in there!

As she stood outside her sacred space, she was in tears while pondering over the invasion that was an intrusion into her privacy.

"I shall investigate and get to the bottom of this!" she said while wiping her tears and banging her right fist to her left palm.

While at a distance, a set of giggles could be heard that were secretly hiding the cage in their backpack.

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 In 99 words (no more, no less) write an office story. Join in the fun at Carrot Ranch.

Nature's Fury

Cloe and Jake were walking hand in hand, with a scarf over their respective heads that bit into with their lips. Their steady steps would sometimes get an unwary cause of the sandstorm that would push and try to drift them apart.



But instead, they would halt, grip their fingers into each other's palms and continue their walk with the hope to find a roof to escape the fury of the sand storm in this merciless desert.

 Life had been burdensome and treacherous thus, making them spit out only venom at each other.

Nature's Fury united them!

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 In 99 words (no more, no less) write about a surprise from a desert.

The Droppings

"Gosh! she did it again" I snapped as I picked up her poop from the backyard.
"I have told Janet a thousand times about her feces in my yard, but alas! no action" I continued to complain as I was cleaning up. 

**

Days go by and no sign of elimination on my property. At first, I was pleased, but there were moments I missed seeing the feline animal and her purr with her soft gaze that said a lot about her emotions after her 'act' in my yard. 

I inquired and was devastated to know about her ill health. 

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 In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a cat.  Join in the fun at CarrotRanch