The Throne

"Sure, I can babysit my seven-year-old niece." 

"Thanks, Sis." Pedro grinned, "I'll pick her up by 9 p.m."

The evening was going well until Sarah needed to use the potty.

I took her to the bathroom. She stood there with a dazed look.  I beckoned her to sit on the potty; she squealed and placed her fingers on her parted lips, then moved back n forth. 

Perplexed, I left her alone and stood outside. Time ticked away. 

I peeped in to find that she was seated on the floor and playing peek-a-boo with her reflection on the gold-plated toilet. 

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  In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that glorifies a toilet.  Go where the prompt leads!fff

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The Grinch

"What is that green thingie on my toast?" I inquired with flared nostrils.

"Oh! Sweetie, that's avocado. It's supposed to be very healthy for you." Mom said in a gentle voice as she got busy with the cleanup.

"I just want my PB&J sandwich." I moaned. 

"Besides, I will end up becoming a grinch if I eat these toasts." 

"Who said?" Mom inquired with hands on her hips and a crossed brow.

"Marsha said her brother has turned green ever since he ate avocados."

Then with a brief pause, "I don't want to hate Christmas by becoming a grinch."

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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story includes avocado toast. How can this be a story or a prop to a story? Use your senses and imagination. Go where the prompt leads! Join the fun at Carrotranch. 

The Bored Teen

"Pick up your plates, Nate. That's the least you can do around the house," I shouted at my teen in a high decibel.

"Mom! I get tired doing the same chore three times a day." he retorted.

I stopped stirring the pot and gave him a confused look as if he had just declared that he has graduated from college; without going to one. 

He saw that look and muttered, "A teen's life is all about being with friends, and in these times, I've been eating home-cooked food. That is such a chore," and he let out a sigh! 

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

Two Friends

 "Where's your other slipper?" Mom inquired as Naina came out from her bedroom, wearing just one. 

"Maggie is nibbling on it," she said with a yawn as she placed herself next to her and brushed her labrador fondly. 

Just then, a mouse bolted by, and Maggie woofed along with joy instead of running after her. 
The duo was quick to pull up their feet and gave out a shriek. 

"I adopted her so that she could keep our house free of critters, but instead, she rejoices on their company and is busy with human objects." said the enraged mom.

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story of mice. It can feature any variety of the little critters in any situation. Are the the character or the inciting incident? Use any genre, including BOTS (based on a true story). Go where the prompt leads!

A Graduate

He throws his graduation cap in the air while I have tears flowing down my eyes. 

He's no doubt very excited about the 'freedom' that he'll get. That involves no reminders or nagging from my end to do things. 

As a parent, I ought to step back and give him wings to make his first flight away from home. Only then, I guess, he'll realize the importance of all that care, love, attention, and the need to manage time well, that he used to knit brows upon. 

As the wise said, "Give them wings to appreciate what they had." 

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a first flight. It can be anything or anyone that flies. What is significant about the first? Go where the prompt leads!

Mindful Eating

"No, eatables are allowed on the plane." Said a voice that was soft yet stern. 


He had no choice but to comply.


Going home was a definite priority over defying the rules of the TSA. 

He chose to empty all his pockets and walk towards his gate with sluggish steps while gnarling noise was accompanying him. His stomach muscles were squeezing tight as if wringing a cloth. 

Traveling in wee hours with no shop open, he chose to board the flight. 

Mark decided to eat mindfully from the tiny in-flight bag of pretzel that helped nourish his hunger pangs. 


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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story to nourish. 

The Art of Skateboarding

While sipping my tea at the crack of dawn, an idea sparked in my mind as I stared at my son's longboard, "I should try this. After all, it's all about balance." 

 I lifted the board and walked towards my cemented yard. 

After centering and grounding myself, I placed one foot on the board, and it whooshed off before I could put the other foot on it. 

The result was a loud thud with an Ouch of a higher decibel that was quick to wake up my family. 

"Nah! this is all about practice, not just a jiffy exercise!" 

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that features long boards. They can be used in any way you imagine, including a name for sporting equipment. How are they used and who is using them? Go where the prompt leads!

Crazy mom

The alarm wakes me up by 6 am. After freshening up, I pick up my bell and perform a ritual that has given me a nickname,  'Crazy mom.'

But nothing can derail my enthusiasm about it, since being an advocate of energy medicine, I love to stir up energy into the stagnant particles of my home with this gentle jingle. This shift activates all the molecules that will eventually also liven up the spirits of all the humans living in it. 

I call it killing two birds with one stone since the above activity also wakes up my teen. 



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 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something crazy. Laugh like crazy, show the setting of stir-crazy or go off the rails on a crazy train. Have fun with the word and the situation, but go where the prompt leads!

Join in the fun at CarrotRanch

The Tenacious Mailman

Jimmy squinted his eyes and took laborious steps towards the last drop out. 

Sweat dripping from his grey sideburns and his tongue hanging due to thirst under his sun hat. 

He dropped off the post in the mailbox of the mansion-like house and admired the manicured lawn while wiping sweat off his forehead. 

Walked back to his postal van and sat gingerly on the seat. After gulping a copious amount of water, he let out a deep sigh with a smile as if he did a touchdown!


"Ten more days until I retire, and all this will be history." 



In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a postal carrier in an extreme situation. Even if you base your story on a true one, focus on the core trait of this postal carrier. Go where the prompt leads!

The Bench

"I am tired."

After giving a glance at her face that glistened with sweat courtesy the bright sun, he said, "Let's take a five-minute break."


Mrs. D was quick to plop on the bench that overlooked the green grass where children were playing ball.

As the north-west wind blew, she flared her nostrils to absorb the energy that'll help her walk home.

While Mr. D gave out a deep sigh as memories flashed in front of him.

He placed his wrinkled hand over his wife and uttered, "Our life has transitioned, but this bench has been constant for us."


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

Those Eyes!

“Whatever happens, don’t open this?” Mom commanded as if the colonel of the army and marched out of the room. 

I obeyed with a soft nod but confused eyes.

I stared at it and saw a pair of eyes on the brass knobs of the polished brown wood. 

Peeked outside the room. 

“Should I open it?” I grinned like a witch, “But maybe it had something forbidden for me, just 

like Adam’s apple?” I contemplated. 

Stared back at the hutch, but darn those eyes reflected at me! 

"Is it my consciousness or just the reflection of my own eyes?"



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

Sweet and Savory Dessert

"Could I please have a big slice of key lime pie without whipped cream?"

I skewed my nose, "It would be so tangy without it. How about some vanilla ice-cream on the side, instead?"

"No!" Natalie was loud and clear.

I could still not digest the fact, and snickered at her, "I hope you're aware that it's a dessert, not an entree."

"Mom, why can't we consider a dessert to be sweet and savory, just like how Life offers us. Happy and not so happy moments in our lives." my 18-year-old inquired in a severe tone, leaving me speechless.

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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes a key lime pie. How can you use it in a story? Is it about the pie? Or about characters making, eating, or otherwise engaging with one? Go where the prompt leads!

The Husband's Pride

Carl was sitting at ease with a cigar while his daughter was by his semi-conscious wife's bedside.

Farah was sobbing uncontrollably, "Get well soon, Mom."

Hearing his daughter's sobs, the Dad gave out a chortle.

Sarah was quick to ask him the reason for his behavior.

"She can't go anywhere. Her soul, even when it leaves the body, has no choice but to go back into the body."

"How so?"

"I have storm windows installed, and nothing can escape them."

The partially conscious Mom came back to her senses upon hearing the above and snickered over her husband's pride.


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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using storm windows. It can be literal on a house, but also consider other portals, even spaceships or submarines. Can you make it into something new or build a story around something historical? Go where the prompt leads!

The Movie

"Mom, I need to go to the bathroom," whispered six-year-old Nate into his Mom's ears with a sense of urgency.

"Shhh!" she said with twisted brows as she continued to glare at the screen with an intense look while shoving popcorn in her mouth and chewing nervously.

"Mom!" he said again, and this time in a loud decibel. 

The folks sitting around also Shhhhed him 

"This is a very intense scene. Control your pee! I'll take you when there is an intermission," 

Poor Nate sat there with crossed legs and hands-on his crotch while the Mom enjoyed the movie. 

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about an interlude. It can be a pause between two key moments, the pause between acts in a play, an intermission, or a temporary amusement Go where the prompt leads you!

The Fallen Apples...

"Hey, don't hit those fallen apples with your bat?" Grandma rebuked her grandson, Pedro.

"What should we do with it, grandma?" he asked innocently, "Mom doesn't allow us to eat them, once fallen."

Granny paused for a bit; it helped her cool down.

"Let's collect all of them, I'll make use of these fallen apples!" she said with a gentle smile.

The excited eight-year old collected all the juicy red apples in his red pail.

Grandma got to the task to make an end product that was sweet and fruity.

"Yum! the grandson licked the jelly off the spoon!"


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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a sweet jam. It can take you to the kitchen or the smokey room of a back-alley bar. What makes it sweet? Go where the prompt leads you!

My Rockstar!

One unforgettable torrid evening, I get unexpected news from my brother, "She is no more!"

I grew numb at first then shouted and cried relentlessly.

'How can this be? She had promised to visit me in a few months.' I murmured while I tried to make sense of the news.

'Who shall give me priceless advise when I'm low and down?'

After a lot of sobbing and contemplation, I came to peace with the news that my rockstar, aka my mom, has left me for heavenly abode.


'Until I meet her...shall listen to my consciousness when in doubt!'



 In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a rock star. You can feature a central character or write about the feeling like a rock star. Go where the prompt leads!

Challenge Accepted!

"I dare you!" he said with a snort and arms on his hips.

"I accept the challenge!" 

Now 'have to wait for the right moment!

Soon sleep encroached my athletic brother who had come home after playing a game of soccer in the scorching sun. 

I was quick to collect my mom's cosmetics and tiptoe in his room, and the process of painting started. 

I painted the foundation gently on his tanned face with a brush; created a mole on his left upper lip with a liquid eyeliner; the Cindy Crawford style! Then concluded with painting, his lips red. 

In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that involves paint. It can be fresh, peeling or in need of a coat. What is being painted and why? Go where the prompt leads!Join in the fun at CarrotRanch

Got Style?

"April, you're not wearing this to school. Please, change."

The daughter stood still.

Mom was stern, "Right now, young lady!"

April yawned, made a sulking face and walked to her room leisurely.

She took forever!

Mom knocked on the door of her room, "Aren't you getting late?" she inquired in a desperate tone.

"Nah! not really. It's okay!"

The response confused Mom. She walks in and demands an explanation.

"Since I don't get to wear the dress to attract attention; I rather make a big splash by arriving late to my class!" the daughter said with a straight face.


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 In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that makes a big splash. It can be fluid, or you can play with the idiom (to make a big splash is to do or say something that becomes unforgettable). Go where the prompt leads! 

Light Up

"The usual!" Sarah said with a heavy accent to which the bartender was quick to nod and started preparing the concoction."

She sat there with one of her hand supporting her face while the other was fidgeting with her long brown curls.

The bartender noticed her and could not resist, "Long day?"


She nodded with a yawn.

"Here, this could cheer you up!" he brought the big glass towards her.

Her eyes lit up after a sip, "Wow, who would have thought strawberries and mint could compliment my Screwdriver!"

"Yup! these ingredients can light up anybody's screwed up day!"

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes strawberries and mint. The combination evokes color contrast, scents, and taste. Where will the combination take you? Go where the prompt leads!

A Year Old

“Sammy, blow the candles!” Christine said with delight.

 Sammy claps her hands with joy and walks with ginger steps towards the table. She attempts to puff in the air as she pouts and her chest expands. Tired, she pauses with her lips contracted and then huffs the breath with all her might. 

“Oh, Oh!” All shouted in the background as something blew across Sammy and onto the cake.

She forgot to remove her dentures before the blowout! 

Needless of the incident, her grandchildren applauded Samantha who preferred to be addressed by her name had entered a three digit number.

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about growing older. It can be humorous, dark or poignant. It can be true or total fiction. It can be fine wine or an old fossil. Go where the prompt leads!