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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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!

My Lemon Queen

"The house looks so clean. Where's my cyclone?" Dad inquired as soon as he entered his home.

"She's mostly been in her room since then. Let me get her." said five-year-old Trisha's Mom.

"Aha! There's my Lemon Queen," he said with glee and was quick to extend his hands towards her. His daughter came towards him with exuberance and landed on his lap.

She placed her tender fingers on his cheek as the dad started to tickle Trisha. Her giggles filled up the room, and the parents' face radiated like the sun from the happiness that she spread year-round. 

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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that features Lemon Queens. Maybe it’s an ancient fairy tale or a modern brand name. What ideas seep into your imagination? Is there a character or place involved? Go where the prompt leads!

The little Priya

"Hello Aunty, How have you been?" inquired a young girl with neat braids, and wearing an elegant dress.

 Her smile was infectious, and her eyes sparkled with the inquiry.

Mrs. Gupta was taken aback and had a frown, 'Who is this girl? Have I met her before?'

The girl was quick to introduce herself, "I am Priya. Your next-door neighbor." 

"Oh my! look at you. I remember you as a child who would throw tantrums and things at people passing by." Then with a broad smile, "Today, you've blossomed like a rose and are emitting such a beautiful fragrance."

In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes the word blossom. You can use the word as a noun or a verb, or even as a name. How does it fit into your story? Go where the prompt leads!

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!

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

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!

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! 

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!

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!

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

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. 

The festival of tricks and lights

Raj lights lamps in all corners of his house with hymns playing in the background. 

He is celebrating Diwali the festival of light that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance.

Just then the bell rings, he opens the door to a bunch of kids dressed in spooky costumes and shouting, "Trick or Treat."

He smiles, grabs his bucket full of treats and shouts "Treat...Treat!" As if surrendering to their threat in a sweet way!

Shuts the door, and continues with his prayers of the Hindu festival that comes around the same time as Halloween. 



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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a festival of lights.

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.” 

Your Pet Rules!

 In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about carrot cake. It can be classic or unusual. Why is there cake? How does it feature in the story. Go where the prompt leads.



"It's Leo's b'day, and he would like to invite your Boston terrier, Ginni."

Similar texts were sent for Pomeranian Coco, the Beagle Yogi.


"Let's get a cake." The mom declared with joy as she went shopping with her Labrador.

Soon Leo's woofs were beyond control since his mates joined for his celebration.

The canines wore party caps and had a slice of carrot cake in front of them. They waited patiently for the command, 'eat.'

However, as soon as the birthday song ended.
Leo gobbled the slices from all the plates leaving his friends puzzled.

A Sorter

In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a unicorn. It can be realistic or fantastical. Go where the prompt leads. Join in the fun at carrot-ranch.https://carrotranch.com/2018/02/22/february-22-flash-fiction-challenge/


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"Tara have you seen my bangles?" queried an impatient mom while looking high and low for her accessories.

"Right here!" the daughter shouted from her room to which the mom dashed in her direction.

Tara was quick to take it off the horn.

Mom had a hearty laugh seeing that the horn was nonetheless of a unicorn and was used to stack rubberbands, bangles, scrunchies, hairbands.

Tara stroked the stuffed animal lovingly, "He is not only my buddy with healing powers but also helps keep things sorted." she grinned and exhibited lacerations on her lips, tongue, and left cheek. 

A good investment

"Splash!"

"Toby quit splashing into the puddles" Mom urged as she walked with his tiny hand enclosed in her big palm on a rainy day while holding an umbrella with the other side that covered mostly her toddler inspite of him wearing a rain jacket.


Toby paused for a bit then looked up at her and after a mischievous wink continued to spatter water until they reached their car.

The mom was quick to put her son in his car seat. She removed his boots to check his socks.

"Dry socks!" she sighed in relief then muttered, "Good investment!" 

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write a story that includes boots. Whose boots are they, where do they go and what is their significance? Go where the prompt leads. Link up with CarrotRanch for 99cents fiction!