The First Rain of the Season

 "It's raining! Get the air fryer out," urged Dev as he walked in with damp clothes.

"You do realize fried food is not good for your health. Your cholesterol has been high," said Tina with an arched eyebrow. 

Dev paused and took a deep breath, inhaling the Petrichor potpourri, a unique, earthy smell associated with rain.

"The season's first rainfall is always special, and it needs a celebration, Tina," he endorsed, "Besides, we are using an air fryer and not deep frying the food in oil, so it's not bad for the health." he winked with a twisted smile. 

In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a festa. It can be any festival, celebration, or use of the word. Is it food-related or an event? Is it an object or a shout-out? Who is involved and why? What happens? Go where the prompt leads!

Unexpected Weather

"Mom, it's raining stones outside, and I have bruises all over," Jules exclaimed as she entered the house, holding her head and examining her arms. 

Curious, her Mom asked, "Raining stones? In sunny California?" She quickly looked out the window and saw a hailstorm. 

The wind was forcefully throwing ice balls, creating a sound similar to throwing stones when they hit the ground. 

"Oh my, I never thought I'd see this kind of weather on our side of the country. And to think I pay high taxes for sunny days! This must be due to Global Warming," she fumed. 

In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about the arrival of the weather. It can mean any kind of weather event meteorological or mythological. Is the weather personified, random, or calculating? Where does it arrive? Is it typical or epoch-changing? Who is involved? And if the Womam Who Doesn’t Want Red Hair shows up, well, ask her what’s happening. Go where the prompt leads!

Take Me Home, Country Roads

 

The drive from the airport to the familiar streets was heart-wrenching, as many memories kept popping up. 

I reached the colony and met my friends with fond hugs, but my eyes wandered to a particular home. 

The familiar foliage and vibes couldn't keep me from knocking on the door. 

I hoped the door would open like old times when two familiar figures would hug me with warmth and unconditional love- my parents. 

But just then, my friend interrupted my train of thought! 

"Don't do this to yourself again! You know your parents are dead, and a tenant lives here." 

In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about the journey home. Who is going home? Or are they in search of a future home or ancestral roots? Think of home as a life lived — adventures, relationships, accumulations. What makes home worth the journey? Go where the prompt leads!

Timing Matters

 

"I think we should take the south route," Aisha stated confidently.

Mala interjected, "But there's always traffic at this time. Let's take the inner roads instead; it'll be faster."

"I understand, but traffic helps me practice patience."

"That's good, but I want to be on time for work. Can you exercise your patience when driving alone?"

"Don't worry; I'll ensure we arrive on time."

Mala scoffed, "How? Does your car have wings?"

Despite Mala's remark, Aisha was resolute and selected the south route on her GPS.

'Why did I agree to carpool with such an immature co-worker?' thought Mala.

: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something or someone immature. Is it a wine not yet ready to uncork or an adult not ready to adult? You can follow the flight of immature fledglings or come up with something unexpected. Go where the prompt leads!

The Drive to Write

The emotions stirred by every breath we take in life motivate us to rise each morning, take action, and express gratitude to the Universe for filling us with vigor and affection. 

These same emotions inspire me to write down the diverse stories of individuals, exploring themes that celebrate the beauty of humanity and life. 

I draw inspiration from the issues that trouble our minds and am committed to the craft of writing. Every character I create undergoes a thoughtful journey, making my novels a source of contemplation for readers.

 I've penned down a dozen contemporary fiction novels at: www.ruchirakhanna.com

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story based on the phrase “commitment in a can.” What is the commitment and to whom? Describe the can. How does it expand the story? Go where the prompt leads!

Passage of Time

"It's getting late, sonny boy! The school bus will be here anytime. Let me help you with the socks while you finish your breakfast." I said as I glanced at the clock.

"Mom, we are running late for the convocation ceremony. Allow me to help you so we can be on the roads soon." said the same boy, 21 years later, as he helped me with the socks due to my arthritic hips. 

Embracing the inevitability of time is crucial in navigating the waters of life. We must keep rowing our boat to make a difference in this lifetime. 

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a loving relationship with an adult child. What happens when a significant child in one’s life becomes an adult?  How did the relationship shift? What is the importance of the new dynamic? Go where the prompt leads!

A Chopping Aide

"I just can't cook." Sarah lamented.

"Why so?" inquired Leone, who was as earnest in her query as a nurse, would be to her patient.

"Gravy is the key ingredient to get texture in any dish. Alas! I can't chop onions. They bring tears to my eyes." With that, she breathed a deep sigh that was as cold as if she had just landed in the Frigid zone.

Leone quickly handed a shield to her friend, "Wear this armor before you chop onions; it will protect you from the sooty vapors that they emit, that'll prevent tears from coming."

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a golden onion. Any golden onion. One planted or harvested. An onion chopped for a meal. How can you use an onion as a prop in a character’s hand? Go where the prompt leads!