Our gracious host, Rochelle, at Friday Fictioneers
asks us to use the photo below as inspiration
to write creatively in 100 words or less while
making every word count. This is my flash.
Cassie never knew her Pa but he was a rotten, no good son-of-a-bitch…..at least, that’s what Mama said.
Every night after supper, Mama would get out the stepstool and climb up to reach into the highest cupboard where she kept her bottle of hooch. She’d get tipsy and start trashing Cassie’s Pa. By now Cassie knew every word of Mama’s tirade.
Cassie’s Pa was a dreamer. When he got wind of gold being found in some place called California, he jumped on a train and took off. Mama hated him for it but Cassie didn’t.
She had dreams, too.
NAR©2025
100 Words
This is “After the Gold Rush” by Neil Young
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller, Nancy (The Sicilian Storyteller), The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk, and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Dear Nancy,
Two dreamy stories for the price of one. 😉 Hopefully Cassie will be able to realize her dreams and escape her present reality. Perhaps she’ll meet her Papa and hear his side of things. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What excellent comments, Rochelle! I love both those scenarios. One thing is certain: Cassie needs to get out of that house and away from her mother before she becomes as jaded as mom.
Thanks very much, Rochelle.
Shalom,
🕊️
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It is good she has dreams. Her reality is kind of ugly.
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You are spot on about that, Dawn. Thanks!
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That picture certainly evokes a somber mode (noted on both responses to the prompt). Very dark, quite delightful!
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Thanks much, Liz! It’s been a while since I went dark; it was time. 😁
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Classic song Nancy
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Thanks, Di. I agree; great song.
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i hope he comes back before it’s too late and they become a family again.
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Oh, I see you are a dreamer too, Plaridel. 😊
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Welp, this was a pretty crazy one too! 😆 Both equally impressive and making me want to see what’s next!
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So glad you liked both, Laura. It was fun writing two very opposite takes. ☺️
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So much packed in here. I love the tension/pulls between all three characters. The beliefs, lies, disbelief, connections, possibilities are intriguing.
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Thanks so much, Angela. I’m glad you enjoyed my story.
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California Dreaming meets Somewhere Over the Rainbow! Go girl!
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California Dreaming was an option for my song choice but in the end, Neil won out. Thank you, dear Keith.
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Two totally differently stories derived from the same photo prompt, this may never have been done before. Nice going, Nancy.
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That’s me……on the cutting edge! ☺︎ Your comment made me grin and that alone is enough to make my day. Thanks so much, Jim!
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That is what I am here for, have a great day, Nancy.
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We hope Cassie’s dreams come true.
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Yes, indeed we do! Thank you, Esther!
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Maybe someday she’ll find her gold.
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Nice thought, D. I hope so!
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Dreams are the basis of our lives.
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That’s quite a statement, James.
I’d just as soon forget some of my dreams!
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Yes! … I’m a dreamer too, and a fantastic song choice, Nancy …
It’s Just a Little Dream
I’ve been waiting inside
For that never-never ride
Wishing for that little shrug
To turn into a dream-time hug
I’ve been waiting outside
Trying not to hide
Wishing for that little smile
To travel one more mile
I’ve been waiting all day
Calling out, please stay
Wishing for that little heartbeat
To lay down at my feet
I’ve been waiting all night
For that one-way flight
Wishing for that little dove
To glide over my love
I’ve been waiting, seems forever
Crying quietly, oh whatever
Wishing for that little romance
To become my forever dance
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Gorgeous verse, dear Ivor; thanks so much! 🥰
Pleased to know you enjoyed the video. Thank you, dear friend. ☺️
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Thank you and I’m a great fan of Neil Young 🎶📘🌏💙
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Most welcome, dear Ivor. 🥰
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Gypsy genes in dreamers. Love the reality in this. Great song choice too. Happy hearts day Nancy.
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Thanks much, Dawg! Right back at ya! ❤️
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That story, narratively, is a little piece of perfection
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Now that is a comment I will not soon forget! Thank you, Neil.
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oops ! Tale even 💜💜
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😂😂
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A sad tail 💜
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Perhaps. I want to believe Cassie’s dreams come true.
Thanks, sis. 🩶
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A very forgiving child. I think they all are for a while. Lovely!
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Thank you, Sandra. I hope her dreams come true.
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You’ve told this story so succinctly and well.
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Thank you, dear friend. A lovely comment 🥰
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You’re welcome
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I was expecting to see ‘Poppa was a Rolling Stone”
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Ha! Good one!
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If Mama loved the hooch that much, it;s no wonder Pa took off for Cali.
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Hahaha! One way to look at it. The other way is he’s the cause of the nightly hooching! 😂
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Perhaps he is indeed! Or maybe the truth is somewhere in the middle like most things? lol
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