Short Story

Lucky Cluck

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for The Unicorn Challenge.
This is my 102nd and final story.

© Ayr/Gray

Henley Hen was no ordinary fowl; she was a dreamer longing for freedom. Each day, she watched the world beyond the farm’s wooden fence … a vibrant meadow blanketed in wildflowers and a shimmering stream that whispered promises of adventure. The farm was home, but Henley felt a fire igniting within her; she was not meant to be just another egg-laying hen.

One stormy night, the farm was shrouded in chaos as Farmer Jones forgot to lock the coop. Seizing the opportunity, Henley took a chance. She sprinted through the muddy grounds, dodging the farm’s aggressive rooster and the watchful eyes of the farm dogs. The rain poured down, mingling with her determination as she made her way toward the fence. Just as she hopped on, a shadow loomed above. It was Farmer Jones, flashlight in hand! With one last burst of energy, Henley dove off, leaving the farm behind.

Now in the heart of a dense forest, Henley encountered a duo of rogue animals … a witty rabbit named Rocco and a wise old tortoise named Tobias. They were on a quest to find the secret sanctuary where animals roamed free without fear. Inspired by their purpose, Henley joined them, bravely facing whatever challenges and dangers came their way.

With every step, Henley’s spirit soared. When they finally reached the sanctuary, she realized that freedom wasn’t just a destination; it was a journey of courage and friendship. Together, they forged a new life, forever bound by their shared adventure.

NAR©2025
250 Words

Nancy’s Notes: This is the final edition of The Unicorn Challenge. It’s been an amazing experience and I will miss it. Big thanks to Jenne Gray and CE Ayr for being here each week, always with an intriguing challenge. Take care, my friends; it’s been a pleasure. A bientôt.

This is “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Last Ever Unicorn Challenge – 25/07/25

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy’s Notes 🖊️🎶, The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk, The Rhythm Section, et al., and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

40 thoughts on “Lucky Cluck”

  3. Pingback: Lucky Cluck – Brain disorders & other General topics of the day

  9. A rabbit, a tortoise and a chicken walked into a bar, and the rabbit says, “I feel free as a bird, I could really use a drink.”  The chicken replies, “It sure did take us a long time to get here.”  The tortoise looks at the rabbit and says, “What kind of bar is this?”  Then the chicken responds, “This is the worst joke I ever heard.”

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  10. This performance in particular is one of my favourites, not just because of how they deliver this masterpiece, but seeing how healthy and animated the crowd were – living in the moment. Also it was performed just 40 days or so days before their ill-fated flight.

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  12. What a wonderful story for the last Unicorn Challenge, Nancy.
    ‘…she realized that freedom wasn’t just a destination; it was a journey of courage and friendship’.
    Yes, yes and yes!
    Beautifully written.
    Thanks for always supporting the challenge, and for all your great stories and comments.
    Ci vediamo nella terra dei blog, spero. (I hope that means what Google tells me it means!)
    Ciao, Bella.

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    1. Mille, mille grazie, cara Jenne. I think I achieved my goal with this story for the final Unicorn Challenge.
      Being a part of the challenge has been great fun and an adventure for me; like everyone else, I was sadly surprised by your announcement. All good things etc etc ….. as the saying goes. I wish you every happiness in everything that comes your way.
      Google translate is close enough! Sì, lo spero anch’io!
      Ciao ciao, cara mia.

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  14. Oh Damn … another shutdown … Frankie’s asleep here beside me, so I stayed relatively calm … And send you another delightful Beluga Lagoon music/video for your lovely story, Nancy …

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  18. An ode to those who dream beyond limits, who are not satisfied with the security of the familiar and dare to cross the fence, even in the rain. With simplicity and tenderness, it reminds us that every step toward personal freedom requires courage… but also friendship. 🤗✨

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      1. Thank you for welcoming it so warmly! ✨
        It is a great pleasure to read and be touched by words as beautiful as yours.
        Let’s continue sharing beauty and feeling, verse by verse. 🤍✍️ A big hug.

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