Written for Esther’s “Can You Tell A Story In” –
#316, exactly 80 words using these eight prompt
words: ‘creep’, ‘mermaid’, ‘tea’, ‘video’, ‘red’,
‘gallop’, ‘agent’ and ‘pillar’. Here’s my flash.

Secret Agent Jumbo Shrimp watched the video again. A red-haired mermaid swam past an ancient pillar in the ruins. His partner, Seaside Philly McHorse, swam up at a gallop. “Three more sightings reported today.”
They studied the footage. The mermaid turned, staring directly at the camera with knowing eyes. “Don’t let this creep you out” Jumbo whispered, “but she sees us.”
McHorse went pale. “Then why hasn’t she made contact?”
“Hmm,” Jumbo thought, sipping his tea. “Something fishy going on.”
NAR©2025
80 Words
This is “Something Fishy Going On” by Universal Mind
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Story, picture and track – brilliant Nancy!
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You are always so kind and complementary. Thank you, dear Keith.
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A very enjoyable story and picture, Nancy!
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Thanks so much, Lisa. I always enjoy seeing all the different takes all these word challenges. They’re great fun!
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How fun are you? Great job on the photo and love the story!
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Who, me? I’m loads of fun! So glad you enjoyed my story.
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Yeah you!
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very beautifull pic 👌
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Thanks so much, Neeraj. I’m glad you like it.
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I knew the shrimp were up to something
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They are very untrustworthy! 🤣
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Well, we all know mermaids are magic to begin with!
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Yes, they certainly are! 🧜🏻♀️
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That is one cute seahorse, nice story, Nancy.
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I love sea horses, Jim. I think they’re very interesting little creatures. Thank you.
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Secret Agent Jumbo Shrimp?! 😂🤣
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You liked that, didn’t you? I did too!
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Very cleverly done! And who knew there was a song called Something Fishy is Going on! hehehe
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You never know what you’re gonna find on the interweb! 🤣 Thank you!
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This is interesting, as even under the sea there are the watchers and the watched, just like on land and the sky. Spooky when you think about it. Now I’m thinking of that Eye In The Sky song 🙂
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You bring up a very interesting point, Barbara. It’s the caste system we learned about in school. Whatever we are, wherever we are, there will always be someone lower and higher than us …. And we’re all watching each other. Thanks for sharing a great thought.
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You’re welcome.
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A very enjoyable and catchy ‘fishy story’, Nancy … sorry, but I think I’ve sent you this one before …
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Whoops … I sent you my Augie March playlist … try this one …
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Thanks very much, dear Ivor. Always good to hear some Augie March.🥰🎶
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And it’s always my pleasure, Nancy 🎶🌏💕
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I love the names of your characters! What fun ❤️
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I’m so glad to know you think so, Esther! Choosing names is something I struggle with and when a good one comes to mind, I’m so pleased! Thank you!
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Lol 💜💜 did she take the bait?
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Hahaha! Very good, sis! 😂
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💜💜💜
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Lol 🦐🧜♀️
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Thanks, Sadje 💙🩵💙
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You’re welcome
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