Short Prose

A Dangerous Profession: Conclusion

Written for OLWG, FOWC and
Melissa’s Fandango Flash Fiction Challenge.
This is the conclusion to my story.

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Short Story

A Dangerous Profession: Part 1

Written for OLWG #395 where this week the three
prompts are 1) carving out a niche; 2) I suppose;
3) no doubt about it, as well as
Melissa’s Fandango
Flash Fiction Challenge #298
, FOWC ‘sunrise’, FOWC ‘bother’,
FOWC ‘aunt’, FOWC ‘fascinating’, FOWC ‘folks’, FOWC
‘decision’ and FOWC ‘infinite’. This is my story.

Continue reading “A Dangerous Profession: Part 1”
Short Story

The Downstairs Maid

Written for OLWG #393 where our prompt words are
1) broken yellow teeth; 2) Austin Pendleton – as Fred; 3) prodigal.

This is my story.

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Short Story

On The Other Side

Written for The New, Unofficial, On-Line Writer’s Guild.
The three prompts this week from TN at OLWG #393 are
1) night will end; 2) look, over there, did you see that?; and
3) sittin’ on a rainbow. This is my story, based on true events
experienced by my son and his wife. Believe or not; it’s all true.

Continue reading “On The Other Side”
Short Story

MARIE-ELENA

Written for The New, Unofficial, On-Line Writer’s Guild.
This week the three prompts from aooga at OLWG #392 are
1) a Texaco bathroom, 2) Gaucho, and 3) Chinese work songs.

This is my story.

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Short Story

Golden Boy

Last week the three prompts from aooga at OLWG #390 were
1) I can’t touch the ground; 2) a bar that’ll give me credit and
3) haunted wind chimes. Using two of Kevin’s fabulous images
from No Theme Thursday for further inspiration, this is my story.

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Haibun

Día de los Muertos ~ A Haibun

This week the three prompts from aooga at OLWG #389 are
1) thirsty souls, 2) police dog, and 3) Armando’s Market,
to be used as we like …. as is, as an inspiration or not at all.

Also, Gerry C & Sue W ask us to incorporate the word “eerie”
in their Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge. And finally,
I have used one of Kevin’s brilliant images from No Theme Thursday
as the inspiration for my post today. Here is my haibun.

Continue reading “Día de los Muertos ~ A Haibun”
Short Story

A Great Working Relationship

Written for The New, Unofficial, On-Line Writer’s Guild.
This week the three prompts from Aooga at OLWG #388 are
(1) tea coloured eyes, (2) change the words of this poem,
and (3) New Mexico schmerz. We can use them as is,
as an inspiration or not at all. This is my story.

Continue reading “A Great Working Relationship”
Short Story

Desert Sky

Written for The New, Unofficial, On-Line Writer’s Guild.
This week the three prompts for OLWG #368 – We Both Know

are (1) an old Patti Smith song, (2) need more blue in the shadows
and (3) when I left El Paso. Here is my first story for OLWG.

© Truluck Photography

Jenna pulled off the long empty stretch of highway and killed the engine. The view of the desert skyline was too stunning for words. She stepped out of the car and leaned against the door, the hot sun beating down on her face and shoulders. The late afternoon sky was intense, deeply saturated with shades of cerulean, and Jenna smiled. As a fledgling artist, she always found fault with her own artwork, declaring the colors “lackluster”; she was more at home with a camera than a paint brush. Nature’s palette didn’t need more blue in the shadows cast by the sun or more green in the desert grass. It was perfection.

Easing her way back into the driver’s seat, Jenna caught a glimpse of herself in the rearview. The delicate gold chain with the heart from Miguel was dazzling in the desert sun. Jenna lifted the heart to lips and closed her eyes.

Reaching for her cell phone, Jenna snapped a photo of the desert and sent it to Miguel; then she called him. After three rings, her call went to voice mail. Jenna didn’t care; the time was right. She left a message:

“Hey, babe! Can you guess where I am from the photo I sent? In an hour I’ll be home. Home. Just saying the word fills my heart with joy. When I left El Paso, I had no idea the photo shoot would keep me away so long. I miss you so much, mi amor. I can’t wait to be in your arms once again! I love you, papi.”

Jenna pushed the engine button and started heading home. About ten minutes into her drive, she hear the familiar strains of an old Patti Smith song coming from her phone … Miguel’s personal ringtone. She pulled over to read the message:

“Jenna, mi amor! I’ve waited this long. What’s another hour? Te amo!”

Smiling at the sight of the desert sky in her rearview, Jenna hurried home … home to Miguel.

NAR©2024

This is “Dancing Barefoot” by Patti Smith

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