Written for dβVerse Poets where our inspiration
today is βreflectionβ. Here is my haibun.
Tag: Spouses
Four Letter Words
Written for dβVerse Quadrille #212 β βWhat the Whatβ,
where the challenge is to write a poem in exactly 44 words
with the word βwhatβ as inspiration. This is my quadrille.
Selling Point
Written for Friday Fictioneers where our host Rochelle
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.
Beautiful Boy
Written for dβVerse Prosery where the challenge is to write
a piece of flash fiction of no more than 144 words that includes
the following quotation from βOut Of The Cradleβ by Walt Whitman:
βOut of the Ninth-month midnightβ. This is my flash.
On the Corner of Elm and Poplar
Written for Kevinβs No Theme Thursday 10.31.24.
Weβre offered incredibly creative images to inspire
and get our writing juices flowing. This is my story.
Woman Of Substance
Written for The Unicorn Challenge where we are
asked to get creative in 250 words or less using
the photo below as inspiration. This is my story.
The Letter
Written for Kevinβs No Theme Thursday 10.24.24,
Fandangoβs Story Starter #172 (#FSS), Eugiβs
Moonwashed Weekly Prompt (pretend), and
Gerry C & Sue Wβs Weekly Prompts Wednesday
Challenge (fascination). This is my story.
Family Affair
Written for Song Lyric Sunday. This week Jim Adams
has asked his readers in his post ‘Quality Time’ to write about
a song dealing with parenting or a child/parent relationship.
This theme was my suggestion and here is my reply.
Faith No More: An Ovi
Written for Ovi Poetry Challenge #71.
Our inspiration word is βrespectβ
and this is my ovi.
The Continuing Adventures of George and Martha, Vol. 4: Sea of Love
Written for Friday Fictioneers where our host Rochelle
has asked us to use the photo below as inspiration
to get creative in 100 words or less,
making every word count. Hereβs my flash.
#9 Dream
Sometimes you see an image
and you know itβs perfect for your story.
This is Kevin’s pic from No Theme Thursday: 10.17.24
and here is my story.
Dinner With The Boss
Written for Di’s Three Things Challenge #M849 and
Eugi’s Moonwashed Weekly Prompt; this is my story.
Joe did it again.
This morning he found himself in the elevator with his boss; they were chatting amiably about the baseball post-season games. Joeβs boss was impressed (and a bit jealous) to learn that Joe had a home theatre set up in his rec room with a 96β Samsung smart TV.
Before he could stop himself, Joe invited his boss over for dinner, a little billiards and the baseball game that night β¦ without first checking in with his wife, Amy. This was not the first time Joe invited someone over without asking Amy; true, they were his friends and Amy didnβt mind because they just ordered pizza and played pool. But this was his boss and Joe was expecting Amy to cook a nice meal. And it was already 3:30 PM!
Joe sent Amy a text (because he was too chicken to call her in person!): βHey, babe! Boss coming to dinner. Big opportunity for me! Donβt care what you have to do, just make me proud. Luv ya.β
Amy stared at her phone in disbelief. A thousand thoughts raced through her head. Wishing to avoid an unpleasant conversation, she answered Joe’s text with a simple “OK” but her blood was boiling.
Two hours later when Joe and his boss opened the front door, they were greeted with the most mouthwatering aromas coming from the kitchen. Joe looked around in awe at his sparkling house and the beautifully set dining room table. Amy greeted them, all smiles and looking lovely.
βBabe!β Joe whispered breathlessly. βThe place looks fabulous and dinner smells amazing. Howβd you do all this?β
Amy blushed sweetly and whispered backΒ βIt wasnβt so hard, honey. I just hired Minute Maid Cleaners, a personal chef and a waiter.β
βYou did what?? We couldn’t possibly afford all that!β Joe barked.
βSure we could, honeyβ Amy laughed, βafter I sold the pool table and the TV.β
NARΒ©2024
Prompt words βmaidβ, βwaiterβ and βcleanerβ for Di
and βblushedβ for Eugi.
From the era of the caveman, this is βWives and Loversβ by Jack Jones
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantβs Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NARΒ©2017-present.
Love Makes The World Go ‘Round
Written for Ovi Poetry Challenge #69;
our inspiration word is βspiceβ. Here is my ovi.
Itβs said love makes the world go βround
A loving couple altar bound
Their forever love have they found
What a very happy day!
What is the special joy of life
A happy man, a happy wife
A recipe with lots of spice
Who could ask for more?
Keep fighting to a minimum
Lovemaking to a maximum
Your lives will never be humdrum
And youβll smile all the while!
NARΒ©2024
This is βLove Makes The World Go βRoundβ by Deon Jackson
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Crossroads
Written for The Unicorn Challenge where we are
asked to get creative in 250 words or less using
the photo below as inspiration. This is my story.
There he stood at the crossroads of his life. He was 72 years old and made more poor choices than he cared to remember. He was purposeless, never knowing which direction to take.
He was an indecisive man. The only true and clear decision he made was marrying his wife. She was his anchor when he began to drift, his lifeboat when he was drowning in the sea of life.
On this crisp autumn day, he was suddenly consumed with the urge to take a walk, clear his head. His wife offered to go with him, but he declined saying thanks, but he needed this time by himself to think.
His wife suggested he wear his new chartreuse windbreaker; if he lost his bearings, as he was often wont to do, heβd be easily visible. And so he donned his yellow-green jacket and took off to find himself.
Now here he stood at the crossroads of his life, literally. He had no idea where he was. As he looked around, he realized he was truly screwed for he blended in perfectly with his surroundings.
At that moment he cursed his wife. He wanted to wear his beloved red jacket but no, she suggested he wear the chartreuse one. Because he could never make up his mind, he did as he was told. Now he was lost without a clue which way to go.
And to think he went off to find himself. Now he wondered if anyone would find him.
NARΒ©2024
250 Words
This is βCrossroadsβ by Cream
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantβs Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NARΒ©2017-present.
On The Road Again
Six weeks after my spinal fusion surgery I have been given the all clear to start driving again! Woot woot! π₯³
This is very exciting news for me; however, some people may feel differently knowing I’m back on the road. Well, you’ve been warned! Just saying. π
NARΒ©2024
Author’s Note: Kidding aside, I am so grateful to be doing this well after major surgery. Both Bill and I are delighted with our new-found freedom; he’s been my chauffeur for the past six weeks. I’m really an excellent driver and in the 53 years I’ve been driving, I have never gotten a moving violation (and it’s not because the police have been unable to catch me!). π
This is “I Can’t Drive 55″ by Sammy Hagar
All text, graphics and videosΒ are copyrightΒ for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantβs TrunkΒ andΒ The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NARΒ©2017-present.
His Jealous Mother
Written for dVerse Poets β Quadrille Monday 209 β Plucking Strings
Our host Lisa asks us to include the word “string(s)” in our piece.
This is my free verse poem based on a true story as told by my mother.
My fatherβs mother hated my mother for marrying her son.
Returning from their honeymoon, my parents visited her mother, then his mother.
When his mother opened the door, she pushed my mother down the stairs, breaking the string of pearls around my motherβs neck.
NARΒ©2024
44 Words
This is βA String of Pearlsβ by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra.
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The Confrontation
Written for Weekly Prompts – The One-Day Prompt (6)
and The Sunday Whirl – Wordle 673 incorporating the
twelve required words shown below. Here’s my story.
βSecrets, lies, glimpses at your messages, the way you jump for the phone every time it rings. Youβre living a secret life, Kenneth, and itβs destroying us.β Juneβs lips quivered, her eyelashes were wet with tears. She walked across the living room to stoke the slowly dying fire β¦. an ironic symbol of their languishing nine year marriage.
Kenneth stood by the window looking down at the street below. As much as he tried to avoid talking about it, he knew one day it would come to this.
June wondered if he was even listening.
βYou had another dream last night, Kenneth; the bed was soaked with sweat. Donβt you think I have a right to know?β
Slowly Kenneth turned to face June; he let out a ragged breath. βYes, darling. Itβs time you knew the truth. Come, sit with me.β
They sat together on the couch for a few moments in silence. Finally Kenneth turned to June and took her hand in his.
βIβm leaving, June. Iβm going back to the Congo.β
June was stunned; of all the things Kenneth could have said, she never expected that. βAnd back to the arms of your lover Sunda, no doubtβ she spat out bitterly. βHow could you, Kenneth!β
βSundaβs dead, June. The fevers returned with greater intensity and frequency. She didnβt make it.β
βDead?! Then what other reason could you possibly have for going back?β June asked, bewildered.
βThe messages Iβve been getting .β¦ theyβre all from my doctor. Twelve years ago Sunda and I nearly died from the plague in the Congo while doing research. We both miraculously survived. Now sheβs dead and I also have the fevers. I’m dying. The doctor confirmed my fears.β
βNo! It can’t be true! I donβt understand, Kenneth. Why must you return to the Congo? Stay here with me. Weβll find the best doctors and fight this together!β June sobbed.
βOh, darling June. If only it were that easy. Thereβs just one cure and it lies in the Cinchona plant hidden deep in the western swamp forests of the Congo. I refuse to expose you to the danger. I leave tonight.β
NARΒ©2024
This is βJungle Feverβ by Stevie Wonder
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantβs Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NARΒ©2017-present.
Punch Drunk
Written for Friday Fictioneers where our host Rochelle
has asked us to use the photo below as inspiration
and get creative in 100 words or less, making
every word count. Hereβs my flash.
Punch β that misogynistic bastard β was out cold, spent from guzzling booze and pounding Judy like a side of beef. She slipped him Valium to keep him zonked and shackled his wrists.
Policeman Jack, Judyβs lover, stood guard outside; Punch would never escape before the tide washed him away.
Judy’s long gone now on a slow boat to a podunk beach town called Atlantic City.
A year went by; nobody asked about Punch or Judy. How quickly they forgot.
When Policeman Jack received a letter from the States, inside was a ticket to Atlantic City. Judy was true to her word.
NARΒ©2024
100 Words
For more info about Punch and Judy click HERE.
This is βJudy In Disguise (With Glasses)β by John Fred and His Playboy Band
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1968: A Dectina Refrain
Written for dVerse Poetics: Fall (in) Love,
this is my Dectina Refrain.
I
met him
in the fall,
tanned from summer.
He was a bronzed god,
hair as gold as the sun,
eyes like burnished copper glowed.
He warmed the chill from out my bones,
thawed the late Autumn frost in my heart.
I met him in the fall tanned from summer.
NARΒ©2024
Happy Birthday to my husband Bill. We met in the fall of 1968. π€
This is βBillβ from Showboat performed by the Rebecca Trehearn
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantβs Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NARΒ©2017-present.
When Push Comes To Shove: The Continuing Story of Harvey and Fiona
Written for The Unicorn Challenge where we are asked
to get creative in 250 words or less using the photo
below as inspiration. This is my 4th story about Harvey
and Fiona; for my previous stories, please click here.
Early each morning on her way to work, Fiona passed the busy bakery in the heart of town. She loved the shamrock-green storefront and the delicious aroma of baked goods, and imagined herself working there.
Maneuvering the heavy pressing machines at her job took its toll on Fiona; she was exhausted and complained of backaches. Harvey barked that she better toughen up because no way was she quitting that job. And for the first time, he slapped her.
On Sunday morning Fiona asked Harvey to bring down the mixing bowl from the top shelf in the kitchen so she could make an apple pie. Grousing, but inwardly delighting at the prospect of dessert, Harvey took a long swig of his beer and got the stepladder out of the closet. As he started to climb, Fiona managed to hoist a five pound sack of apples, grimacing at the awful pain in her back, and bashed Harvey as hard as she could on the back of his head. He fell backwards onto the kitchen floor, vacant eyes staring at the ceiling. He would never slap her again.
Fiona tore open the sack of apples, dumped them into the colander on the counter and shoved the empty sack into the trash. She looked at Harvey’s dead body; blood had pooled under his head and she felt sick to her stomach. Fiona vomited in the sink, then washed her face and hands; she lifted the receiver of the wall phone and called the police.
NARΒ©2024
250 Words
This is βPush Comes To Shoveβ by Van Halen.
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Who’s Kidding Who
Written for Friday Fictioneers where our gracious host,
Rochelle, has asked us to use the photo below as inspiration
to get creative in 100 words or less, making
every word count. Hereβs my flash.
Sue was excited as she showed her husband Ron her purchase.
βIsnβt it gorgeous, Ron? My latest acquisition from the Mystical Emporium. Itβs supposed toβ¦β
Ron cut her off. βNot again, Sue! Youβre so gullible!β
βRon, wait! It really works!β But Ron left, slamming the door behind him.
Sue would have to wait until Ron returned from work to show him how the pitcher set glowed whenever someone lied.
As usual, Ron was late and Sue was waiting for him.
βNot now, Sue! Iβve had a grueling day at the office!β
And the magical pitcher set glimmered like a supernova.
NARΒ©2024
100 Words
This is βLiesβ by the Knickerbockers
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Tears Come Easy
Written for Weekend Writing Prompt #380 and
Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge where the required words
are ‘auction’ and ‘lilac’. In exactly 78 words, here is my story.
My husband came home from grocery shopping and after putting away the ice cream said to me, βI stopped by the Chatsworth Auction House. Look what I found.β
He handed me a small box; inside were vintage lilac gemstone and silver filigree earrings.
I started to cry β¦ tears come easy β¦ and he asked βWhatβs wrong?β
βNothing. Theyβre perfectβ I sobbed. βJust like the ones I lost years ago.β
βI rememberβ he whispered and kissed my head.
NARΒ©2024
78 Words
This is βI Remember Youβ by Frank Ifield
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantβs Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NARΒ©2017-present.
Day 10 or It’s A Process
Ten days out from spinal fusion surgery and my lower back still hurts like a bitch on wheels. This is a much more difficult surgery/recovery than I expected; bearing in mind what’s involved β¦. what has been cut through, ground down, fused together with various types of hardware, and stapled, sutured and bandaged closed β¦. I should have realized it would not be easy. And my doctor sent me home with Tylenol …. not even extra strength but regular Tylenol. Really?
Getting around the house with a walker, dressing myself and doing basic toilette is not problematic; beyond basic, it’s damn near impossible. What’s not allowed: stomach sleeping, bending or twisting at the waist, lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds. And, apparently, pain medication.
These days, I just about live in my electric recliner, getting up every hour or so to walk around, followed by icing my back. I tried eating my meals in the kitchen with Bill; itβs good to have a change of scenery and some normal time with him. The chairs, however, are not comfortable just yet so we eat together in the living room where there’s an over-large electric recliner with my name on it.
Making myself comfortable in a recliner is easier than in bed but still more difficult than I would have thought; the vertical 6″ incision is centrally located on the small of my back so I’m aware of every movement. There’s always something that hurts, that’s too big or too small, too hard or too soft, flattened out or all scrunched up, or just out of reach. Finding the perfect cushion has been a crusade; thankfully, Bill holds on to everything! Fortunately, once I fall asleep, I’m out for most of the night. Getting out of the recliner in the morning is slow-going as I’m stiffened-up from sleeping all night. It’s a process.
As far as my blogging goes, Iβll write when the mood strikes. I miss you and our camaraderie but my energy and strength are down. It took me two days just to write this! I apologize for not reading or commenting on your posts and Iβm sure Iβm not going to β¦. at least not for a while. Iβm just not up to it.
Well, that’s the story, kids; taking life one day at a time.
Be good to yourselves. See you on the flip side. π
NARΒ©2024
PS – As much as I’d love to hear from you, please try not to compare your own situation to mine or tell me about your dear Aunt Betty who was never the same after her surgery. I know you mean well but we’re all different and heal differently; downer stories don’t help. It’s human nature but a “get well soon!” would be far better and greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hereβs βIt Don’t Come Easyβ by Ringo Starr.
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantβs Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NARΒ©2017-present.
I Gemelli
Resemblance can be a freaky thing. Supposedly everyone has a doppelgΓ€nger; someone out there is a duplicate of you with your mother’s eyes, your father’s nose and that annoying mole you’ve always wanted to have removed. We might even have several pairs of clones walking around, each totally unaware of the other’s existence.
It’s been said the longer people have a pet, the more they begin to resemble that pet. Dogs have been matched by strangers to their owners time and time again. The same is true for people; have you ever seen a long-married couple who now look like a set of bookends?
I have many relatives in Italy and Sicily; my family has always said one particular cousin and I have looked like each other since birth. We were born days apart and are called “I Gemelli” … “The Twins”. The first time my cousin Franco and I met, we just stared at each other in fascination. I think Franco and I do bear a strong resemblance however his eyes are blue while mine are green and he’s got a lot more facial hair than I do! LOL! And we have the same Sicilian nose!
The other day I wrote about my best friend Debby and how alike we are, not just our personalities but our physical appearance as well. One of my WP friends was quite interested in my story and left several comments and questions. I promised I’d write a little bit more about me and Debby … two unrelated women who could pass for sisters, perhaps twins at times.
I can’t explain how these things happen but events at my son’s wedding a few years ago proved the old saying true: fact is stranger than fiction.
There were a lot people at the wedding … family, friends, coworkers. My sister, Rosemarie, was there as was my friend Debby. The time arrived during the wedding reception for a family photo session. The music was playing, people were dancing and milling about. Janet, the wedding photographer, was scrambling around trying to wrangle immediate family members for photos. Craning her neck for a better look into the crowded room, Janet turned to me in surprise and said, “You’ve been holding out on me!”
I had no idea what Janet was talking about and asked her what she meant. She replied, “I know your husband has a twin brother but I had no idea you have a twin sister!”
This conversation went back and forth for a little while … me trying to convince Janet that I didn’t have a twin sister and Janet insisting I did! Of course, Janet was talking about Debby! I laughed and said to her “I really hate to burst your twin bubble but she’s not my sister; she’s my best friend.” When I spotted Rosemarie on the dance floor, I said to Janet, “See the woman in the cream-colored dress? She’s my sister.” I guess I really couldn’t blame Janet; even my new daughter-in-law’s relatives thought the same thing. To make matters more confusing, Debby and I were wearing the same dress (totally unplanned)! Mine was deep purple while hers was dark blue.
It took a lot of convincing for Janet to finally accept the fact that Debby wasn’t my sister and that Rosemarie was. I guess the idea of two sets of twins in the same room was just too exciting for Janet … a missed photo op! I wonder if the same people who matched the pet owners with their dogs would match me and Debby as sisters?
You be the judge.
Twins? Maybe, maybe not, but the resemblance is strong….
….except for my actual sister! Go figure!
NARΒ©2024
Remember this? Here’s the theme song from The Patty Duke Show called “Identical Cousins”
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantβs Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NARΒ©2017-present.
Dazed and Confused: An Ovi
Written for dVerse Poetsβ theme:
Poetics: Dreaming up a Poem.
This is my Ovi based on a dream.
We were in the car
Hadnβt gone very far
Not a cloud the sky to mar
It was a glorious day
We went to the casino
Hoping to win lots of dough
Trying not our money to blow
The slots were on our side
The sun was bright in the sky
We were happy, spirits high
The road was clear, I could fly
Where should we go for lunch?
Suddenly a huge traffic jam
On my brakes I did slam
Fishtailing, I felt the ram
Some guy hit me really hard
No way could I stop it
Roll roll roll flip into a pit
All we could do was sit
Gravel poured through the cracked sunroof
Police and ambulance appear
Anyone in there? Can you hear?
Iβm in shock, feel no fear
Weβre rushed to the hospital
Iβm ok but my husbandβs hurt
Thereβs so much blood on his shirt
Heβs dazed and confused, not alert
God, please let him be ok
Dream ends and I wake up
I reach for my water cup
Heart is racing, thump thump thump
This is a true story
NARΒ©2024
This ovi poem is based on a horrible rollover accident from 2001 in which my husband and I were involved. The photo above is what was left of my car. I believe in God and I’m sure he was watching over us. It’s been 23 years but I still have dreams of that day.
This is βDazed and Confusedβ by Led Zeppelin
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The Heartbreak: The Continuing Story of Harvey and Fiona
This is my 3rd story about Harvey and Fiona.
For a look back at earlier installments, click here.
While Harvey slept during the day Fiona cleaned, shopped and cooked. She wanted a vacuum cleaner but Harvey said it was too expensive and the noise would keep him awake so she settled for a carpet sweeper. Their only chance to be together was at breakfast and dinner time β and of course for coffee and dessert when Fiona served Harvey his favorite apple pie. Fiona loved baking and it was all worth it to see the way Harveyβs face lit up every time she made another pie.
Fiona suggested a few times that it would be nice if Harvey worked during the day so they could be like a normal couple and spend more time together but her words fell on deaf ears.
She also longed for a baby. Each time she thought she was pregnant it turned out to be a false alarm. Fiona saw a doctor who wasnβt very sympathetic; he shrugged his shoulders, gave her ambiguous explanations and performed a couple of routine tests. He told her it was just one of those things; not all couples could get pregnant. When Fiona finally got up the nerve to mention to Harvey what the doctor told her, he laughed and said it wasnβt his fault she couldnβt get pregnant; βJust ask that sweet little Frenchie I knocked up during the warβ was his mean-spirited reply.
Fiona felt like sheβd been kicked in the gut. When she cried that she needed something other than chores to fill her lonely days, Harvey yelled to βgo get a job and start earninβ ya keep around here! Who needs another mouth to feed anyways?β Fiona was reeling; how could he say such hurtful things? Heartbroken, she eventually gave up on having a baby and found a job as a presser in a shirt factory. The work was exhausting and she still had to clean the apartment and cook for Harvey … and bake.
What happened to the guy she married? Harvey was constantly annoyed about something or other and drank more now than usual. He got mean when he drank and Fiona bore the brunt of his anger. When he demanded sex every night before going to work, she kept her mouth shut but she was silently screaming. This was no way to exist, like a piece of property and not a person. Sheβd lie awake at night remembering her motherβs warning words: βJesus, Mary and Joseph! Canβt you see heβs no good for you? I donβt trust him, Fina girl!β The only thing in her God-forsaken life that she truly enjoyed was baking and she did it all for Harvey.
Fiona would fantasize about how lovely it would be to have her own little bake shop; sheβd make lots of delicious cakes and pies for her large following of loyal customers β not just for her selfish husband. She knew she could do it if she only had the chance.
To be continued. For a look back at earlier installments, click here.
NARΒ©2024
This is βHere Comes The Heartacheβ by Fair Warning
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The Lake
Written for Friday Fictioneers where we are
encouraged to be creative in 100 words or less
using this photo for inspiration. Here is my story.
Eileen gathered some boxes from the attic and began to pack up her late husbandβs belongings; Ned always told Eileen he wanted his things donated to the menβs shelter.
Now the drawer was empty except for a folder; inside Eileen found Nedβs sketches of their lake. Leafing through them, Eileen was outraged to see drawings of her sister Denise in the lake dated 2023 β the last time she visited. Ned and Denise had a fling years ago but Ned ended it β or so he said.
Eileen put the sketches back into the folder. Time for a little chat with Denise.
NARΒ©2024
100 Words
This is βCry Me A Riverβ by Diana Krall
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A Perfect Couple
Written for Fandangoβs Story Starter #159
where the first sentence is the prompt and
for Weekly Prompts The One Day Prompt,
using the phrase βone dayβ. This is my story.
The sound of laughter drifted up from the street below, making Gregory feel very alone.
Itβs hard to imagine life without her. When the hell did everything start to unravel?
Now he sat alone in the shell of their apartment, baseball game on the tv playing for no one, nursing his second scotch. This place used to be alive with people enjoying one of their famous parties. When he closed his eyes he could hear their friendsβ lively discussions and the sound of her spirited laugh.
Everyone said they were the perfect couple. Theirs was a comfortable, easy marriage β dinner at Gallagherβs, cycling along Riverside Drive, steamy showers after Saturday morning sex. They were in sync in their choices of movies, paint colors and the biggest decision of all .β¦ neither one wanted kids.
He sat there, head in hands while a thousand thoughts went through his mind. When did he begin having second thoughts? Was it when her sister asked them to be godparents for her first baby? Was it watching the kids in the playground across the street? All he could remember was the night he whispered in her ear that he wanted to have a baby.
She was blindsided. What? No! He was just named partner at Central Casting. She was food editor for Country Living magazine. Life was perfect. They had an agreement, dammit!
Would she just consider thinking about it? No! How could he spring this on her now?
Days, weeks went by. She remained adamant, distant. Then one day he came home after work and she was gone.Β
Here he sat alone with his scotch, ballgame long over, thumb rubbing his wedding band while he stared at divorce papers.
It couldnβt have happened to a more perfect couple.
NARΒ©2024
This is βThe Danceβ by Garth Brooks
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Read All About It
Written for Stream of Consciousness Saturday where
the prompt word is βpaperβ, which can be used as a
noun, verb or adjective β¦ or all three which will
qualify for bonus points. Here is my 3-way stream.
On my nightstand I like to keep a pen and pad of paper where I can jot down ideas for stories, things I have to get done around the house, items I need from the store, etc.
During a recent trip to the grocery store I noticed that itβs impossible to find milk in glass bottles. Thereβs every type of juice or flavored iced coffee available in bottles but milk only comes in those waxy papered cardboard-like containers or plastic jugs. Weβre serious about producing less garbage and using less plastic products so I decided to start getting our milk home delivered. Remember that service? Well, itβs back! All I had to do was place an order for delivery with one of the participating companies; my order was delivered in a metal milk box that is mine to keep for as long as I use the service. When it’s time to schedule my next order, all I have to do is place the empty bottles in the milk box and theyβll be replaced by full bottles of cold, fresh milk!
My husband likes to read the daily newspaper, even though heβs really only interested in the sports pages and the crossword puzzle. The headlines give him agita. That works out well because he uses the remaining sections to paper the floor under and around the catβs litter box to catch any βspillageβ or litter that gets kicked out. Now that’s a proper use for the newspaper, especially the front page thatβs always plastered with the arrogant face of one lying politician or another! A very fitting use indeed.
NARΒ©2024
This is βSunday Timesβ by Loudon Wainwright III
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantβs Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NARΒ©2017-present.
Bad Medicine
Written for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt #369
where we are challenged to write something clever
in exactly 33 words using the word “spoonful”.
Identical medicine bottles was how my non-English speaking grandfather almost killed my grandmother.
Alone for 15 minutes resulted in administering a near-fatal spoonful of massaging oil of wintergreen instead of dextromethorphan for coughs.
NARΒ©2024
33 Words
This is βBad Medicineβ by Bon Jovi
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantβs Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NARΒ©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 