The Unicorn Challenge – Page 4 – The Elephant's Trunk

THE SLOW LEARNER

November 10, 2023November 10, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

So that was it, then. She finally left him. After all those threats and tearful rants, she packed a bag and left.

Oh, this wasn’t the first time. Every week she’d get into a tizzy, start throwing things around the place, threatening to leave. But she never did.

She’d get as far as the front door, then stop, turn around and run back into his open arms. They’d fall on the bed and passionately make up, each one promising never to fight again, each one swearing their unending love. Always feeding off each other’s desperation.

It never ceased to amuse him, the look of shock on her face when he beat her each time after having sex. What a stupid, insipid cow. She never learned her lesson. The one thing he hated more than her rants was the fact that she was such a slow learner.

But this time’s different. She actually left him.

On the third morning, alone in their tiny apartment, he lit a cigarette and stared out the window. That’s when he heard footsteps coming up the stairs. So, she couldn’t stay away after all. He didn’t even bother turning around when the door opened. He knew one look at her face, he’d want to bash it in.

Just as well. He never saw the gun as she ended his life.

“Police. There’s been a shooting. Send someone round. Yes, the phone booth by Miller’s Road.”

And she hung up and put a bullet in her head.

NAR © 2023
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-10/11/23

This is Cher and “Bang Bang”

Short Story

AN EMPTY EXISTENCE

November 5, 2023November 4, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Jenne has once again thrown down the gauntlet.
This is our photo prompt for The Unicorn Challenge.

There are some people who seem to have everything go their way while others lead the life of Sisyphus – the fellow who was punished in Hades for his misdeeds in life by being condemned to the eternal task of rolling a large stone to the top of a hill, only to have it roll back down every single time.

Let’s talk about Helen Chase. She’s the woman with blonde hair sitting by herself at the center table. Check out her posture. That is not a look of relaxation; it’s total defeat.

Helen was a loner and prepared to lead the life of a spinster; then she met a pharmaceutical salesman named Douglas who swept her off her feet. They married but life with her new husband was choppy at best. Helen dreamed the dreams of new brides; Douglas wanted nothing more than a house-cleaning broodmare. Helen failed miserably at both.

Today is her 50^th birthday and she’s celebrating alone, divorce proceedings having been finalized. No husband, no children. An empty existence.

Little does she know the man to the left wearing a black shirt and holding a red napkin is desperate to meet her but lacks courage. He comes here every day just to look at her. He’s been alone since his parents died. All he ever wanted was a woman to love, one who loved him. Someone to share his life.

He willed Helen to turn around, glance his way. Helen slouched further down, irretrievably immersed in doleful self-pity.

NAR © 2023
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-03/11/23

This is Brenda Lee performing “All Alone Am I”

Short Story

BROKEN PIECES

October 28, 2023October 28, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

How could this have happened to me …. a savvy, street-smart, strong- willed woman of the 21^st Century who has seen and done it all?

Oh sure, I heard the warnings from well-meaning friends. I chose not to put much stock in what they said. After all, this is my life …. not theirs.

I’ve been hurt very badly twice in my life …. once about 14 years ago when I gave my entire heart and soul completely only to have my world crumble about me. God only knows how much I wanted that piece of my life to work. Strange how I’m still holding on to those broken pieces.

The second time was about three years ago. It was love at first sight, as cliched as that sounds, and I fell hard. I was left in shambles and have now come to the realization that if something is meant to be, it will be. It will pass the trials and tribulations of life without having to work so hard at making all the pieces fit. What’s that old saying? You can’t put a square peg into a round hole? That should be printed in giant red letters on all the owner’s manuals we collect in our lifetimes.

Well, I’m at it again. I tried to resist the charm and allure but I’m weak and the pulling forces are strong. I’m aware of the FRAGILE signs and I will be vigilant. I simply cannot resist that table.

Mama’s coming, IKEA!

NAR © 2023
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-27/10/23

This is Patsy Cline singing “I Fall to Pieces”:

Short Story

KETCHUM, IDAHO

October 7, 2023October 7, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

“Papa, you said we were going fly fishing today. I’ve been waiting hours! What’s taking you so long?”

Lorian stood at the entrance to her grandfather’s study, an adorable 8 year old tomboy in hip waders, boots, a plaid shirt and golden-brown hair in pigtails, tied with a bow the exact shade of red as in her shirt. Arms folded significantly across her chest, she stared at her grandfather’s typewriter as if wiling it to spontaneously combust.

Ernest turned to face his granddaughter. He spoke to her as though she was one of his cigar-smoking buddies, not like a child, and she loved him for that.

“I’ve got to keep one step ahead of that damn Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words? He says I don’t know the $10 words. I know them, alright. But there are older and simpler and better words and those are the ones I use.”

He paused but Lorian knew not to answer. She also knew not to tell Papa that her mother was reading Faulkner’s newest book.

“Besides, he’s an alcoholic. Good thing he’s Republican!”

“Papa, can we go fishing now? The fish ain’t gonna wait all day!” and Ernest laughed at that remark. Then he spotted his gun leaning against the wall.

“Forget fly fishing, Lorian! We’re going duck hunting!”

“But, Papa. Mommy says I’m too young to shoot a gun.”

“Well, she’ll only know if you tell. Grab my hat, kiddo. Duck’s ain’t gonna wait all day!”

NAR © 2023
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-06/10/23

Short Story

DAYS OF RAIN

September 29, 2023September 29, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

The early morning air was thick with the smell of rain, the stillness almost suffocating. I was determined to finish my walk and get back home before the storm hit. Still on the historic Leatherstocking Trail which snakes its way through the woods near the old train station, I had about a mile to go.

There was an alien look about the sky, otherworldly and menacing. Tenebrous clouds, clumsy and swollen like an over-full bladder, partially obscured a series of long, jagged slashes of coppery-red. I was reminded of the familiar adage:

“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight.
Red sky at morning, sailor’s warning.”

Nothing about this day bode well.

I stopped to tie back my hair and pull the hood of my jacket over my head, securing it snugly with the drawstring. A few rumbles of thunder warned me not to dawdle; there would be no stopping this rain.

The threat of the approaching nor’easter brought with it the unwelcome promise of flooding – a frequent visitor in these low-lying areas of the Hudson Valley.

I quickened my pace, the only sound the muffled slap of my sneakers hitting the leaf-strewn path.

An impressive bolt of lightning split the sky, followed by a barrage of thunder. By now my indignant left knee was barking ferociously and I cursed for having walked so far.

My house finally came into view. The rain started as I climbed the steps to my front door; a forlorn train whistle howled in the distance.

NAR © 2023
250 words

NB – As I am writing this, New York, the place I call home, is in a State of Emergency due to unrelenting rainstorms and severe flooding. This rain is the worst we’ve had in years. Four continuous days of rain last week and now this. The saturated ground cannot hold any more water and it has nowhere to go but up. Exhausted from bailing out our basement, we finally gave up, defeated. No matter what we do, the water will always win.

The Unicorn Challenge-29/09/23

Short Story

WITHOUT A TRACE

September 22, 2023September 23, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Behind the windows of this estate there once resided a reclusive couple. It’s said that everyone has a story; this couple was no exception.

As young newlyweds they longed for a child but were unable to conceive. They sought the advice of seers and gypsies, to no avail.

Now middle-aged, the wife found she was pregnant. She was told the babe would not survive but survive it did and grew inside its mother, causing her great discomfort. Finally the time arrived for the birth. The wife labored for hours and as the baby’s head began to emerge, the midwife screamed and ran from the house.

The husband took the midwife’s place and immediately recoiled in fear. The wife pleaded for her husband to pull the baby from her body but he refused. Reaching down between her legs, the wife grabbed hold and pulled until the babe was free. Asking her husband to bring the lantern closer so she could see the infant, the new mother gasped and cried out in horror and despair.

The poor babe was grotesque, his head enormous with eyes fused closed and his mouth a mere slit.

Without looking back, the husband left the house, heading to the tavern to drown his sorrows. He informed everyone that the baby had died. Filled with remorse, he returned home to find his wife and baby gone. He went searching but never found them. He died, a broken man.

No trace was ever found of the mother or baby.

NAR © 2023
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-22/09/23

Poem

DAMAGED: IT’S A RAP

September 15, 2023September 15, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Just who in the hell do you think you are
Sitting out there in your flashed up car?
Everybody knows that you’re just a fool
Strutting ‘round town like you’re oh so cool!

You chased me and wooed me and swept me off my feet
With dime store trinkets and whispered lies so sweet.
I felt so very special when we were out together.
Ignoring all my friends when they said I could do better.

It didn’t take long for your true colors to show.
And you turned into someone I didn’t even know.
That was just the start of a whirlwind of deceit.
Thinking you could use me and then kick me to the street.

My father always told me you were nothing but scum
But I just wouldn’t listen, I acted deaf and dumb.
You think you’re perfect like Jesus walking on water
But tell me, what kind of man leaves his wife and daughter?

What happened to your soul, your spirit, your heart?
Did you ever once wonder why it all just fell apart?
Of course you didn’t; your conscience is clean
Of every misdeed you claim to have never seen.

So do us all a favor and get the hell out of here.
Don’t come close to me or the ones I hold so dear.
Take your heart of rotten wood and don’t bother to return.
You’re going straight to hell and I’ll be laughing while you burn!

NAR © 2023
242 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-15/09/23

Short Story

WOUNDS REVISITED

September 9, 2023September 9, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

It was December 17, 1997 – one mere week after the birth of our first baby. This was to be a special time alone for Stephen and me; Christmas as a new little family.

Stephen set up the tree and brought down from the attic the decorations I collected over the years – heirloom pieces lovingly given to me by his mother. Inside the large box sat a smaller box; cradled inside was a treasured ornament belonging to Stephen’s great-grandmother, a delicate crystal snow globe passed from one generation to another.

The sudden, unexpected knock on the door quickly jarred our tranquil mood. On the threshold stood my parents, suitcases in hand. My heart sank. Perhaps it was wrong of me but I loved my husband’s mother more than my own.

Stephen showed my parents in and the dynamic in the room instantly changed.

My mother had the ineffable ability of showing up at the worst time – always unannounced, uninvited and unwelcome. I’ve often wondered if she knew how I felt about her surprise visits and didn’t care. Every event, momentous or ordinary, had to be about her.

Mother’s greetings were interwoven with recriminations about it being mid-morning and I was still in my nightgown. Then she swooped in, taking my sleeping son from my arms; disturbed, he wailed pathetically.

Turning abruptly to show my father his screaming grandson, the hem of mother’s coat swept against my cherished ornament, sending it flying.

It shattered; the jagged shards tore into my wintry heart.

The Unicorn Challenge-08/09/23

Uncategorized

SILENT GOODBYES

August 19, 2023August 19, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

My father never paid me much attention. It was no secret he wanted a son, not me. Years later, my mother died and Dad took up with Paulette Gardner, a nurse with a taste for Marlboros and Rheingold.

Right around Fourth of July weekend, Dad brought Paulette back to our place. She said “Hi, honey” to me and started making herself right at home. I was looking forward to a barbecue and fireworks but Dad and Paulette only came out of the bedroom for beer and cigarettes. That Sunday night I packed a few things in Mom’s old suitcase, took her address book, whatever money I could find and softly left my home in Schenectady.

I was 13 years old.

When I arrived at Grand Central Station, I called Mom’s cousin Trudy in Brooklyn. She didn’t hesitate for a second, taking me into her home and caring for me like I was her own daughter. She also gave me a job in her bakery on Nostrand Avenue. When Trudy retired she put me in charge and I eventually became the owner.

A dozen years went by when I got a call out of the blue. It was Paulette letting me know my dad had died. There was no love lost between us but I felt I should drive up to say farewell.

I stood just beyond the honeysuckle-covered arch and silently watched my father’s funeral; only Paulette was in attendance. I felt nothing but the cool breeze on my face.

The Unicorn Challenge-19/08/23

Uncategorized

KINK IT UP

August 12, 2023August 13, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

“C’mon in, toots! Don’t be shy! Lemme take a gander at ya.
Stand by the window, would ya? Yeah, that’s it.
Give us a little twirl. Yeah, just like that. Now back to me and lean into it.
Nice rear view!
Yeah, darlin’, you’ll do just fine.
Lemme paint the scene for ya, cookie.
You’re the newbie on the derby circuit, a real cutie from Nowhereville. Them other broads, they ain’t happy to see ya knowing their skatin’ days are fadin’ fast. They’re tough, the type that’ll chew up and spit out a sweet piece of sugar like yourself.
Yeah, you’re a timid little thing but ya can skate circles ‘round them other jammers. Besides, ya caught the eye of Mr. Big and he likes what he sees.
Ya with me so far, baby cakes?
Now we’re gonna take some shots. Go get dolled up while I ready the Polaroid.
That’s it, honey. Put on them skates.
Now it’s time for a little fun. Undo them buttons on your blouse and tie it in front under them boobs. Yeah, just like that.
Oh, man! Ya got the goods, alright.
Lose that hair thingy. Let them chestnut curls flow.
Wow! You’re a regular Daisy Duke!
This here fan’s gonna blow them curls, just like skatin’ ’round the oval.
Ok, hands on knees, arch that back and pucker up.
Oh, baby Baby BABY! You’re a natural!
Now we’re gonna kink it up.
Mr. Big’s gonna love these!
Big smile and say … ‘Bondage!’”

The Unicorn Challenge-12/08/23

Uncategorized

LOVE STINKS

August 6, 2023August 6, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

L is for the louse I almost married
Glad I learned before I tied the knot
With him my life was always harried
I knew that I deserved another shot

O is for the opinionated SOB
He never agreed with anything I said
He wanted other lovers besides me
So I kicked the bugger right out of my bed

V is for the many vices he enjoyed
Out all night and sleeping all day long
Now the slouch no longer is employed
And he still can’t figure out what he did wrong

E is for the engagement ring he gave me
It was nothing but a chintzy piece of glass
I had no other choice, as you can see
But to boot him out and kick his sorry ass

Not all people are the marrying kind
Regardless of what everybody thinks
When you’re sure you’ve got yourself a real find
Turns out the ugly truth is that love stinks

You’ve heard the song that love is all you need
And for the longest time I really felt that way
But that man of mine was just a real bad seed
And that’s the truth, no matter what folks say

So think twice before you walk down that church aisle
Heed my advice and listen to my plea
Take your time, no need to rush, just wait a while
Because there’s plenty more fish swimming in the sea

The Unicorn Challenge – 05/08/23

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