Big Pat – 99-Word Stories

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Gloria

I went there for a new-born girl, but I ended up with a twelve-year-old boy! He looked out of place with his shaggy hair and bald patch, so I asked about him. They said that when his mamma had died, he ran away. He was found wandering in the grounds of a nursing home. No one knew his name.

His eyes followed me. He looked sad but I sensed he had charisma. I signed the papers, and took him home. When he strutted into our kitchen, he charmed us immediately with his feline cockiness. We christened him Sexy Pat.

Sexy Pat with his bald patch. He was truly amazing! Pat has long since passed away.

In response to Charli’s Story Challenge in 99 Words. October 17, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something shaggy. It can be carpet, a hair-do, or some sort of critter. How can something shaggy steer the story? Go where the prompt leads!

Thank you for visiting. Before you go…

Would you like a peek inside the pages of my fictional novel? It might just be your cup of tea!

Set in a gossipy small town in Ireland at a time when marriage is for keeps and sexuality is repressed, Secrets in the Babby House is a family saga over three decades that starts in 1956. It is a story of love, deception, and stolen diaries filled with sins and secrets.

Territorial – #99WordStories

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Gloria

Small dark spaces I don’t mind, but all this bumpy movement makes me sweat. I peep through the hole to get an idea of what’s happening. Shadows and chattering. Then quiet and stillness.

After a few moments of shuffling, the door opens. Huge hands reach in and grab me. Unfamiliar smells invade my senses. Strange faces… the same as all the curious faces I’m used to seeing; peering, and laughing at me.

‘Welcome to your new home, Mabel,’ the small one says. She gently lowers me into a cage. A house all to myself. Exactly what a hamster needs!

In response to Charli Mills’ #99WordStory Challenge. August 15, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about the journey home. Who is going home? Or are they in search of a future home or ancestral roots? Think of home as a life lived — adventures, relationships, accumulations. What makes home worth the journey? Go where the prompt leads!

Don’t Judge a Can by its Label – #99WordStories

Posted on July 29, 2023 by Gloria

Committed to being an attentive daughter-in-law, Maud always made a Black Forest gateaux when Teresa came to dinner.

“No gateaux today, Teresa, because Colm ate the cherries—again!” The two women glared at Colm.

‘How can I stop him from stealing the cherries, Teresa?’

‘I have a plan,’ Teresa replied.

Next time Teresa was due a visit, thoughts of juicy cherries bursting between his teeth made Colm drool. He caved.

When he lifted the ring of the can and peeled back the lid, the sight and the smell of beef and liver dogfood, put him off cherries for good.

Written for Charli Mills #99WordStory Challenge. July 25, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story based on the phrase “commitment in a can.” What is the commitment and to whom? Describe the can. How does it expand the story? Go where the prompt leads.

Featured image Image by Dsndrn-Videolar from Pixabay on Canva.

Mister Beast – #99WordStories

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Gloria

Heather held the silk scarf to her neck. It felt smooth against her skin. She didn’t need another scarf. She willed herself to put it back but the thing inside her was too strong. Edwin called it Mister Beast.

For over fifty years, Edwin chaperoned his wife everywhere. When he couldn’t be with her, he locked her up. To protect her. From it.

Since Edwin’s death, Mister Beast was in control again. Heather could go wherever she wanted, whenever she wanted—unfortunately.

She zipped open the flap of her shopping trolley, just enough to slip the scarf discreetly inside.

Written for Charli Mills #99WordStory Challenge. April 10th 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about “the old lady and the beast.” What does age have to say about the story? Who is the beast and why? Go where the prompt leads!