Charli’s Carrot Ranch 99-word Fiction Challenge:
December 3, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes family traditions. It can be related to any holiday or situation. How does the tradition impact the story or change the character? Go where the prompt leads!
Raksha Bandhan
Nalini scowled at Rakesh.
Stupid baby.
Her nine-year-old heart hadn’t quite come to terms with this mewling infant thrust upon her, when her mother’s expanding belly suddenly deflated.
He was taking up everyone’s time and attention.
Usually, the whole family doted upon her, but recently, it was all “The baby this, the baby that.”
“Come on Nalini, time to tie a rakhi on Rakesh. Lucky girl. You finally have a brother to bless.”
Sacred thread tied, she went to turn away, when her mother called her back. “Don’t forget your gift.”
A gift? He wasn’t so bad, after all.
But I Smile Anyway... 
Dec 10, 2020 @ 15:55:43
I love this story, brilliant capture of a young child’s point of view.
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Dec 10, 2020 @ 19:08:02
Thank you, so much, for reading!
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Dec 08, 2020 @ 01:38:28
What a lovely story! I enjoyed this Sis. I’m glad Nalini got a gift. Having a baby brother is so difficult. ❤
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Dec 08, 2020 @ 06:44:52
Thank you Sis 🥰
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Dec 08, 2020 @ 14:31:29
You’re so welcome ❤️
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Dec 06, 2020 @ 21:11:42
Well done, Sis! Love it! Do you know? In German the term “gift” means “poison”, and most times its done this way too. Lol Michael
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Dec 06, 2020 @ 21:16:42
Ooer!!!!
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Dec 06, 2020 @ 21:17:31
Lol
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Dec 06, 2020 @ 19:54:08
No matter the culture or traditions, new nine-year-old siblings feel such a spectrum of emotions. Well done to capture the heart and mind of a young girl.
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Dec 06, 2020 @ 20:09:56
Thanks, Charli! Siblings, eh!
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Dec 06, 2020 @ 12:26:46
You know children well!
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Dec 06, 2020 @ 12:32:49
Got experience 😉 lots of it!
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Dec 06, 2020 @ 19:11:15
Yup! More than lots of it. 🥰
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Dec 06, 2020 @ 11:44:41
It’s difficult to lose the attention to a younger, cuter sibling. A gift can help ease the pain.
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Dec 06, 2020 @ 11:50:20
Absolutely, and when you realise, that each year, that brother might just HAVE to give you a gift? They become a whole lot more bearable! 😂
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Dec 07, 2020 @ 09:50:38
Every year! That’s amazing!
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Dec 07, 2020 @ 16:41:21
Yup, it’s a full on tradition, that Hindus and Sikhs celebrate!
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Dec 08, 2020 @ 09:39:17
You wouldn’t want to be the youngest then?
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Dec 08, 2020 @ 12:23:33
Well, as long as I’m the sister… I still get the gifts!!!
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Dec 15, 2020 @ 10:05:04
Perfect!
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Dec 05, 2020 @ 08:11:26
New siblings 💜
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Dec 05, 2020 @ 10:19:06
Sibling love!
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Dec 05, 2020 @ 18:19:54
💜💜
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Dec 04, 2020 @ 21:58:06
Gave my heart a big smile, as I am an older sister to a little brother! ❤
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Dec 04, 2020 @ 23:21:41
Me too, Sis!
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Dec 04, 2020 @ 18:41:58
Perfect Ritu, perfect 💜
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Dec 04, 2020 @ 19:07:31
Thank you Sis 💜💜💜
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Dec 04, 2020 @ 19:08:11
💜💜
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Dec 04, 2020 @ 19:08:45
How are you feeling? Xxx
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Dec 04, 2020 @ 19:12:14
It’s a slower progress than I was hoping for. But I am trying. It’s painful and takes up to six weeks . How are you all getting on Sis 💜💜💜
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Dec 04, 2020 @ 19:15:23
Bless you, sis. You will be fine. Take it easy.
I’m.good, glad it’s Friday!
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Dec 04, 2020 @ 20:09:36
I bet you are 💜
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