#CarrotRanch | But I Smile Anyway...

December 10: Flash Fiction Challenge – Surprise!

11 Dec 2020 18 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Flash Fiction, Surprise!

Charli’s Carrot Ranch 99-word flash fiction challenge:

December 10, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something a character never dreamed would happen. The situation can be fortuitous, funny, or disappointing. Go where the prompt leads!

Sasha sat down at the nearest table. There was no space closer to the front, but she was more than happy with that.

Being the centre of attention was not her thing. In fact, she wouldn’t have even been here at all, if it wasn’t for her boss, insisting she showed up. Corporate events were the worst kind of evil, and business awards, even more so.

Swirling the champagne in her flute around, she tuned into the speaker’s voice.

“And the award for the most loyal employee goes to…. Sasha Smith!”

Faces turned her way.

She dropped her glass.

December 10: Flash Fiction Challenge

December 3: Flash Fiction Challenge – Raksha Bandhan

04 Dec 2020 33 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Traditions

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.

December 3: Flash Fiction Challenge

November 19: Flash Fiction Challenge – Toilet

20 Nov 2020 48 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Toilet Humour

It’s been a long old while, but I thought, I have to get back to creating, and why not start with one of Charli’s 99-word fiction challenges!

November 19, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that glorifies a toilet. Capture the marvel and status and love for a contraption we’d rather not mention. Go where the prompt leads!

Hole In One

“But I need to go, right now!” Serena squirmed in the backseat of the car.

“Hold on. It’s not like England, here.” Her mother leaned forward. “Will we be able to stop soon?” She asked her husband, sitting in the passenger seat, as the driver weaved between the traffic.

“Not long.”

They pulled up at a small roadside restaurant, with a few tables set, haphazardly, outside.

“There.” The driver pointed to a tatty door.

Serena ran in, and straight out.

“That was quick!”

“I can’t go in there. It’s just a hole!”

“Welcome to India Memsahib!” The driver grinned.

That’s the first fiction I have written since August!

Hope you enjoy!

June 18: Flash Fiction Challenge – Perfect

19 Jun 2020 27 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills, Good Vibrations, Perfect

Charli’s Carrot Ranch Prompt:

June 18, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes good vibrations. What is unfolding? Is someone giving off or receiving the feeling? Where is the story situated? Gather some good vibes and go where the prompt leads!

Perfect

Pete took a few steps onto the pathway leading up to the house.

After seeing numerous houses, he was hoping that this would be The One.

Positive energy radiated off the property.

He glanced over at his wife, Nina, noticing a glimmer of a smile curling her full lips upwards.

She could feel it too.

Taking her hand in his, they stepped up to the door, lifting the brass knocker.

Nina winced, suddenly, and pulled his hand to her swollen belly.

A kick reverberated against the palm of his hand.

Looks like Junior was feeling the good vibrations, too.

June 18: Flash Fiction Challenge

June 11: Flash Fiction Challenge – Still Waters Run Deep

12 Jun 2020 20 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Deep Water

Charli’s Carrot Ranch prompt:

June 11, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story deep waters. It can be literal or metaphorical. Think of a place and person and situation. Explore. Bathe. Renew. Go where the prompt leads!

Still Waters Run Deep

We sat there, together, staring down into the water. Pops had allowed the boat to come to rest in the middle of the lake. Once the water settled, there was a stillness – just the gentle bobbing motion of our boat causing minuscule ripples along the surface.
“It’s deep, son. You gotta be careful. Going overboard here, goodness knows what you’d see, down below.”
Quiet contemplation from the both of us.
I looked at him. A serenity emanated from his form. He seemed at peace, but I knew what he’d been through in the past. Still waters run deep.