#CarrotRanch | But I Smile Anyway...

March 26: Flash Fiction Challenge – In Charge

28 Mar 2020 39 Comments

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

Charli’s prompt this week:

March 26, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story in which a character takes charge. Who is this character, and what situation calls for their action? It can be playful or serious, fantastical, or realistic. Go where the prompt leads!

In Charge Now

“I’m sorry,” she wheezed, as she slowly picked up her bags, after switching off her computer.

“You’re sick. Just go. Don’t worry, we are here. Now remember, you need to rest up for at least seven days, do you hear me?”

I watched the retreating figure of my Headteacher and grabbed a cloth and the. Disinfectant spray. After cleaning her desk, and chair, I sank down on it.

Oh, man, this meant I was in charge of a school, still open, in a pandemic.

Three members of staff, and a clutch of children would be relying on me now…

Ritu 2020

A story inspired by the situation we are living in right now…

February 6: Flash Fiction Challenge – Goodbye

06 Feb 2020 33 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99 Words, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Flash Fiction, Goodbye

Charli’s Carrot Ranch prompt this week:

February 6, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story to the theme “a dog in the daisies.” It can be any dog, real or imagined. Push into the setting and as always, go where the prompt leads!

Goodbye

Buster bounded through the field, trampling daisies as he ran.

“Come on, boy. Let’s go.” Max called out to his canine pal. “I’ve got your favourite steak at home. Come on!”

Petra gently put a hand on Max’s shoulder. “Come on Maxy, we need to go.” She squeezed. Max turned, his eyes moist with unshed tears.

“He’s not coming back, is he?”

Petra swallowed a sob. She always knew this would be the hardest part, scattering the ashes of the family’s beloved pet dog in his favourite field.

Shaking her head, she took Max’s hand as her tears fell.

January 30: Flash Fiction – Postman Pat

31 Jan 2020 27 Comments

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

Charli’s Carrot Ranch flash fiction prompt:

January 30, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a postal carrier in an extreme situation. Even if you base your story on a true one, focus on the core trait of this postal carrier. Go where the prompt leads!

Postman Pat steeled himself as he walked towards the door of The Bite, 13 Ruff Lane. If there was one thing he was good at, it was delivering post, and no one had ever created a situation that he couldn’t get through, to make sure his letters reached the correct hands.

Until today.

Since the new owners had moved it, ten different postal workers had been taken off this route, through stress.

A large, ferocious pet, apparently.

Phooey! No dog had ever hindered his job, no matter the size.

Then he heard the growl – Was that even a dog?

January 30: Flash Fiction

January 22: Flash Fiction Challenge – 16:00 Bench

24 Jan 2020 21 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 16:00, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, The Bench

Charli’s Carrot Ranch prompt this week:

January 23, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a park bench. Use this gif to choose a timeframe and write the story behind that particular scene. Use the time as your title. Go where the prompt leads!

16:00

How much longer?

It’s been half an hour now.

I know she likes to keep me waiting, but this is taking the mick.

I hadn’t counted on the bench being wet either.

Who would have expected rain in June?

Actually, what am I thinking?

It’s England. Rain can happen at any time.

At least the flowers still look good.

They should, at that price.

Does this mean I’ve been stood up?

I wonder how many others have sat on this bench, waiting.

What’s that? Oh, a message.

Seriously?

She’s not coming.

Had a better offer.

Prosecco with the girls…

January 23: Flash Fiction Challenge

January 16: Flash Fiction Challenge – Protest!

18 Jan 2020 37 Comments

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

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

January 16, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a protest story. It can be about a protest, or you can investigate the word and expand the idea. Who is protesting, where, and why? Go where the prompt leads!

“No more slop! No more slop!”

The sound of the butts of knives and forks being bashed against the tabletops echoed through the dining room.

“Children, please!” Mrs Garrett, flapped her arms up and down, trying to calm the situation, to no avail.

“We ain’t eating that rubbish anymore, Miss! It’s rank!” Tommy, the protest ringleader, piped up.

A chorus of voices echoed his sentiments.

Mrs Garrett looked at the greying mass of potato, with an unidentifiable beige stew, and cabbage that had long since lost any goodness, and sympathised.

I think it’s time to talk to the cooks…