99 Words | But I Smile Anyway...

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.

August 15: Flash Fiction Challenge

16 Aug 2019 28 Comments

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

Charli’s Carrot Ranch prompt today:

August 15, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a sweet jam. It can take you to the kitchen or the smokey room of a back-alley bar. What makes it sweet? Go where the prompt leads you!

Since I’m neck-deep in editing my novel, I thought it would be a good time to introduce you to some of the characters, adapted from the novel, in a situation they find themselves, on a train in India. Meet Aashi, my main character and Arjun, someone who may become quite important to her!

Train Jam

Arjun peeled back the cover of the tray and peered at the contents.

Two cooling pieces of toast lay there, with a pat of white butter and a container containing something that was jelly-like with a luminous pink glow.

“What’s that?” he grimaced.

“I think you’ll find it’s jam.” Aashi couldn’t help but smirk at his expression.

“That’s not like any jam I’ve ever seen before.”

“Well you’re not in England anymore, either. It’s Indian jam, made to cater for the Western travellers. Probably filled with sugar, colouring, sugar, flavouring and a bit more sugar. Just don’t expect strawberries!”

August 15: Flash Fiction Challenge

June 13: Flash Fiction Challenge – Many Hands

14 Jun 2019 28 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99 Words, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills, poem

Charli’s Carrot Ranch prompt:

June 13, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about the work of many hands. Is it a cooperative effort or something else? Go where the prompt leads!

Many Hands Make Light Work

 Too many cooks spoil the broth, they say
 But I would like to differ, that is, if I may
 For another common saying does lurk
 Many hands, indeed, do make light work
 Surely, it is better
 To work together
 To achieve our goal
 As one big whole
 Rather than trying to be the one
 Who is named for always getting things done
 Do not always try to stake your claim
 Yet shy away from taking blame
 Working as a team is best
 You can always rely on the rest
 And what can take an hour,
 In minutes, you’ll devour

June 13: Flash Fiction Challenge

May 30: Flash Fiction Challenge – Pimms!

31 May 2019 33 Comments

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

Charli Mills with her Carrot Ranch Prompt for this week:

May 30, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes strawberries and mint. The combination evokes color contrast, scents, and taste. Where will the combination take you? Go where the prompt leads!

Pimm’s O’Clock

Right.

I’ve laid all the components out.

A jug.
Glasses.
The lemonade is chilled and ready.
Succulent red strawberries just waiting for me to slice them.
A firm, green cucumber, already transformed into slices, then quartered.
A big, juicy orange chopped into little triangles; peel still attached.
Ice. Lots of cool, refreshing ice.
Fresh, minty leaves.
And that beautiful bottle of fruity gin liqueur.

I slowly pour in the alcohol, and add the lemonade, watching the bubbles fizz up.
A big handful of ice, then the assorted fruits.
Just a few leaves of mint.
Perfect.

It’s Pimm’s o’clock now!

Croquet, And, Pimms — Pixabay Image
Pimm’s, anyone?

May 30: Flash Fiction Challenge

February 7: Flash Fiction Challenge – Signs

08 Feb 2019 47 Comments

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

It’s time to get back into Charli’s 99-word flash fiction challenge!

February 7, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a sign. It can be a posted sign, a universal sign, a wonder. Go where the prompt leads.

Here goes.

Why Did I Get Up?

Why Did I Get Up?
Nina dragged herself to sitting position. Why did the alarm have to go off?
She swung her feet out of bed and one landed on a squidgy mess.
Great.
The cat had been eating silly things, and deposited his sick at her bedside.
The shower was no better. Her flatmate had used up all the hot water.
Even her morning coffee was blighted with the fact there was no milk left.
After three hours of sitting on a bus, trying to reach her workplace, Nina gave up.
All signs that she should just have stayed in bed this morning.

Ritu Bhathal 2019

February 7: Flash Fiction Challenge