To New Friends – Weekend Writing Prompt

Title: To New Friends
Source:  Weekend Writing Prompt # 96 – Seashore
Objective: Write a poem or piece of prose in exactly 59 words.
Word count: 59 words

lighthouse on a rocky seashore on a misty day

Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash

Francois walked the rocky seashore daily. Passing the lighthouse, he hoped to spy the keeper. The old man was reclusive, reluctant to make new friends. Undaunted, Francois waved whenever he saw him.

Today he stood, surveying the misty gray horizon. Francois waved and smiled with delight when the old man laid his finger to the rim of his hat.

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Chicago Style – Stock Photo Challenge

Title: Chicago Style
Source:  Stock Photo Challenge
Word count: 100 words

two male hands each holding a green beer bottle on a green background

Paddy and Rowan arrived at the city boat slip. Mike oversaw the operations as he had for over forty years.

“You listen close to Mike.  He’ll not be caring who you are,” Paddy whispered to Rowan.

Rowan smiled and climbed into the boat. Dipping flour sifters into orange dye, they waited while Mike piloted the boat into the river.

“Now lads,” Mike bellowed above the noise of the boat’s engine.

Forty-five minutes later the river sparkled emerald green in the chilly March sun.

“Happy St. Patrick’s Day,” the crew shouted to the jubilant crowd.

“Time for a Guinness,” Mike yelled.

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Subjugation – #MenageMonday!

Title: Subjugation
Source:  #MenageMonday! Challenge Week 2×23
Word count: 250 words

Black And White, Chess, Board Game, Chessboard

Source: Dreamstime

Emma affixed the ends of the stethoscope in her ears.

“Let’s take a listen to your heart, shall we?” she said leaning over Nergal.

Nergal, strapped to the hospital bed, was wary and surprised at his inability to vanquish her. Instead, he shrank from her.  Long dark hair tumbled over her shoulder as she leaned forward. She had smudged eyes, and eyelashes blackened with heavy mascara. Despite her white lab coat, she exuded darkness. The corner of her lip curled.

“Funny, no heartbeat,” she said. “I never dreamed it would be this easy.”

“I’ve heard your minions, ‘she’s a marvel’, they say,” Nergal said, mocking her.

“Too bad you didn’t take them seriously,” Emma said tucking the stethoscope into her pocket.

“It is a game to you, isn’t it?”

“I call it ‘work’. Life and death. Serious stuff. Can you blame a girl for wanting a little fun?”

“I do when I’m the target of your ambition.”

Emma laughed.

“Your time has come Dark One. Great run, though. Inspirational, you might say.”

“You want to depose me?” Nergal countered.

“That’s the plan. It’s a good one, don’t you think? Though, I have wondered where the devil goes when he is dead.”

“You can’t kill me. Remember? No heartbeat.”

“Not the way you kill other beings. More of a checkmate, leaving me with your power,” she laid her hands on his chest, chanting as the fire faded from Nergal’s eyes.

“The king is dead, long live the queen,” her minions cried.

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Rolling the Calendar – Flash Fiction Challenge

Title: Rolling the Calendar
Source:  Flash Fiction Challenge
Prompt: Write a story using the term backup.
Word count:  99 words

yellow-dodge-charger-rt-burning-rubber

Photo by Uillian Vargas on Unsplash

“I think we made it,” I said, but I spoke too soon.

Ahead, cop cars blocked our way. I slammed the brakes and as we skidded to a stop, I slammed her into reverse. Tires squawking and smoking, I punched the gas and my Dodge Charger lurched.

“Backup, backup, backup,” Harold screamed.

“No, shit Sherlock.”

Picking up speed, I jumped on the brakes, threw her into neutral and cranked the wheel. My baby spun. I shifted into second, then third.

“Hang on,” I yelled, “If the DeLorean can do it, we can.”

A poof of smoke, and we disappeared.

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The Caregiver – Weekend Writing Prompt

Title: The Caregiver
Source:  Weekend Writing Prompt # 95 – Devotion
Objective: Write a poem or piece of prose in exactly 25 words.
Word count: 25 words

golden-retriever

Photo by Brandon Day on Unsplash

For Reggie and Buddy, it was love at first sight. Buddy’s devotion was constant, Reggie’s stalwart companion. And under his tender care, Reggie grew stronger.

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Learning to Fly – 3 Line Tales

From Sonya’s 3LineTales at Only100Words.
You can find the original prompt here. Thank you, Sonya.

photo by Eugene Lim via Unsplash

Early morning workouts and long practice hours leave little time for friends, or family, or fun.

But the Dream burns inside of you, a dream others don’t understand.

Sacrifices fade, every obstacle was worthwhile, when gravity’s bonds are broken, and you fly.

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The Climb – 100 Word Wednesday

Title: The Climb
Source:  100 Word Wednesday: Week 110
Word count: 100 words

Image by Bikurgurl

It had been a long climb. Now, at the trail’s summit, Jill realized it was worth every hard-won step. Along the path, Jill sometimes wanted to give in, give up, admit defeat.

But Bobby was with her, holding her hand. He yelled when she needed him to yell and coaxed when she needed coaxing. He picked her up, carrying her over the toughest steps. Because of Bobby, she stood awed by the view.

Jill wrapped her arms around him as a tear broke free.

Bobby wiped it away and smiled.

“See? I knew you were stronger than cancer,” he said.

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Fearless Leader – Thursday Threads

Photo by Nicolas Thomas on Unsplash

“Step away from him and slowly lay the knife on the altar,” Abbie said stepping from her hiding spot. Startled eyes swiveled towards her and the automatic rifle she held. The one with the knife did as she told him.

“Let me assure you if I fire this gun, someone’s gonna be dead,” she continued, “Now, line up in front of the altar.”

Abbie watched as twelve robed figures slowly obeyed her command.

Rodger squirmed on the ground, struggling to get to his knees.

“You okay, there, Rodger?” she asked.

“I had everything under control, until you walked in,” Rodger grunted as he worked to escape from the amateur’s bonds.

“I see. Had them right where you wanted them, did you?”

“Exactly,” Rodger said as he continued struggling with the knot.

One of the robed figures moved, perhaps thinking Abbie was distracted.

“Easy there, big boy. Remember? I fire. You. Dead,” Abbie flicked the muzzle at him, motioning for him to move back.

Once free, Rodger walked to Abbie.

“Geez, Abs, if you had just kept quiet,” he began.

“If I had held my tongue, you’d be dead.”

“I was running out of options,” he grinned as he stepped past her.

“Dead,” Abbie repeated, backing out of the cavern.

“Everything is so black and white with you, Abs.”

“What about the device?” Abbie whispered, watching the robed figures.

“I have a plan.”

“Is it as good as this one?”

“We’re clear. Follow me,” Rodger said.

Abbie turned, and they ran.

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

 

Holding On – Stock Photo Challenge

Title: Holding On
Source:  Stock Photo Challenge
Word count: 100 words

young man and woman walking with sunset

Daniel’s wrinkled hands shook as he held the photo of his most cherished memory.

They met in a sandbox. He had pulled her pigtails and made her cry. He immediately regretted it and swore no one would hurt her again.  He kept his word, protected her. They were inseparable and became high school sweethearts. Everyone knew they would marry.

Daniel suspected something, hoping they were pregnant. But life was cruel. The doctors shook their heads. He was strong, taking care of her until she slipped away. She took his life, his heart. Keeping them safe while he waited for today.

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Marking Time – Friday Fictioneers

Title: Marking Time
Source:  Friday Fictioneers sponsored by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple
Word count: 100 words

PHOTO PROMPT © Jean L. Hays

Sani kicked the broken asphalt chunk, sending it skidding across the deserted, crumbling parking lot. He dreaded going into Grandfather’s market, where Sani waited after school.

Grandfather would repeat his stories of the olden days. Sani knew the stories by heart and was tired of them.

Route 66 used to run past the market, bringing travelers into town. Grandfather made sandwiches he sold to them with soda and chips. Grandmother sold the Navajo jewelry she made. It was a good life. Then the interstate bypassed town taking the tourists past the market.

Sani could only wait to join the travelers.

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer