"Landlocked" is my favorite. I loved it the first time I read it, and it always resonates. I can picture the old woman remembering a sweeter time when possibly she had her sight and youth and happiness that is recalled as she holds the conch shell and thinks of the sea. Also, the doubloons make me think of Spain, so perhaps she is thinking of home.
Distracted by the light of a message from a distant Hollywood star crashes a 327 SS vintage Camaro just borrowed for a night with his gal that said she’d be late for their date could they meet tomorrow?
These are charming, as usual. You always capture a special moment, Justin. "Breakthrough" is the most subtle, but also the most powerful. "Distracted" is humorous as the last line reveals the boy's mind is still focused on the text message. So true. The sentimentality of the last story touch my heart.
Loving these stories, Justin. The one about the snow-shoveler gripped me. You really can open a book and travel to another place. And the one about texting and driving is spot-on.
Every one of these fifties brought memories: the connection between a girl and her horse, that pile of Sierra cement waiting to be cleared from the driveway, even the faraway call home Stella heard from the shell. Thank you, Justin. And that's a good prompt. Here's my two cents.
What Brought This On?
Shirley was always so quiet, so demure, so poised whenever she navigated a roomful of New York's finest Victorian society. Until this moment, she had all suitors vying for her affections. Suddenly, venomous accusations poured from her prim and perfect mouth, spoiling all her prospects. Everyone froze, aghast and mystified.
Thank you. As for this character, I think she's probably a lot like Rose in Titanic and the unladylike word she's using begins with a B ... which could be taken a couple of ways actually. Those were interesting times for young ladies of a certain class.
Love your fifty word stories and the challenges really set me up creatively. For me it's a close call between On Second Thought and Distracted as my favourites. Here's my attempt at fifty words based on the photo prompt:
A Sharp Exchange of Words
“I literally don’t care where you trained to become a hairdresser.” The woman clutched her red shawl tighter as her anger grew at the coiffeuse. “You have ruined these people’s lives with your carelessness. Every single one of them forced to wear a hat now because of your shoddy work.”
Thanks so much, Jason! And oh man, what an excellent take on the prompt!! That’s fantastic. If you want more eyes on your story, please feel free to share it again on Friday when Fifties by the Fire goes live!
"Landlocked" is my favorite. I loved it the first time I read it, and it always resonates. I can picture the old woman remembering a sweeter time when possibly she had her sight and youth and happiness that is recalled as she holds the conch shell and thinks of the sea. Also, the doubloons make me think of Spain, so perhaps she is thinking of home.
Thank you for reading, Andrea! I had some of those same thoughts when writing this one. I’m so happy you liked this one!
Distracted by the light of a message from a distant Hollywood star crashes a 327 SS vintage Camaro just borrowed for a night with his gal that said she’d be late for their date could they meet tomorrow?
Love this take, Richard. With your specificity it peels back additional layers! Fun stuff. 😀
Got a fifty high test petrol I hope to post on Friday.
Can’t wait to read it!
Got to set the stage and props.
These are charming, as usual. You always capture a special moment, Justin. "Breakthrough" is the most subtle, but also the most powerful. "Distracted" is humorous as the last line reveals the boy's mind is still focused on the text message. So true. The sentimentality of the last story touch my heart.
Thank you so much for reading, K.C., and for the kind words. It makes me happy to hear that you enjoy my short-form fiction!
All beautiful! Thanks for sharing
Thank you, Sunil! 🙏
Right?
Breakthrough
:)
Thanks Justin for a pocketful of thought-provokers!
Thank you so much for reading!
Loving these stories, Justin. The one about the snow-shoveler gripped me. You really can open a book and travel to another place. And the one about texting and driving is spot-on.
Thanks for the kind words and for reading, Parker! Very much appreciated. 🙏
Love these
Thank you, Vince!
Savory stories--all. My favorite? On Second Thought--words have that power! And you've encapsulated it here.
Thanks so much, Jill! They sure do. I appreciate you reading! 🙏
Every one of these fifties brought memories: the connection between a girl and her horse, that pile of Sierra cement waiting to be cleared from the driveway, even the faraway call home Stella heard from the shell. Thank you, Justin. And that's a good prompt. Here's my two cents.
What Brought This On?
Shirley was always so quiet, so demure, so poised whenever she navigated a roomful of New York's finest Victorian society. Until this moment, she had all suitors vying for her affections. Suddenly, venomous accusations poured from her prim and perfect mouth, spoiling all her prospects. Everyone froze, aghast and mystified.
Thank you so much for reading my stories, Sue. I love your take on the prompt! I’d like to read more about this character you’ve created. 😊
Thank you. As for this character, I think she's probably a lot like Rose in Titanic and the unladylike word she's using begins with a B ... which could be taken a couple of ways actually. Those were interesting times for young ladies of a certain class.
Love your fifty word stories and the challenges really set me up creatively. For me it's a close call between On Second Thought and Distracted as my favourites. Here's my attempt at fifty words based on the photo prompt:
A Sharp Exchange of Words
“I literally don’t care where you trained to become a hairdresser.” The woman clutched her red shawl tighter as her anger grew at the coiffeuse. “You have ruined these people’s lives with your carelessness. Every single one of them forced to wear a hat now because of your shoddy work.”
Thanks so much, Jason! And oh man, what an excellent take on the prompt!! That’s fantastic. If you want more eyes on your story, please feel free to share it again on Friday when Fifties by the Fire goes live!
Thank you for reading, Halene!