Friday, 24 April 2020

Not Scott Walker …


But nevertheless an attempt to make it easy – or at least easier – on myself, I decided this week’s winner would be the one with the most appealing, entertaining, individual use of  ‘goldfinch’. An entirely random rule and unlikely to be repeated anytime soon. So, we had lone and embroidered goldfinches from Terrie, ditto Patricia (along with a ‘tiny caged’ one) , a pendant from John and a ‘tumbledown lounge’ from Jim, but I was most charmed with Antonia’s ‘goldfinch in a flock of seagulls’ and am pleased to declare her this week’s winner.

Additionally, I’d like to echo John, Antonia and William’s gratitude for the richness of this site. While others languish somewhat, this has never missed a hale and healthy beat. Long may it last!

Words for next week:  palm vista weld

Entries by midnight (GMT) Thursday 30th April, words and winners posted Friday 1st May

 Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all of the three words above in the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialised fiction is, as always, welcome. All variants and uses of the words and stems are fine. Feel free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever.

121 comments:

  1. thank you, Sandra! That first intalment came from 'nowhere', I had no intention of doing that, I want3ed to start doing stand alones but the fingers were taken over, the 100 words written and the echoes of JMW's laughter as he went back to wherever he's busy still painting these days!! It seems like a fun idea, though, so I'll go with it until everyone gets bored with yet another visitor... as if Leonardo wasn't enough for most mediums...

    JMW does have an outrageous sense of humour... I kept getting a line from a Dylan song, 'she has everything she needs, she's an artist, she don't look back...' it took me a few days to work out an actual artist was calling, not a musician. With something as surreal as spirit work, it's often hard to find something even more surreal but there is my latest story...
    I am compiling a book of heroes and was debating which dominated the seas, Nelson or Drake.

    queuing in the pharmacy the regulation 2 metres apart, wanting to be gone, when the man behind me suddenly began to talk to me about the Islanders' desire for a road bridge. 'I just read that the Solent is the world's most historical waterway.' I said, 'Really? there must be many others.' 'well, no,' he said, 'think of Nelson...' this is not made up, this is the mad crazy world an ever open to spirit medium lives with!! The others don't know what they're missing!

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    1. Many congratulations, Antonia. What a most worthy winner!!! Your submissions are always such a delight and so often "out of the box," so to speak.

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    2. I agree with Patricia, reading your submissions is always enjoyable and thought provoking. Well done on being this weeks top choice Antonia.

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    3. Antonia, a much deserved and worthy choice for best story last week.

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    4. Nice, Antonia. I enjoyed each of your submissions this round.

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    5. jdeegan536@yahoo.com25 April 2020 at 16:29

      Antonia's goldfinch was an excellent choice. Congrats, Antonia!

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    6. Congratulations Antonia, I’m glad you got the medal. You had me at Goldfinch in a flock of seagulls.

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  2. Good manners, bad intent [Threshold 298]

    His fingertips, his palm, settled on my shoulder.
    Meekly, weak with wanting, blinkered to reality, a welder’s shower of lust fizzling across my body’s surface, I half-stepped.
    But skin pewter cold.
    Not lust.
    Warning.
    His hand urged me inward.
    I twisted toward him, bobbed and slithered from beneath his arm. ‘You first.’
    ‘You’re frightened? You think I mean you harm?’
    I looked up into eyes which shone a night-time vista of the desert I’d just crossed.
    ‘What’s in the room?’
    ‘A bath. A shelf of towels. A bed.’
    I took another step.
    Realised I should instead have asked him “Who?”

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    1. This can't be happening... a threesome? Loved the welder's shower of lust, very clever.

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    2. jdeegan536@yahoo.com25 April 2020 at 16:36

      I,too, loved the phrase 'a welder's shower of lust' and immediately thought: why didn't I think of that? Wonderful example of tight, pregnant writing.

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    3. "tight, pregnant writing" - what a lovely thing to say, Jim, thank you

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    4. I fully agree with tight writing and I'll add well directed to the list. Good and enjoyable use of the prompts.

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    5. The first two lines were just brilliant Sandra. They drew me in,so easily, to the rest of the scene. Expertly done and very enjoyable.

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    6. it's an instalment waiting to move the story on by leaving us with a cliffhanger, that simple unasked question, "who" leaves everything in the balance.

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    7. Now that's the way to create a cliffhanger, leaving the last word as "Who?"
      This has definitely taken a different turn from what I imagined. Hanging by a thread here to see what happens next.

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  3. The curious cases of Dr. A. Marie Abernathy, Part 3

    Detective Thorne watched through the lab’s vista window as Dr. Abernathy probed the prone body of the latest victim. Sighing lightly, he entered.

    “Nice palm trees,” she said, eyeing his wrinkled shirt.

    He ran his hands over the silk fabric.

    “Possible breakthrough,” the pretty doctor nodded at the bloodied welded aluminum heart pendant.

    “What’s so special about this one?”

    “Wait for it…”

    Thorne gasped when the pendant flipped over and started moving across the tray.

    “What powers it?”

    “Nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

    “Nice work, Alyson.”

    “So, you’re using my name now?”

    “Well, don’t get used to it.”

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    1. I get a Harry Dresden feel to this, well done series. Well done with your use of the prompts and I'm enjoying the raport between Throne and Alyson.

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    2. Curiouser & curiouser. But I doubt those palm trees (I never thought of that sort of palm!) will stand him in good stead.

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    3. This is such an enticing story. I'm enjoying the dialogue between the characters and the element of mystery with the pendant and brooches. the prompt words were also cleverly inserted.

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    4. lots of strangeness, lots of oddity, more please!

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    5. The relationship between the detective and the doctor continues to intrigue. I like that semi-putdown in the last line of dialogue. Sexually charged banter and no mistake.

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  4. jdeegan536@yahoo.com25 April 2020 at 16:41

    This indeed is a curious case, John. The moving pendant presents a number of interesting possibilities.

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  5. Full Metal Cassock

    The ten commandos waded ashore from their landing craft, combat sandals sinking to the sand.

    Each tree on an avenue fringed by palm trees bore a naked corpse welded to its trunk by layers of congealed blood. To the end of this hellish vista the seductive ram horned goddess that had once been Edith Jones lounged in erotic splendor on her throne of skulls.

    Father Breslin took cautious aim with his assault rifle. Dark magic deflected the blessed bullet. The goddess rose on cloven hooves. Clicked her fingers. A mighty wave fell, shattering the landing craft. Pandemonium was unleashed.

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    1. Wide-screen hell in glorious Technicolour, David.

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    2. What a marvelous scene you weaved, David. A hellish vista indeed. I liked everything about it, from the naked corpse to the combat sandals to the cloven hooved goddess, everything.

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    3. Great imagery, action packed and clever use of the prompt words. I could see the scene unfold as I was reading. I like this David.

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    4. 100 words set to become 100,000 words? So much scope here for more.

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    5. Oh my...what a scenario this creates. Is there some significance in the number of commandos? I can't help but think there must be. Regardless, this draws you in by the throat and refused to let you go.

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  6. An eventful story and interesting that a blessed bullet didn't get past the goddesses protections. A solid story and enjoyable story.

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  7. Palm, vista, weld
    The Council of Canossa 10

    “My friends, this palm cross is my vista, and your symbol, the people of Italy welded together. Rome at the center with Genoa, Milan, Naples, and Venice, at the cardinal points.”
    While waiting for their ship to sail, Acuto informed them, two more would be joining their mission, signore’s Petrarch and Boccaccio.
    Their first stop would be Genoa, and Duke Simone Boccanegra.
    “This could end his papacy,” Albornoz said.
    “Or the stone being rolled away from the tomb. This is a dangerous path,” replied Vincenzo.
    “I assure you the people of Rome will support this, your eminence,” di Rienzo said.

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    1. Nice, Jeffrey. I enjoyed the 'glass half full - half empty" exchange between Albornoz and Vincenzo.

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    2. I agree with John, you have cleverly planted the seeds for both success and failure. I am looking forward to finding out which it will be.

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    3. Yet more historical atmosphere so apparent here. Nicely done. I look forward to details of the sea voyage.

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  8. Change of focus [374]

    Her cool amusement returned Pettinger to the present. Slapping both palms on the table before him, he stood. ‘No time for words. What else do you know about this, this Dodger? Where’s he from? You say he’s no family, how d’you know that?’
    Philly Stepcart took but a moment. ‘There’s a woman at the Bella Vista café. Italian. She feeds –‘
    ‘Giulietta. I know her. Heart softer than the heat-welded lasagne she serves, for sure. You’d not know it to look at her, but she’s saved many a lad from starving.’
    Softly, ‘Aye. And many a lass from the street.’

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    1. I'd say that Philly was the recipient of Giulietta's kindness. Heat-welded lasagna, had my mind smelling the aroma, thank you for that Sandra.

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    2. Enjoyable read, Sandra. This adds much depth to the relationship developing between Pettinger and Philly. Admitting you're from the streets is a big step.

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    3. What a revealing exchange between the pair Sandra. I've read it several now and get the sense it has an almost 'gentle' feel it, compared to most of Pettinger's usual pacey encounters.

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    4. another side of the feared protagonist, and how well done it is too!

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    5. Obviously a mutual acquaintance reference here. I hope we get to know more about this Guiletta and I believe we will.

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  9. The Beauty Of It

    Her flawless body is a vista he knows very well and he likes to play rough. She never protests. Never voices objection. A willing captive to his callous embrace. Eyes the colour of gold-flecked purple pansies stare adoringly...expectantly...as he rubs palms together in anticipation.

    Caresses are invasive. His touch is destructive. Hands tighten around her neck. Thumbs press deep against the depression of her throat.

    Later, he'd weld everything back together again good as new, ready for next time.

    And that is the beauty of it.


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    1. Not sure how, but you've managed to evoke a gruesome fascination with this - re-read it three times straight off. Contrast of softness of pansy eyes with hard-edge weld has a huge impact.

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    2. Oh, Patricia, you've outdone yourself... quite an accomplishment. At least his callous embrace is directed toward inanimate beings. Loved the description of her eyes.

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    3. I do so hope that the object of his affections is something like a mannequin. Another of your well crafted stories, to be sure.

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    4. I agree with everything already in the comments Patricia. Short impactful sentences. Horrific and yet mesmerizingly moreish.Like Sandra I read it and was at once draw back for a second read.

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    5. definitely a re-read story here, saying more than the few words on my screen right now.

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  10. Political Correctness

    A welding helmet was clearly the wrong thing to wear. Carlton wiped his sweaty palms as he maneuvered the sidewalk.

    “Dude,” said someone Carlton bumped into. “Five feet apart, man. Don’t you know how to social distance?”

    “Sorry, I can’t see in this thing.”

    Carlton walked on, feeling his way, touching surface after surface. Finally, he stripped off the helmet and donned the mask his rebel daughter had made for him. People stared at the mask, a vista of swastikas and rebel flags.

    He saw a group of hippies ahead, congregating illegally. Shit, he thought, and put the helmet on.

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    1. I think I know what he's going to do, but have no doubt you'll do it bloodier, John.

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    2. I do see two paths forward, blood red being a shared color. I do like the welders helmet, a heavy touch for a heavy hand?

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    3. oh clever one, which is worse, inviting an attack by reason of the welding helmet or the design of the mask... methinks going without either would be the safer option!

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    4. jdeegan536@yahoo.com29 April 2020 at 17:16

      Me thinks this is not a good time to be a hippie, John. Having worn a welder's helmet for a time, I can feel with Carlton.

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    5. Peace, brother. Don't know if that's going to work well though. Your imagination soars in a most innovative manner, John.

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  11. dear problem page

    When a wife is discovered spunk-welded to her lover, in a vista of snarled and stained sheets slid from the marital bed, what else is one to do but palm from one’s pocket one’s trusty Glock, and fire, and keep firing, ‘til empty?

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    1. Proof that the size of the gem isn't related to the carats it contains.

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    2. Never before have I heard spunk-welded. So vivid. Firing a Glock 'til empty should do the job.

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    3. 43 words expertly crafted. Wow Sandra.

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    4. whoo, how few words can you get away with to horrify the reader??

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    5. What a punch in so few words. This is a masterpiece of how to show instead of tell. You continue to amaze, Sandra.

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  12. Palm, vista, weld
    The Janus Door IX

    Swift Killer returned after Mother-The Eye of Tegil, went to rest. The Eyes of the Night-Father, now having their vista. He exchanged paw-palms with Red Mane.
    "Red Mane, in truth, they ignored the invitation of peace-talk?”
    "Yes, as given to all Stev-Ka. They ignored and killed them."
    Silver Moon added, "It wasn’t killing, there was no honor, no respect!" She hacked and coughed up a hairball, showing her disgust. "They removed their skin, then cut them into pieces…for food!"
    "We eat the spike horn, fish, and long ear?"
    "Yes, but with reverence welded to respect. These Stev-Ka showed neither."

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    1. If you're going to eat someone, at least show some respect. Man, some people...
      I liked Silver Moon coughing up a hairball.

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    2. I do like this series Jeffrey. Fast paced and unexpected meetings. I see tension ahead and wonder what the out come will be.

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    3. Nice way to continue the series, Jeffrey. I too liked the hairball reference.

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  13. jdeegan536@yahoo.com27 April 2020 at 20:19

    BACK HOME

    “What the hell!? You finally free the bewitching need in you, yet given a chance to gratify it, you respond as though you’d inadvertently grabbed a palm pit viper! She’s a whore, man!”

    You didn’t answer of course, and venting my frustration did naught. You drove quickly, both hands welded to the steering wheel. Your eyes swept continuously across the windshield as if the vista of darkness outside held a threat.

    Needing time to myself, I slipped from you into the darkness as you entered your house.

    You reappeared in no time.

    What’s that you’re holding? A… gun?

    “A GUN!?”

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    1. This is really good and a very unexpected ending, or is it?

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    2. The in-car description spot-on ... and next?

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    3. Any story that starts out with 'what the hell?' suggests a very readable experience. Like Sandra, I enjoyed the in-car descriptions, scanning the darkness while driving. It seems like there is a reversal happening in the roles of these two (one?).

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    4. oh this is good, terror all wrapped up in the hands welded to the wheel, surely!

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    5. I simply cannot believe you left it there...and yet, it makes perfect sense. to keep us hanging on by the skin of our teeth for a continuation. Can't wait for the next installment.

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  14. Kursaal (Episode Two Hundred One) - "Georgie-Boy Endicott/Between The Lines"

    Georgie-Boy Endicott, Kursaal jack-of-all-trades, was up to most any task. Welder needed? Georgie-Boy had his blowtorch. Something needed tightening? He always carried a screwdriver. Squeaky hinges? Wizard with an oilcan. Indeed, he was handyman extraordinaire with a vista of capabilities.

    Georgie-Boy was unique in many ways. Every inch of his body sported a tattoo. His hands were particularly intriguing. Facing outward, thumbs together, they formed an owl butterfly with wings that appeared to flutter in flight. Even more remarkable (if such were possible), the palms themselves sported no heart line, no head line and certainly no life line.

    --------------------------------------------------------
    To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale, please visit:
    http://www.novareinna.com/kursaal.html
    A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
    ---------------------------------------------------------

    NOTE: Georgie-Boy Endicott has featured in previous episodes.

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    1. Patricia, that's one of the best opening paragraphs I've ever read.

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    2. "No life-line" - in your hands that can only bode ill.

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    3. That's who I'd hire, a fully tattooed handyman with no life line. What a great description of Georgie-Boy's hands. This is one you can be proud of, Patricia. I miss oil cans. WD40 is great, but oil cans are special.

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    4. what a vivid depiction of an outstanding character!

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  15. The Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 102


    Armi followed the trail where it veered off track, flattening a wide vista through a tall patch of podding, palmate, lupins.
    Snouting through damp foliage, the small female close behind, he nibbled at a juicy pod.
    ‘Tell me ‘bout this stinkin camouflage, I kin smell, girl.’

    ‘It’s made of leaves, twigs n stuff. He welds it toogever wiv the gloop from his tail gland.
    Looks like a giant snail. If he settles down just right, you wouldn’t know he was in it. An, its stinks even worse close up.’

    ‘Useful tho’, don’t ya’ fink?’

    Quickly, they fell silent, listening intently.

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    1. The 'palm' prompt word likely caused you a little vexing as your characters have no palms and there are no palm trees in these parts, but you pulled it off. I was glad to hear a little more about the camouflage. I've been intrigued about it for some time. I was sometimes envisioning it as a hollowed out animal or possibly part of a human. But I do like the tail gland secretions as the reason for the stink.

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    2. I'm picturing you, sat at a desk piled high with reference books on armadillos, searching for wonderful nuggets of information to tempt us with - and succeeding every time.

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    3. A very good use, working palm into the story, as John has mentioned. As always a well done and enjoyable story.

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    4. we learn more about the dillos every time you post an instalment!

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    5. "Gloop from his tail gland." What a picture that paints! I had to chuckle at the use of lupins. Those flowers for me always conjure up that Monty Python sketch. Nicely done finding a suitable insertion for "palm."

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  16. Palm, vista, weld

    Iskaria 13

    Crossing the Jelphan river, twelve days later, my vista changed. Tasty date palms, tall grass, and streams became common. My bow at the ready, an arrow welded to the bowstring, because Gnome and Elven scouts, could be near.
    One of my tripwire alarms sounded, I hid and watched as two gnomes entered my camp. Speaking in a low gruff and guttural tone, they approached my sleeping dummy. One raised his kama, an arrow pierced his throat, the other turned, I placed an arrow in his leg.
    “That wasn’t the best way to make a good first impression.”

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    1. This for me, was the gem of your submissions this week, Jeffrey. I really enjoyed the mythical substance it contained.

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    2. This makes me glad to be sitting at home. Better than being out their with hostile elves and gnomes running around. I liked how the MC showed mercy and shot one in the leg... or maybe he missed the heart by mistake. Nice one, Jeffrey.

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    3. jdeegan536@yahoo.com30 April 2020 at 16:38

      Why such an achieved archer would shoot one gnome in the leg perked my interest, Jeffrey. Was this done for a reason? Hmm...

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  17. The Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries - entry 103


    Atlas, intrigued by the vista of Tosca’s stinky camouflage, appeared not to mind the smell and asked several quiet questions.

    The others kept their distance, alertly watching the undergrowth.

    Nigel inspected his mud-clogged paw-palms, and rubbed them fiercely on a spindly patch of tanglehead grass.
    ‘Come on soldiers; paws n’ shoulders to it, Don’t want this contrapshun welded into the feckin’ mud. Let’s get to higher ground shall we?’

    Dragging the contraption onto a low ridge, they continued along for some while.

    The gerbil suddenly began a high-pitched moaning cry.

    ‘Shut the little sod up quick,’ Nigel muttered to Cinereus.

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    1. You made it easy to see this scene in my mind. Good use of the palm prompt.

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    2. I never was a fan of metamorphosing ... until you began this series, and while I don't, quite, forget they are not humans, this cast of dillos never fails to provide pleasure.

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    3. it works, doesn't it, taking something as off-the-wall surreal as armadillos and making them 'human' while staying within their capabilities. there, writing that out shows how brilliant this series is.

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    4. As always, I find your use of 'dillo dialogue totally charming. And congratulations on Sandra's conversion. Now that's one hell of an achievement.

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    5. Hi praise for you this week, Terrie, and well deserved. Leave it to a gerbil to jeopardize the group with its squealing.

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  18. California Dreaming

    She hoped to hitch to San Francisco and had almost reached Palm Springs when the girls in the hooptie picked her up. They were friendly and since San Francisco was several hours away, suggested she spend the night with them at their retreat and get an early start the following morning.

    The vista grew more desolate with every mile, but she was happy with the company They sang, ate stale sandwiches and drank red wine.

    "We're family," they told her when they reached their destination. "Welded together by love. And once you meet Charlie, you'll just never want to leave!"


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    1. And you say that I'm the one with the ability to use history.

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    2. oh dear ... someone's vacation is about to end in a rather sticky fashion...

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    3. jdeegan536@yahoo.com29 April 2020 at 17:06

      Remember when hitch-hiking was a safe means of getting around? I do. I fear she made a bad decision, Patricia.

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    4. This is a great one, Patricia. I hope she's able to resist the Kool-Ade.

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  19. Gathering magic – 12

    Brightening the wooded vista, the sun welded itself onto the horizon and Batt glided down from his roost, waiting for the child to wake.

    She was irritable when she did and, flexing her palms, blasted charm-shards of surly icicles through the air.

    ‘More fruit mistress?’ He asked, dodging the daggers of magic she hurled at him.

    Although he’d secretly called her demon-child and ice-hearted under his breath, Batt didn’t know her name. At least he’d never heard the idiot wizard use one.
    He knew names held great power and sometimes chose the person so he wondered what her name was.

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    1. and we have to wait to find out the name. Yes, names hold power, especially in this serial.

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    2. Names hold power, good line and observation. This is different than your other series but is just as well done.

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    3. jdeegan536@yahoo.com29 April 2020 at 17:03

      I, too, wonder the name of this "demon child," and loved your marvelous use of language ...'the sun welded itself onto the horizon' is a splendid example!

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    4. I love the idea of a given name holding great power. I think I've heard of that before. The language here is quite beautiful and I've said it before but I'll say it again....what a talent to create a world such as this as well as the kingdom of the 'dillos. Is there no end of strings to your bow, Terrie?

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    5. That opening "sun-welded" sentence sets the scene so well, and as for the power of naming ... I totally agree.

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    6. Batt is such a nice guy. How easily he could just flutter away in the night and be done with this. Loved how the girl is so powerful that shards of magic just leak from her nonchalantly. I'm not surprised she's irritable in the morning.

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  20. Stop The Week, I Want To Get Off (95)
    Visited the shop yesterday, stupid me went without the flash drive I needed to do printing… so I will be back there on Saturday and again next week. I anticipate another three weeks of lockdown and then things should change, if enough people offer palm oil... Longer than that risks the economy being damaged. Driving is strange, no people, no cars, empty buses – the vistas are magnificent, no pollution! I’ve got plans, fresh flowers for opening day, a huge gold 7 to tell them we are 7 years old and counting… welding all those elements should do the job, right?

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    1. Unfortunately the economy isn't as in tune with being open as much as the customers feel they are safe when they go out. I've seen pictures of cities known for air pollution that are very clear. Nature has a way. You're not a fan of science-fiction but Mr. Spock was right. "Live long and prosper."

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    2. I like the air of optimism creeping into this, Antonia. And will "welding all those elements" to the job? You're darn tootin' they will.

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    3. As someone very little affected by lockdown, I send sympathy Antonia, and hope all returns to eager normality soon.

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    4. It's good to see business people planning to get back to work. I wish you well.

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  21. The Mad Italian (154)
    The newly invigorated PM with his newborn son has taken control of the country, welded the people together by simply being himself, rather than a stuffy figure coated in palm oil, sliding out of decision making or sensible answers to journalists’ questions. They see vistas of perfectly behaved citizens in green spaces without considering heartache, loneliness, mental health problems and the need to sit beneath a metaphoric palm tree and find peace. It seems whatever people do is wrong, do a good deed and it rebounds. People are too quick to judge. Sometimes we could all despair.

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    1. jdeegan536@yahoo.com29 April 2020 at 16:57

      A wonderful use of the prompt words, Antonia!

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    2. This weeks Mad Italian is a gem and how good and thoughtful are the last two lines.

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    3. This was an inspired use of the prompt words, Antonia.

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    4. It's the media who whip up forebodings and implications of calamity so too many feel obliged to panic or quail.

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    5. I did notice the PM has seemed invigorated. Does he have any extra he can send across the Atlantic for our guy?

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  22. The Joys of Mediumship (2)
    One person (so far) warrants palm trees in his message, the fearsome authoritarian Captain Cook. He is someone who has seen and continues to see far-flung vistas, the sort of spirit who won’t settle in one place in the realms but be forever looking to find new worlds, new races with whom to weld relationships. He will be interesting to listen to when he arrives. All I have at the moment is an entry in the index to the book. One name called out of many. Yet another book started, this one for Artiste, is already filling with names.

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    1. What fascinating evenings...or mornings or afternoons or nights...you must enjoy, Antonia, awaiting the arrival of those who still have much left to say.

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    2. As much as I would have avoided encountering a pirate, you gotta expect one would've provided much entertainment at a dinner party.

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  23. What an unusual but very good description of Captain Cook and excellent use of the prompts.

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  24. Cripplegate Junction/Part 229 - The Stationary Station

    The boiler bubbled. Steam whistle hissed. Chimney smoked. And yet, wheels of the train remained welded to the tracks. From the Railway Arches, the vista along the platform was one of vacuity. All waiting passengers had seemingly now boarded, but the area was not totally abandoned.

    Violet, former Canteen Crossing waitress, palms and knees stained with tannin from the upended tea urn, sniffled amid the puddled wreckage. The Station Master looked heavenward in disbelief at the shambles. The Conductor persistently consulted his non-working stopwatch. And Marmalade...

    ...Marmalade, tail undulating, sauntered with conspicuous aplomb in the direction of the caboose.

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    To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
    http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
    A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
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    1. There is a somewhat finale feel to this ... should we begin to prepare ourselves? I hope not.

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    2. These stories would make great Twilight Zone episodes. When is someone going to clean up that tea?

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    3. Well, in all honesty Sandra, I have for some time now been looking for a logical and satisfactory way to wind up Cripplegate (and possibly Kursaal too)...if only prompts would cooperate. LOL.

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  25. Well, now that the whole Kit and caboodle, is now present, will the train leave? Another great use of narration and prompt use.

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