Ready For Some Football

 Photo by Keith Johnston on Unsplash

Prompts = Mandatory, Union, Struggle

I was watching football with my friends in my man cave when Roy started talking about how unhappy he is in his marriage (I’ll refrain from details — his sob story ran over halftime).

In a rare show of support, Rich said he struggles in his too. Which prompted Rod to chime in as well.

By the time the game was done, the Aggrieved Husbands Union was born.

But that’s where the friendly discussion ended. Should we strike? What would that look like? How might our wives respond?

The only thing that was decided was mandatory Sunday meetings during football season.

Links to other sites where I publish:

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com
Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories
YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Oh No, Not Again + untitled (Throwback Thursday)

Prompts = Espresso, Compilation, Remote

Story New — Oh No, Not Again

Photo by tabitha turner on Unsplash

‘That’s funny.’

Officer Frank Cappuccino glanced at the twenty-something next in line to order. Knowing what was coming, he asked anyway. ‘What’s funny?’

‘Your name tag says “Cappuccino” but you ordered an espresso.’

‘2.’

‘What?’

‘I grade comments about my last name on a scale of 1 to 5–5 being high. Your’s rated a 2.’

‘Harsh.’

‘Yeah. But then again, every time a wiseacre tries to be funny, it’s like hitting play on the remote controlling a soundtrack: the compilation of years worth of comments. Sorry to say, your’s won’t make the highlight real. Have a nice day.’

*****

Story Old — untitled

Photo by Mykyta Martynenko on Unsplash

After waiting in line outside the coffee shop for ten minutes, I finally made my way inside and prepared for another longer, but at least warmer, wait.

I had time on my hands and so looked at all the occupied tables with everyone engaged on laptops, phones, and, rarely, with another person.

My eyes lit on one older man who was simply staring into space, looking at nothing in particular. Remote. What looked like a finished espresso in front of him. A lifetime’s compilation of cares and worries etched on his face.

He smiled sadly, sighed, and slowly left. 

Links to other sites where I publish:

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com
Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories
YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

You Can't Say That!

 

Prompts = Moderate, Connotation, Ban

‘You can’t say that!’

‘Say what?’

‘That!’

‘Just tell me what I can’t say.’

‘If I tell you, then I’ll say what can’t be said!’

‘An impasse, then.’

‘We shouldn’t just impasse, we should totally ban it.’

‘But what exactly?’

‘Oh no you don’t. You won’t trick me to say it!’

‘Let me expand. Will you ban a certain phrase? A denotation — a direct meaning? A connotation — an implied meaning?’

‘We should ban it all! That’s all that needs to be said!’

‘I’d support a moderate ban if only you told me what’s being banned.’

‘It’s — wait… no you don’t!’

Links to other sites where I publish:

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com
Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories
YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

To Build A Better Glass + Ask An Expert (2 Fer Tuesday)

Prompts = Flabbergasted, Steal, Composite

Story 1 — To Build A Better Glass

Photo by Jonny Caspari on Unsplash

Inside the Presidential Palace of a small island nation, its president fumed; yet another locally-produced drinking glass had shattered in his hand. And then he called for his Intelligence Chief.

‘You bellowed, sir?’

‘Another glass…’

‘Was crushed by your massive grip.’

‘How did…?’

‘With all due respect, I’m flabbergasted at your need to ask. You pay me to know these things.’

‘I want you to steal the formula for the glass composite used by the Americans.’

‘Genius, sir. Eschew the publicly available information for producing quality glass and instead acquire by stealth.’

‘Exactly!’

‘I’ll get right on it.’

‘Excellent!’

*****

Story 2 — Ask An Expert

 

Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash

Buzz

‘Ms. Thompson? There’s a man on the line. He won’t give his name but is insisting he must steal a glass composite formula.’

‘I’m flabbergasted you’re bothering me with this.’

‘He sounds desperate. I thought you could help him.’

‘Fine. Set up a meeting.’

‘He says he’s calling because he wasn’t given a budget to fly here.’

‘A self-proclaimed thief who can’t be bothered to try to sneak in? Morbid curiosity is the only reason I’m taking this.

‘Emily Thompson, Chief Technical Officer.’

‘Deepest apologies, Ms. Thompson, for my call.’

‘Tell me everything. I need a good laugh.’

Links to other sites where I publish:

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com
Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories
YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Studying For The Role

 

Photo by Joel Filipe on Unsplash

Prompts = Lobster, Actor, Patrol

Sweat poured down Raymond’s face. It was the same face that had graced stages and thrilled audiences for years. And now he was set to star as a Boston bicycle patrol officer. To study the role, he was teamed with Frank Cappuccino.

‘So. You’re the actor.’

‘Don’t let my presence dissuade you from performing your duty!’

‘Yeah, about that. Your face is lobster red and we’ve only been riding for ten minutes.’

‘I’ll be fine! I’ve been training!’

‘With what, Wii Fit? Just keep up, ok?’

Raymond got into character. Officer Burlap rides through a troubled city, alert for trouble…

Links to other sites where I publish:

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com
Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories
YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

In Search Of Authenticity

 Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash

Prompts = Organ, Replicate, Underside

Todd Leahy, Master Authenticator, stepped into the cathedral and gazed at the ancient-looking pipe organ. He’d been called in by this small Bavarian town when one of its residents had reportedly stumbled on an underground religious complex purportedly built by one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s children.

The question: Was the organ authentic? If it was, it meant tourism and economic prosperity.

He hoped to quickly verify it was fake by checking where corners could’ve been cut in the replication process: the undersides of parts where no one would ordinarily look.

He took off his jacket and got to work.

Links to other sites where I publish:

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com
Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories
YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Averting Disaster

 Photo by cmophoto.net on Unsplash

Prompts = Rent, Flange, Circumvent

Red lights flashed and klaxons blared. Chief Andrews strode determinedly down the steam-filled passageway, pipes growling.

‘Johnson! Status!’

A head popped up. ‘It’s the reducing flange, Chief! She’ll blow if we can’t circumvent the flow!’

‘How much time do you need?’

‘An hour.’

‘The pressure’s building too fast! We only have minutes! Get out of there!’

A second, much younger head popped up. ’Chief! I’ve got an idea! All I need is a clothes hanger and a piece of bubblegum!’

‘Brilliant, Franklin! Do it!’

‘We also need to rent a blue laser.’

Everything paused in incomprehension. Then, ‘Move! Move!!’

Links to other sites where I publish:

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com
Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories
YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

The Most Auspicious Arrangement

 

Photo by Michal Balog on Unsplash

Prompts = Blank, Shelf, Mellow

Moonbeam Lightbringer’s dream of setting up a spiritual bookshop had finally been realized. After days of placing products in their most auspicious arrangement, she’d opened her doors, ready for her first customer.

It didn’t take long. A mellow young woman entered the store shortly after opening, wandered the aisles and inspected the statues. She bought a small Guanyin, then left.

Moonbeam assessed the damage — a blank spot on a shelf was the least of her worries; the unbalanced energies were more so.

She closed the store so she could restock and rearrange the items into their new most auspicious arrangement.

Links to other sites where I publish:

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com
Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories
YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Hatching + untitled (Throwback Thursday)

Prompts = Baby, Boy, Birth

Story New — Hatching

Photo by Jenny Hill on Unsplash

‘Hey Ralph!’

‘What?’

‘Get in here. Our chick is going to hatch soon. You can hear him pecking away.’

‘Just a minute. There’s one last grub I’ve been scratching to get.’

‘Ralph, you get your fat drumsticks in here and witness this beautiful birth!’

‘All right all right, I’m coming.’

‘Oooh look! Here we are! Hello beautiful!’

‘Mama.’

‘Let’s look at you. And Ralph, he’s got your beak.’

‘Yeah, that he does. And look at those claws; just like his your’s, Mabel.’

‘Ralph, just look at him. Our beautiful baby boy.’

‘And plucky! He just bit my leg!’

‘He’s perfect!’

Story Old — untitled

 Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

The silence in the board room was deafening, painfully so. The board members looked at each other, wondering if the others had heard what they’d heard. The silence, looks, and shrugs were evidence they had.

The CEO looked confused. He’d presented what he’d been sure was a winner. He began to feel (a very rare thing in any event) uncertain.

The proposal was for a new product for women who couldn’t conceive. A device would be implanted inside the uterus that would simulate an embryo that a woman would “birth” called Baby Boy in the Oven.

Then came the outrage.

Links to other sites where I publish:

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com
Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories
YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

The Dinner

 

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Prompts = Asparagus, Ginger, Martini

This dinner was the most important one Larry would ever host. Dish after dish were set to be served: martinis, lobster bisque, salad, ginger chicken, steamed asparagus, homemade bread, and creme brûlée. His best china, silver, and crystal were polished and ready.

Every detail was vital; his boss and coworkers were coming for dinner.

Tie and jacket were adjusted just before answering the door.

Everyone paused. Larry saw face painted sports fans.

‘I thought we’re going to watch the game.’ Larry’s boss looked confused.

‘I… uh…’, Larry stuttered.

Someone said, ‘Smells good.’

They all watched the game, fine-dining style.

Links to other sites where I publish:

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com
Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories
YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess