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Sue Spitulnik

Writing, Sewing, Travel, and Thoughts

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Michael’s Secret Collection

Seeing Michael get a box out of the van when he got home, Tessa opened the door.  “What do you have?”

“It’s the best collection ever that I kept secret while in grade school so I didn’t get teased.” He set the box down and opened it.

Tessa looked inside. “Rubber Ducks?”

“I loved these things. They’re all sizes, colors, and characters, yet still qualify as ducks. Now that we have two grandchildren, I figured it was time to share my passion.”

Tessa grinned. “You might have to convince Jester they aren’t his.”

“Dang. Didn’t think about the dog.”

Written in response to Charli Mills July 18, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a rubber duck. Where is this duck — somewhere typical like a tub or somewhere surprising like a roller derby. Who is with the duck? What is happening? Go where the prompt leads!

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The Teens Mature

Michael said to Tessa, “Remember Gaylan?”

“Of course. Back when, your father explained responsibility and rewards to him, and he became more trustworthy after that. Why?”

“He called and wants my input about his career path. I’m not sure how to respond when I still picture a reckless kid.”

Tessa chuckled. “It took me a while to look at Lexi as an adult, but when I realized  she was acting and talking like a mother, it was easy to switch to dealing with a peer, not my child.”

“So, if I hear maturity, I’ll see maturity?”

“I believe so.”

Written in response to Charli Mills July 11, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a loving relationship with an adult child. What happens when a significant child in one’s life becomes an adult? Think beyond a son or daughter — a niece or nephew, a former student, a grandchild. How did the relationship shift? What is the importance of the new dynamic? Go where the prompt leads!

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Ruffled Feathers

Tessa said, “Yes, Mother.” She lay the cell down, exhaling a big sigh.
Michael looked at her. “Now, what has her feathers all ruffled?”
“She found out I went to Lexi’s and didn’t invite her. She says I’m excluding her on purpose. The truth is, when she’s there, Lexi and I can’t get a word in, and usually, she’s instructing Lexi how to care for Harrison.”
“Tough situation.”
“Yeah. Then I have to spend my time smoothing feathers instead of enjoying the fact we have four generations. Maybe I should call Mom Feathers.”
Michael laughed. “Not to her face.”

Written in response to Charli Mills July 4, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary. In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story as a message from a feather. Think about how the message is shared and from whom to whom. What kind of feather? How can you expand where feathers come from like boas and down ski jackets? Whatever tickles your muse this week. Go where the prompt leads!

NOTE: This episode of Michael’s Circle does not fit the prompt given, but it’s a good story.

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Lexi ‘s Baby Is Born

The day after finding Emma’s “lost” book, Lexi called Tessa. “Mom, my water broke. Can you take me to the hospital and keep Emma? I’ll call Adam and have him meet me there.”

“Of course,” Tessa answered.

***

That evening Harrison Michael let the world know he had strong lungs. When told his name, Michael nearly fell over. With tears in his eyes, he hugged the new parents. “That’s quite the honor. One I didn’t expect.”

Lexi looked adoringly at him. “Our son deserves the name of the grandfather who will nurture him just like he does our Emma.”

Written in response to Charli Mills June 13, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about fathers in general, or a specific father. You can use different names — Papa, Daddy, Fabio. What is significant about a father? Write an homage, rant, comedy, tragedy, or anything in between. Go where the prompt leads!

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Choir Practice is Uplifting

Wednesday lunchtime, Michael said to Tessa, “I made a mistake when we talked about my sabbatical?”

“You did? I’m enjoying you being home more. You aren’t going cross country for a speaking engagement, are you?”

He chuckled. “No. But somehow, the church youth choir got left out of the conversation.”

Tessa looked at him in mock horror, then laughed. “You silly man, guiding those kids renews our optimistic outlook each week, especially when one of them has a personal breakthrough to come tell you about. I never thought of that changing.”

“I should have known that’s what you’d say.”

Written in response to Charli Mills January 23, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that is optimistic. Feel free to explore optimism in all its forms, from a positive mindset to toxic positivity. Is it a heartfelt story or a devious one? So much wiggle room for the optimistic writer. Go where the prompt leads!

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Bad Dog

Tessa was babysitting Emma and when Lexi arrived to pick her up, she found the toddle sitting on the porch pouting. Emma said, “Wanna go home. Jester’s mean.”

Lexi went inside and asked what the dog had done.

“We were watching a rabbit in the yard, then Jester saw it too and asked to go out. Without thinking, I opened the door, and he chased the rabbit into the field.”

“That’s all? She’s acting like it was more than that.”

“I explained he didn’t hurt it, but that didn’t help.”

“If it were a squirrel, she would have laughed.”

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