#Michael'sCircle

Venison for Dinner

Deer hunting season always affected the veterans at the No Thanks. Some thought of fresh and canned venison and others dreaded they might hear the shooting.

Tyrell told about the first time his sister had harvested a young buck. “Rhodessa tended to aim with the wrong eye and shook with excitement. Result was, she broke the poor thing’s back legs with one shot, then killed it with the second. She was high up on the hill above our parked trucks, so shoved it right down to ’em. That deer had the most tender meat. Still haven’t had any better.”

Written in response to Charli Mills March 20, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about shots fired. Where is this story taking place? Is there urgency or surprise? Who is there? What happens next? Go where the prompt leads!

03/25/2023 8

Flaunting Her Femininity

From behind the bar, Katie watched the female veteran come into the No Thanks and once again go to the shadowy back corner booth where Kurt was waiting. She said, “Grandpa, every time Gloria comes in here, she’s more gussied up. Have her talks with Kurt turned from discussing PTSD to more intimate ideas?”

“PTSD is pretty intimate if you ask me,” he responded.

She smacked his elbow. “You know what I mean. Maybe boyfriend and girlfriend?”

“You keep an eye out. You’ll soon get your answer.”

“Kurt kissed her hello! That’s cool. They can share understanding and happiness.”

Written in response to Charli Mills March 6, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about Gloria. You can name a character that comes to you as Gloria or you can interpret the Laura Branigan song into a story. What image comes to you? Go where the prompt leads!

03/10/2023 3

Michael Needs a Break

Tessa noticed that Michael’s morning routine was taking longer than usual. “Honey, do you feel all right?”

Michael gave her a funny look from where he sat on the bed. “Why do you ask?”

“You act tired and are moving slower.”

“I didn’t think it showed,” he said. “Maybe a type of sabbatical is what I need. Keep up with DC and the band only. That would leave more time for us, and guarantee I would be home when Lexi has her baby.”

Tessa sat beside him and took his hand, “That’s a fantastic idea. I’d love it.”

Written in response to Charli Mills January 2, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a sabbatical. Who needs one or has had one? What kind of tension could a rest create? Where can a break take your story? Go where the prompt leads!

01/06/2023 7