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Sue Spitulnik

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#Michel’sCircle

The Brothers Understand

Michael and Tessa moved with the line snaking toward the cruise ship. The slow pace was difficult for Michael, yet he smiled at every set of eyes that met his. When an older man came opposite them in the cue, he said, “Welcome home, brother.”

Tessa burst into tears watching Michael and his brother-for-life shake hands, and exchange understanding nods. The man’s companion touched Tessa’s arm and handed her a tissue. “It hurts my soul that our servicemen wait to hear that from their brothers. I admire your man for sharing his legs.”

Tessa mumbled, “Me too. Thank you.”

November 7, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about waiting. Where does this waiting take place? Does it have a past or a future outcome? Who is waiting and why? Go where the prompt leads!

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You Can Walk Again

Michael, wearing shorts so his leg stumps showed, was speaking to new amputees. He looked forlorn, sitting on the platform between his wheelchair and prostheses. After being introduced, he started talking in an unsure voice. He demonstrated how to get in his chair and then how to attach his legs. Continuing to share his story with a stronger voice, he stood and took one step at a time across the platform. He finished with, “If I had walked in with the confidence it took me two, yes, two years to gain, I would have intimidated you rather than helped.”

Written in response to Charli Mills October 10, 2023, prompt at Carrot Rnch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about confidence. Is a character confident or struggling? Why? Is confidence cultural, compelling, or conflicting? What is the value of confidence? Go where the prompt leads!

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Crickets in the House

When Tessa came home from shopping, Jester raised his head and thumped his tail once. Rainbow opened one eye, and Michael waved from the couch.

Tessa asked, “No energetic greetings. What’s been happening?”

Michael mumbled, “Crickets.”

“What?”

Michael sat up. “Two crickets chirping in here. Jester was running around trying to find them, and then Rainbow got in the mix. I swear, those insects did it on purpose, moving from place to place. I saw them hopping, but I couldn’t catch them either. We’re exhausted from the chase.”

Tessa laughed, and a cricket chirped. “It’ll be a noisy night.”

Note: Jester is the family mutt, and Rainbow is an older cat.

Written in response to Charli Mills September 12, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about the insect nation. You can focus on a particular insect or all insects. Is your story one of acceptance and understanding? Scientific knowledge? Or apocalyptic horror? Get bugged and go where the prompt leads!

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Brownie’s Idea is a Winner

The conversation at the No Thanks was about raising money for the Irish Dancers. Mac said, “We have to come up with something no one else does for an annual event.”

Brownie looked at everyone. “Locally, we’ve already got an apple, grape, pumpkin,  balloon, dogwood, lilac and jazz festival. The only special food is grape pies. An’ they all sell the same junk food. The only thing we ain’t got is one for squash. Ain’t nobody gives it any credit.”

Mac’s eyes got big. “That’s it, we can have a squash festival.”

Brownie muttered, “Shoulda kept my trap shut.”

Written in response to Charli Mills August 29, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a festa. It can be any festival, celebration, or use of the word. Is it food-related or an event? Is it an object or a shout-out? Who is involved and why? What happens? Go where the prompt leads!

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