Writer. Feminist. Historian. Person.
As Jenny took in her reflection, she made a noise that sounded like a cross between a growl and a barking seal. How could she! The haphazard array of polka dots made her look like a giant allergic reaction. This was absolutely the last time she’d ever agree to be a bridesmaid!
Esther asked us to tell a story in 52 words using the following words in it somewhere:
days became decades
forged in fire but still easy
our love endures all
Click on any one of the 12 pictures. Read the divination and write whatever comes to mind.
I landed on the card above. We’ve been together for 42 years, so this one really resonated. Visit Reena’s page to read more.
Memories flooded my brain as the smoke from the flickering candle enveloped me. The hint of menthol cigarettes lingering in the air only amplified my déjà vu. My cowardice urged me to turn and run, but before my feet could obey this frantic command the sight of the Two of Swords reminded me of the weight of the choice ahead of me. I couldn’t let one bad incident stop me from seeking guidance. Maybe if I had listened that time, instead of mocking, I would have taken a different road, so instead of taking flight, I sank into the chair. Holding my question in my mind, I shuffled the cards and made a promise to myself: this time, I would listen, really really listen.
The Two of Swords card, conceptualized by Pamela Colman Smith
I had fun today, creating a six-sentence story and incorporating some additional word prompts that included CARDS, AMPLIFY, CHOICE, and INCIDENT. Visit the site below for more info and more great writing.
Determined to shake off the misery for just one day, Margaret vowed to adhere to her self-imposed 24-hour digital detox. Word puzzles filled her first hour. A quick trip to Trader Joe’s for flowers was next. All was good, but then she caught sight of her woebegone expression in the revolving door. Without thinking, she clicked on Insta and the dopamine rush cast a temporary “woe-be-gone” enchantment. Damn, she had failed again! Oh well, there’s always tomorrow.
As it often did, the whoosh of the burner sent Linda’s mind back. He wasn’t her type, but she had promised her roommate she’d be the fourth for one double date. Standing in her shared college kitchen, he had said “do you mind” as he had casually leaned over the stove and lit a cigarette on the pilot light. Linda had always hated smoking but something about that casual lean gave her a thrill. Now forty years later, the thrill was still there. Thankfully the cigarettes were not.
Thanks for the inspiration to tell a highly fictionalized version of our first date.
Tina Stewart Brakebill 