I stand at the edge of the dock, worn boards warm beneath my feet, poised to dive into the sapphire water, when a flash of something pale and smooth catches my eye. Is that a tentacle? I take a step back as it glides toward the surface.
vss365/#mentalhealthprompts
The #detour sign was a cheerful yellow, the alternate road well-paved and abundantly lit. She saw nothing lurking ominously in the shadows beyond the verge, and her car was one of many. She felt no fingers of dread crawling up her #spine. But she should have.
vss365/#whistpr
I was so startled to see the key to the dimensional portal half-buried in the #river mud that I dropped my careful modern speech. “Saints alive! What a #queer #silver key!” Amy looked at me oddly. “Saints alive? Queer? You’ll be calling me chum next.”
VSS365/#whistpr
Group #51
Genre: Sci-fi, Action: Changing a diaper, Word: million
100 words
Motherhood in the New Age
Shala was putting a diaper on her orphaned nephew when the Farhope lurched. She gathered him up, holding both the last child born on Earth and the first child to be born in the Mars colony. Bronwen’s team would lay the groundwork for the million people to follow. Despite her lack of relevant skills, Shala had refused to stay behind, giving birth alone on a dying planet. The baby in her arms laughed, the baby in her belly kicked, and she felt a surge of joy and belonging.
“I think it’s peeing on you,” Asha said, and the spell broke.
Out of breath from running, she wiped her brow and managed to say, “In the woods…I think it was a dragon!” I patted her sweaty arm. “Oh, I saw it earlier, but don’t worry. It’s not a dragon.” She sagged in relief. “I’m afraid the #chimera got loose.” #vss365
“Did you forget to leave a snack out for the pixies last night? They’re annoyed about something. They’ve taken all our #shoelaces and tied them to the ceiling fans.” “We only had skim milk and the cookies had raisins.” “Better start a batch of the chocolate ones.” #vss365
“Hold your #horses, Henry! You aren’t leaving until I see what’s in your pockets.” “Aw, Ma.” “Gimme that knife now. How many times have I told you, keep it sharp? This wouldn’t make it through zombie flesh. Take this one so you aren’t late. You boys have fun!” #vss365
I reach the summit, take a ragged breath, and hold my arms aloft. “Great #guru, I come to seek your wisdom.” He nods and beckons me closer. I lean forward eagerly. “Come back with Cool Ranch Doritos, and wisdom shall be yours.” As I turn, he adds, “And root beer. A&W.” #vss365
“I’ve crossed the #universe to find you! Your destiny awaits, Lucy Black!” I wipe my greasy hands on my apron. “Did you say Black?” “Yes! My spaceship is just outside—“ “This happens all the time. I’m Lucy Block. You want the next galaxy over. Coffee before you go?”
I slammed down my hand and a piercing sound rent the air. “Don’t let your anger #consume you,” my guide murmured. “Put away that finger. Breathe in.” “You know what?” I snapped, swerving back into my lane. “The Zen Driving School is not working for me.” #vss365
Allison Ketchell 