Snapshot Prompt

This week it's my turn to get those creative fires burning. I've spent hours deliberating over which photo to choose. After page after page of duds, I begged my husband for one of his. And how do you choose just five words? (Random word generator.)


So, after all the effort I've put into this, how could you not participate?


See? That's settled. ;-)


Let's look at the submissions from last week, first. As usual, they're pretty amazing and definitely worth the time to read.


Murder at the Amusement Park (3) from Jottings and Writings of Tena Carr
Deal with the Devil by Chessny Silth
In a Room by Sydney Aaliyah
Payback's A .... by our co-host Nicole Pyles at The World of My Imagination
And you can read mine here: Lake House Rendezvous


Before we get to the rules, just a quick reminder that if you are inspired by a previous week's prompt, please let us know so we can help you share it.


And the rules are:


1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

Here's the photo (taken by Kristoffer Sorensen)

Here are the five words (taken from this link)

file


chair


nest


pirate


winner

Once you have your story ready, post it below. Happy writing!

Lake House Rendezvous

I hope you had an enjoyable Holiday Weekend. Now that it's back to work, I have a story to help start the week.

This is my response to Wednesday's Snapshot prompt. If you would like to participate, link your story up to the original post here.

Then, come back tomorrow for for the next Snapshot prompt chosen by me!

But first, read my story. Please. ;-)

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Lake House Rendezvous


"What the hell are you wearing?"

Raul's arms squeaked as he lifted them up. A big grin split his face.

"You said you wanted to scare them."

Will looked at his brother-in-law, dressed in black overalls and a black fisherman's raincoat. Yep. That would do it.

"Let's go, then."

Will stopped Raul at the edge of the forest, just before the old lake house. He ran his fingers through his long hair, making sure it was still greasy, pulling a few of the strands to tangle in his day-old beard.

"Okay. You stay back by the trail in case they see me and try to sneak back," Will ordered. Raul nodded, widening his legs in what he thought was a guard stance, arms down to his sides. "Make sure to stay here," he reinforced, meeting Raul's laughing brown eyes.

"I wouldn't desert you, man." Will nodded, but watched Raul the first few steps. Raul sent a jovial wave, assuring Will he was part of the plan. Satisfied Raul was set, Will snuck toward the lake house.

He knew he wasn't meant to have seen the note. It had been written on an envelope which had been thrown away. Will would have ignored it if it weren't for all the stars sketched on it. He'd stared at the discarded paper, weighing his options. Finally, he'd pulled it out and read the damning words which had led him here.

Reaching the lake house, Will crept around, peaking in the single pane windows. He jerked back, then looked again when he saw them. Wrapped in each other's arms, laying on the old couch. He jerked away with a scowl. He didn't want to see this.

Will began scratching the window with his nail, cursing when it resulted in a paint splinter from the bad paint job. Looking around he found a stick, then tried that against the glass. A satisfying screech made him smile. He heard a thump inside. After a few seconds, he dared to look inside again.

That damn boy was looking out. Will's face morphed into a fierce scowl and he jerked toward the glass. In the background, he heard a girl scream. The boy disappeared along with the girl. He turned around, leaning against the house as he watched them run back toward the forest.

Raul played his part beautifully, jumping out at the pair from the trees, doubling their speed back to the main house.

Will laughed and met Raul at the tree line.

"You think that did it?" Raul asked.

"I'll think of something else if it didn't," Will returned. Raul shook his head and laughed.

"Man, if I ever have a daughter, I'm calling you when she starts to date."

Will grunted, his lips curling in a crooked smile. Yep, that's what brother-in-laws were for, protecting their little girls from those horny bastard boys.

Happy Memorial Day

It is Memorial Day. It's a day to honor those protect our Freedoms. This is not about politics, but about those who serve our Nation despite who sits in padded leather chairs in Washington D.C. Men like my dad, my uncle and my cousin. Women like two of my friends.

So as you enjoy your cookouts, your day off, your shopping for sales, your home improvement projects (guilty), please remember those who make all who ensure our rights to do those very things.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day.

Unexpected Fate - Part Four of Riley's Story

"Fate leads the willing, and drags along the reluctant."

Riley's day continues with a new job. If you need to catch up, or would like a refresher, visit these links below.

Part One: Riley's Story
Part Two: Fate Calls @ The World of My Imagination
Part Three: The Hands of Fate @ Confessions of a Pixel and Ink-stained Wretch

Time to get started ....



------------------------

Part Four: Unexpected Fate

© Photographer: Matthias33 | Agency: Dreamstime.com

The ride to the hospital wasn't a long one. The nice thing about having a bicycle was I could park it right next to the entrance. My first stop was the gift shop. I picked out a large crystal vase filled with red and pink roses. I told the cashier they were for room 320. She made a note in her computer, then waved me along.

I walked the hospital like I knew where I was going. I followed the signs to the elevators and went up to the third floor. The nurses on the floor directed me the rest of the way. I found the old lady's room where she was sleeping upright, head tilted slightly to the side. Her transparent skin looked bruised and thin over the IV in her arm. I moved quietly, setting the vase gently on her bedside table and turned to leave.

Stretched out in a leather chair was a man in a crumpled business suit. He was slouched to his shoulders in a padded chair, his phone still resting on his stomach, though his hand had fallen lower. I went directly to him, picked up the phone and manipulated it until there was a past reminder to buy flowers, the notification already setting his phone blinking.

Shrugging my shoulders, I left the room with the knowledge of a job complete.

"My dad will know you changed it."

"His phone?" I turned quickly to see a girl leaning against the pale green wall of the hallway. Her ankles and arms were crossed. Big sunglasses acted as a headband to her chocolate hair. I tried to judge the thoughts behind her honey eyes. Thankfully she seemed more amused than accusing.

"Nope. The job," she countered. "Have you changed all of them?"

A trickle of sweat tickled my spine. I started to walk away but the girl just followed.

"You know, he looks out for stuff like that."

"Then why hasn't he said anything?"

"He wants to see how far you'll take it."

Awesome. I was being tested and didn't even know it.

We made it to the elevator. I jabbed the button for the main level as she watched.

"Don't you want to know why? What for? Any of the usual questions?"

"Who are you?" I demanded. Her grin was too bright for the confining elevator car.

"I'm Kate, and don't you make a single joke about how that rhymes."

"Rhymes." I wasn't sure what this girl was talking about.

"You know. Kate. Fate. I've heard them all."

"Because you're Fate's daughter." I just wanted to hear her say it.

"Boy, you're slow," she glared as the elevator bell rung. Her bouncy stride led the way out. I followed with cautious steps.

"I'm actually one of three sisters," she informed me. "Patti is Keeper of the Weaving. That means she guards the happenings of the past. Right now she's off on some pilgrimage to try and discover her worth. Turns out humans are caring less and less about what happened before them," she ended in a conspiratorial whisper.

"Then there's Desta, the Spinner. She's currently teaching Yoga. Thinks she can tame humanity one chakra at a time, or something like that. She wants to have better thread for the future."

"Wait. Past and future? So you're present." There was that brilliant smile again.

"Yeah, the Weaver."

"As in the three blind sisters who share an eye."

"Ugh, don't remind me," she gagged. "Good thing we can remake ourselves as time goes by. New names and everything. Gotta fit in, you know."

"Uh-huh." I was ready to leave. When I looked up to orient myself, I realized we were at the cafeteria, not the entrances.

"Come on. You're hungry," she informed me.

"Look, I really gotta go."

"No you don't."

"Yeah, I do. This may be a weird job, but there's only so much I'll get involved in."

"You don't trust us."

"You seem surprised," I noted dryly.

"But we're the Fates."

"That doesn't mean you can't lie. I've done it for your dad. He's lied to me-" Kate's laugh stopped me.

"Dad doesn't lie. Why do you think he needs an assistant?"

"Bullshit."

"Look," she ordered. "Think about his words. Think about what they could mean, other than your first knee-jerk reaction to them."

I looked at Kate for a long minute, her eyes boldly meeting mine. No flinching. Not even a blink.

I'd had enough. I shoved my hands in my pockets and walked away from this last job, from Kate, back toward the outside world where I thought things made sense.

----------------------

.... And only two more weeks go to! We boomerang back to Leonard's Confessions of a Pixel and Ink-stained Wretch next week, then Nicole Pyles' World of My Imagination finishes it up. Be sure to check in and see how it all turns out.

Snapshot Prompt

Nicole has put together a new prompt for us. And, and ...

Next week, it's my turn! So check out today's prompt, write away, then come back next week to see what I choose. :-)

Happy Writing!


---------------------------------


Okay, third times a charm. I've tried writing this post twice and my laptop keeps freaking out on me...so here we go!


We had an awesome turn out last week! I'm so proud to share the posts we received -

Enchanted by Chessney Smith
At the Top of the Stairs by Syndey Aaliyah
Alicia's Soul by Chasing Revery
Cool Things Always Happen in New Houses by The World of My Imagination
Dogwood Days by Jade (this is from a prompt a few weeks ago)

By the way, if you ever see a writing prompt from previous weeks ago that you would like to respond to, go ahead! I will still promote it with next week's post!

Here are the rules:


1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

Here's the photo (taken from this link)

Here are the five words (taken from this link)

Stars

Envelope

Wave

Nail

Desert

Once you have your story ready, post it below! 

Part Three of Riley

So exciting! Leonard Suskin has answered a few questions, and set a direction. Go read

Part Three: The Hands of Fate @ Confessions of a Pixel and Ink-stained Wretch

But first, make sure you catch up with the story in parts one and two.

Part One: Riley
Part Two: Fate Calls @ The World of My Imagination

(Giving you time to read ......)


Fantastic, isn't it? I'm next! See you Thursday to find out what this next task could possibly be ....

Alicia's Soul - Snapshot Story

The Snapshot Prompt took me to a little darker place this week. But where else can a spiraling staircase go?

----------------------------

Alicia's Soul

Down, down, down the harlequin stairs. One hand on the snake-like rail, the scaly indentions feeling like speed bumps to her fingertips. A tube of lipstick in the other was wearing down to a nub, the bright berry color marking each turn she took, arrow pointing to the exit like they did in mines. There hadn't been many turns for a while, except for the smooth curve of the narrow staircase.

Alicia had been at work on her computer, sorting through emails and arranging projects by priority. A note scratched in pencil on masking tape pressed to the underside of her keyboard had caught her attention. It was an odd place to leave a note. She had only found it because a few paperclips had spilled on her otherwise neat desk. Once she read the words, she ripped it off quickly. Shredded pieces found themselves in different waste baskets around the office.

Easily destroyed, they were not words to ignore. They stayed with her through talking to clients, laughing with co-workers and taking notes at meetings. She packed up as the clock rolled onto the 5, calling out goodbyes from the elevator. Behind the wheel of her car, Alicia closed her eyes, whispered a prayer, then headed downtown.

She handed over her keys to the valet, then nodded to the gatekeeper of the Chameleon Bar. Insults were flung at her back by people waiting in line as Alicia pushed through over-sized doors into a low-lit den of shifting colors. Weaving through bodies projecting sticky warmth, she made her way to a door that blended perfectly into the aubergine walls.

"Don't lose your way," warned words so decorative they could only be separated by the damask sheen in the paint if you knew where they were. Alicia had dug out her lipstick, then headed into the tunnels.

Left a dozen times, right at all the lines. Down the tiny turns, back to where it burns.

The words penciled to her on the flesh-colored tape, directions through the LED-lit maze. Now she was at the bottom, passing under an arch painted with leaves, a symbol of the life that never found its way this deep.

There, in a round chamber, sat an alter in the middle, a fire kindled along the surface. The fickle light was no match for the LED's, but it was the heat that mattered.

Alicia stepped forward softly. Orange light danced over her without the benefit of shadow. Her hand reached into the flames, pulling out the vial. Without the contact of the vial, the alter lost its fire, growing cold as Alicia turned her back, clutching her prize to her chest.

She had it now, much better than any of the others locked in her freezer at home. This would be enough to make all her dreams come true, and even a few more.

After all, a soul on fire was worth much more than one on ice.

Riley's delayed, but the weekend isn't!

There has been a glitch in the Riley story - Life! ;-) It is being worked on, though, so don't fret we forgot. Once it's ready for you, be sure I'll post a link.

In the meantime, you can feast your hearts on my two little boys. ;-)

What's up there, Big Brother?

We have a great weekend planned for these two. There's an open house at our local model train club as well as at the Firehouse. Our town is also hosting an event called Art At Your Feet where local businesses and artists create chalk art on the main street through town.

So, other than putting together your 500 word story for the Snapshot, what are your plans for the weekend?

Passing on the Kreativ Blogger Award

Yay, another go-round with the Kreativ Blogger Award. :-) Thanks to our Wednesday Prompt producer, Nicole Pyles for including me.

The number is 7 - 7 facts about me, then 7 bloggers to pass the award to.

The fun facts are (in no particular order):

1)  I changed my degree program five times during college, yet still graduated within 4 years with a B.S. in Family and Child Development

2)  I will only kill an insect if it's inside my house.

3)  I don't like going to the movie theater. I can't pause the movie, (I think) the screen is too big and dI can't yell at the characters.

4)  I didn't play video games until I was 24.

5)  When I was in middle school, my mom banned me from reading books under 500 pages because I read so quickly.

6)  The first 500+ page books my mom bought me were the Magic's Pawn series by Mercedes Lackey.

7)  Those books are what inspired me to write novels.

And no, that's not cheating. Though 5-7 are one story, they are 3 different facts. ;-)

And the blogger's I'm going to award are:

1) Misadventures in Motherhood

2) Life's Like That

3) Confessions of a Pixel and Ink-stained Wretch

4) Judy H-J's Thoughts - A Twinless Twin

5) Mayra's Secret Bookcase

6) Writer's Space

7) Elusive Elucidation

So there are my double sevens. Be sure to check out the blogs above, then comment below and tell me a quick fact about you - or make fun of any of mine. ;-)

Snapshot Prompt

Here's your Creative Wednesday Snapshot prompt along with the wonderful stories inspired from last week. Don't forget tomorrow we get a new install in the Riley story!

Let the inspiration spark your brain. :-) Remember, if you want to participate, but don't have a blog, let me know and I can post for you.

---------------------------

Wow! There was an amazing turn out last week! I am so impressed by all the creativity out there! Last week's photo really got everyone going and I am proud to present last week's amazing submissions to our weekly writing prompt:

Cow Whisperers by Randy Lindsay
A Thousand Words by Chasing Revery
Horoscope by Chessney Silth
A Day in the Park by Anne
Conversations with an Ex by Me (The World of My Imagination)
Sydney Aaliyah's piece

I am so proud of this turn out! I hope more and more people join in!

So, here's the rules as usual just as a fresh reminder:


1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

Here is the photo (from this link)

And here are the five words (from this link)

Masking Tape

Chameleon

Hand

Computer

Lipstick

And when you have completed your story, post the link to it below!

Spread the word about the hop and let us know what you come up with!

A Thousand Words

I'm not going to lie - this one had me stumped. Then I just started writing, and, again, I can't lie. I love the way it turned out. I hope you enjoy it, too, and are inspired to get your own writing going.

---------------------------------

A Thousand Words

"Look over there," Aaron whispered. "That would be a great shot."

I scanned the park but didn't see what he did. Of course, I had only taken photography because Aaron talked me into it. Our current assignment was an 'Urban Photo Diary.' Aaron suggested the parks and I followed because I desperately needed him.

"I don't see it," I finally admitted. Aaron lifted his large-lensed camera, the one you know cost a couple hundred dollars. As he focused his lens, I raised my own slim, metallic pocket camera and snapped off a few quick shots. My click was silent, but timed perfectly with Aaron's soft whir.

"This is what I saw." He turned to show me the screen. He had taken a photo of two businessmen sitting on a bench, each reading a paper.

"Okay." I was starting to think taking this photography class was a joke. I didn't get it like Aaron did.

Aaron smiled and shifted closer. I took a deep breath of his cologne and tried to follow where he lead.

"Their legs are crossed, but away from each other. That says they don't know each other and are a probably little uncomfortable sharing a bench. The guy on the left put all his stuff on his lap - insecure. The guy on the right put his stuff on the bench. He's saying they can share, but to give him space. He's confident."

"Because of where he put his brief case?"

"And his shoes," Aaron winked. I looked again. The guy was wearing canvas hi-tops.

"How do you see all this?" I asked.

"Probably the same way you can do equations in your head," he answered. "It just happens. This is going to look really good off the printer," he murmured, speaking to his camera. I watched him for a moment, my awe surrounding him like a halo.

I shifted through the photos I'd taken that day. A bench colored with graffiti, an odd angle of a statue, a stone and iron fence lining the pale sidewalk. All of these had been suggested by Aaron, but others had not. Aaron, holding his camera up as he took that last group of photos. Aaron standing at the corner, camera in hand, a huge backpack of his supplies looking like it would topple his narrow frame. These were the ones headed for my printer, even if they were a little blurry, or the framing wasn't quite right.

"Do you think we have enough?" Aaron asked with a frown. I laughed and shook my head, knowing he had ten times the photos I did.

"Come on," I ordered, standing up. "Let's go get something to eat. I'm sure you'll find a million things to capture between here and there."

"You might, too," he offered with a crooked grin and I shook my head, knowing he was the only thing I wanted to photograph.

------------------------------

What do you like to photograph? Let me know in the comments. :-)

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Riley's Story - Part 2

Ooh, I'm excited. I started Riley's story last week, and this week Nicole Pyles has continued it. I have so many questions.

• Is it the phone's ring that makes Riley run, like a conditioned response?
• If someone's calling, who?

And the biggest question on my mind:

• Is Riley a boy or a girl???

Only one way to find out. I'm headed over to 

The World of My Imagination 

right now. You should go, too. :)

Creative Wednesday Prompt

Come take the challenge and sharpen your flash fiction skills. We're loving all the prompted stories sent our way. Where's yours?

-----------------------------------

Happy Wednesday Everyone! Remember, you've made it this far in the week, you can make it to Saturday! Last week we have had some awesome posts from the blog hop that I would love to share:

Road Trip by me here at Chasing Revery
Writer's Retreat by Nicole Pyles at World of My Imagination
Murder at the Amusement Park (2) from Jottings and Writings by Tena Carr

And if you responded to the blog hop writing prompt and didn't get the chance to share it with everyone, let me know in the comments and I'll add your post!

Here are the rules to the hop:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

Here is this week's photo (taken from this link)

And here is this week's five words (taken from this link):

Diary

Joke

Whisper

Lead

Printer

Remember, link up once you have your story written! If you just post a link without a response to the writing prompt, we will have to remove it.

Post your link below:

Good luck and get those creative juices flowing! 

Road Trip

Inspired by this prompt, here is my Snapshot submission. Don't forget to link yours by Wednesday!

--------------------------

Road Trip

"How much longer?" Taylor asked, staring out the van window.

"Taylor, you're twelve. Enough of the 'are we there, yet' stuff," her mom insisted firmly from the front passenger seat.

They were heading out on vacation. Taylor had wanted to fly, but her parents had wanted the adventure of driving, or something stupid like that. It was time wasted when they could already be checked in to a hotel and getting tickets for the theme park.

"Look, Taylor," her dad directed. "The sign says we're only 260 miles away. We're going 65 miles an hour. How long until we reach park?"

"Too long," she muttered under her breath. She opened her mouth to remind him she was in 6th grade and not 4th when Tristan woke up with a start, crying when he didn't realize where he was.

"Take care of him, will you Taylor?" With a disgruntled sigh, Taylor turned to her little brother and shushed him, trying to calm him with her voice like she'd seen her mom do. It only worked a little bit, fat tears still rolling down his face. Reaching into his car seat, Taylor dug out his plastic dinosaur. It always worked as the perfect decoy and within no time, Tristan was back asleep, the toy slowly slipping from his arm back into his resting place.

Taylor grabbed her pillow from the space between her and Tristan's chairs. She focused her eyes on the quickly moving landscape close to the car.

Her mind settled into an old manor. The smell of wet masonry hung in the air. The place had been left empty long enough for insects and smaller rodents to have moved in. Though she heard the skittering of tiny feet, she never saw one of the home's occupants.

On the third floor, a window caught her eye. Two latched panes crowned by three arched panes. A pink flowered tree sparkled through the glass. Taylor climbed up onto the deep sill. A pin from her hair released the lock, allowing her to push the rusted hinges open.

This was what she had been looking for. Her lips curled into a smile as she saw the butterfly wings fluttering around the tree, carrying the tiny human bodies around the inner courtyard.

"Taylor." The voice was sharp and demanding, having clearly called a few times without an answer. Taylor refocused her eyes where her mother was twisting around the front seat to face her. "We've stopped to eat. I need your help with Tristan."

Why? Taylor wondered. Her mom had just as many hands as she did. Taylor knew better than to argue, though, putting her pillow down so she could wake up her little brother.

"How much longer?" Taylor asked. Her mom pursed her lips and got out of the van without answering.

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Collaboration Challenge - Riley's Story

Part One of the May Collaboration Challenge is here. We have a twist this time around - we're all going to write twice! Read the start of our adventure below, then see who's joining me at the end.




-------------------------

Caleb sat straight up, arms shooting into the air as he praised his favorite striker for making a goal. I grinned as he relaxed back into his seat, coaching the team now that they were tied. Soccer wasn't really my thing, but it was always entertaining to watch Caleb.

I rearranged myself on the opposite edge of the hand-me-down couch. I kept far away, knowing Caleb could explode again, whether it was in excitement or anger. I didn’t always understand what caused his reactions, but soccer wasn’t the reason I was here, anyway. I hadn’t spent much time with Caleb lately and it was cool to hang out like old times.

"So where did you go yesterday?" he asked me suddenly. I was surprised by the question, not expecting much conversation with the game on. "You got that phone call, then just dashed. The party wasn't that lame considering there was no beer on the premises."

"You always think there needs to be beer," I teased.

Caleb tensed, then hissed in relief at a failed attempt by the rival team.

"A beer would be good right now," he grumbled.

"So go steal one from your parents." Caleb snorted in answer, leaning toward the TV with traditional sports fan energy.

"Don't be stupid, Riley. You know they count them. It’s crap there isn’t a TV at your house. I bet your parents would run to the fridge every time we needed a refill."

He wasn’t far off. My parents believed in living by self-discovery just as strongly as they felt technology would lead to the world’s ultimate destruction. I could stay at Caleb’s house for weeks without worrying my parents, provided the school didn’t call to report any absences.

My phone vibrated, pulsing through the couch. Caleb's eyes left the game for the first time since it started. I was reminded of why I hadn’t hung out with him very much. He had noticed a while ago my cell phone ringing meant I wouldn’t be around for much longer.

"You going to bolt again? Who is it that calls you?"

"I have this weird job," I finally settled as I pulled the phone from my pocket. "It's this on-call thing."

"On call at sixteen? Your folks really are hippies if they’re good with that." Caleb turned his eyes back to the game. My phone buzzed again and my hand fisted around it. I waited for a long minute to see if Caleb would say anything more.

"See you later. Hope your team wins." Caleb nodded, his eyes tracking the players on the screen. I watched for a second more before leaving his basement rec room and heading out of the house at the demand of my cell.

© Glenjones | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

Thanks for making it to the end. Check out my fellow contributors:

• Nicole Pyles at The World of My Imagination will write Parts 2 and 6
• Leonard Suskin at Confessions of a Pixel and Ink-stained wretch will write parts 3 and 5

Creative Wednesday Prompt

Prompt time! Make sure you read the stories inspired by last week's prompt while preparing for this week. To join in, check out the picture and words below, then leave your link in the comments. Don't have a blog but want to join the fun? Let me know and I can post your story for you.

Now, for Nicole's invitation ...

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Welcome back everyone! This has been an amazing week and there has been so much creativity that resulted from last week's prompt. You guys are awesome! So, make sure to check out last week's prompt and the great posts that resulted:

Beach of Peace  over at Lando-Loo, Where Are You?
Back to the Beach  over at The Why, The how, and the What If
Rough Tides, at Chasing Revery (my co-host!) (Which is me.)
A New Beginning (done by me!) (Who is really Nicole Pyles.)

And today we have another prompt ready to go for everyone! But first, a quick shout out to my awesome co-hosters - Chasing Revery (In our case, visit The World of My Imagination) and A Writer's Muses. Make sure you check out their blogs!

As usual, here are the rules:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come back here and link up below and let me (or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

Here's this week's picture (taken from this link)

And here's this week's five words from this link:

decoy

sign

pin

pillow

dinosaur

Oh this should be fun, I just know it. So, when you have your story completed, post your link below: