July 5, 2018, Carrot Ranch Literary Community prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes buttons. You can use the word plural or singular in different expressions, or focus on how buttons relate to a story. Go where the prompt leads. Respond by July 10, 2018.
“The Little Drummer Boy”
The boy hid near a copse of trees. All around him, the sound of gunfire sputtered and pinged. Tears stinging, he pulled the drum closer, waiting for a new command from the general so he could muster the troops.
Scared, he slipped his hand into his pocket and fingered the buttons he had cut from the coats of the enemy. Each button represented a win. He had survived the battles and lived to beat the drums to victory.
Until today. When the men found him the little drummer boy gripped a string of dirty buttonsâhis legacy to death.
**Dedicated to the Drummer Boys of the American Civil War**
I have no idea where this story came from, but the words flew from my fingertips. It was meant to be written. Again. â¤
 And write some Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction!
Very sad and touching story, Colleen and a suitable homage.
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I just never know where these prompt words will take me, Olga. I knew nothing of the drummer boys, and looked them up. Sad, indeed. â¤
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A poignant tale, Colleen. I hope “the enemy” takes pity on him.
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I couldn’t see who the enemy was. I felt like his own men found him, but leaving it open ended seemed suitable.
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I liked that it wasn’t stated who he was or who the enemy was. It could refer to either side of many wars where there were drummer boys.
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Agreed. You know this stuff just flows from my fingers sometimes. I see bits in my mind but knew it had to do with the Civil War. I seriously had to research drummer boys. I wasn’t sure what they did. The muse spoke.
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Aw…
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Sad… I know. I pick things up… đâ¤ď¸
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What a bittersweet tale… â¤
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Thanks, Ritu. From my research, many of these boys didn’t reach manhood. Very sad. đŚ
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So sad đ
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Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide.
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Thanks for sharing, Traci. đâ¤ď¸
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You’re welcome, Colleen!
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Lovely Colleen.. beautiful and so sad.. xxxâĽ
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Thanks, Sally. Such sad tales of war. â¤ď¸
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A beautiful yet poignant story Colleen. đź
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Thanks. Iâm glad you enjoyed. đ
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So sad, but a wonderful piece of flash fiction, sis. â¤
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Thanks, Adele. A story that needed to be told, I reckon. đ â¤
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Wonderful micro piece.
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Thanks, Craig. I love the way flash makes you think. Very fulfilling. đ
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I love it. In fact I need to produce about four pieces by October.
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4 days… One a day. They get your creativity flowing!
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This story grabbed you, Colleen! You have the touch of a story-catcher. Amazing detail that bring this drummer boy to life momentarily.
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Ohhh, A story-catcher! Thanks, Charli. I just receive vibes and act on them. This story grabbed me. â¤ď¸
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I love that you follow the vibes, Colleen!
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Thanks, Charli. They get stuck in my wings! đđ§ââď¸đ
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Ha, ha!
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đ â¤
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đ˘
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Very heart wrenching, Colleen.
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War is so brutal. Let’s hope we have no more wars!
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