The Carrot Ranch February 21, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase, “I’d rather be…” You fill in what comes next. What would a character(s) rather be doing and why? How can you use the phrase as a literary device? Go where the prompt leads! Submit by February 26, 2022.
“I’d rather be reading,” than watching this stupid football game,” Stacy grumbled.
Her father laughed. “Now, you sound like your mother. Just relax and enjoy the game. You know this is my favorite time of year.”
Through the years, that conversation played out in Stacy’s mind regularly. Now that her dad was gone, she longed for the closeness they’d once shared.
“Mom, why do I have to watch football?” Stacy’s daughter, Alex, whined.
“Your grandpa and I used to watch football together. Those are my happiest memories of him.”
“It’s okay. We have our own great memories together, Mom.”
© Colleen M. Chesebro
In this story, I used a flashback as a literary device to tell my story in a more interesting way. The theme of “I’d rather be…” is also an allegory for “be careful about what you wish for.”
Follow Me on Social Media...
Understood! <3
Well done, Colleen! 🙂
Thanks. This was a tough one. ❤️
A touching story . . .
Thanks, Liz. It’s tough with only 99 words. 😂
You’re welcome, Colleen. 🙂
A delightfully touching story Colleen
Aww, Ivor. Thank you. ❤️
My pleasure Colleen
A pleasantly beautiful story, dear Colleen! ❤️
Thanks, Jane. Those memories sustain us! ❤️
Welcome! Yes it’s true, dear Colleen! ❤️
What a heartfelt story. We hold on to those memories! Well done, Colleen!
Thanks, Jan. Those 99 words were so important to write. ❤️
That’s a sweet story. Those memories shape us, no doubt.
For sure! Sometimes all we have are memories to hand down to the next generation. ❤️
You can’t recreate with your children what you shared with your parents…Alex is right I think. (K)
I had hoped that message would come across. I agree. Each generation needs their own memories. <3
A delightful and heartfelt story, Colleen. Memories are beautiful, yet vary which each generation. ❤️
That’s very true, isn’t it? Thanks, Franci. <3
Great story, Colleen 🙂 The daughter understood what was important.
Kids have a way of doing that. Sometimes as parents, we get too caught up in our memories. <3
Alex is right. They have to forge their own memories. Nice take on the prompt.
Thanks, D. I worked on this one a long time. Getting the right message in there was tough with so few words. <3
It’s a great puzzle, these 99 word prompts.
Pingback: I’d Rather Be… Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
I have always been a fan of creating different memories for different people.
Sometimes the expectations of someone elses memories carries a burden instead of joy.
That’s a great attitude, Jules. <3
Like they say, you don’t what you have until its gone. Nice touch Colleen!
So true… Thanks so much for reading. <3
This is lovely, Colleen. Sometimes we don’t know what we’ve got till it’s gone.