This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes exhaustion. Who is exhausted and why? Can you make art of exhaustion? Go where the prompt leads!
Feeling a little overwhelmed with extra demands on my time over the past few of months, coupled with a recent battle with the flu, I didn’t know if I could muster enough energy to respond this time. But when this blog’s tagline includes the words ‘Create the possibilities’, I thought I should give it a go. I hope you like my response.
Exhausted possibilities
Jolted awake when the bus reached the terminal, they grabbed their belongings and stumbled out. The driver shrugged when asked about accommodation.
‘NO VACANCY’ signs flashed along narrow streets. ‘NOT WELCOME’ lists accompanied the few with vacancies.
Trudging back to the terminal, hoping for seclusion, a ‘VACANCY’ appeared where none before. An old man bade them enter, waved away their money and installed them comfortably.
“Thank you. Thank you,” they bowed, and collapsed into sleep.
In the morning, they were alone. A note lay on the table:
“When you think you have exhausted all possibilities, there is always more.”
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your comments. Please share your thoughts.
This is a lovely flash, Norah. I hope you are recovered now.
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Thank you, Robbie. Yes, all better now – at last!
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Very inspiring Norah thank you! Yes, magic is often in the air, and I hope it comes your way soon and helps with that coughing ..
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Thank you, Susan. I’m all better now. 🙂
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That last line is very true, Norah. I hope you’re feeling a lot better.
Take care.
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Thank you, Hugh. Yes, I’m feeling much better today. Thank you. 🙂
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Well done, Norah. A sprinkle of magic and hope was perfect.
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Thank you, Jennie. 🙂
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You’re welcome!
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I like it, Norah! What a sweet tale.
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Thank you, Chelsea. 🙂
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Exhaustion seemed the perfect word for you of late Norah. But you’ve done it proud! I do hope you’re over that nasty flu. ❤
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Thank you, Debby. I think I’m nearly there – still coughing a bit but it’s decreasing every day. Back to my normal any day now. 🙂
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Thank goodness! That flu has knocked the wind out of many a person’s sails this season. 😉
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Thank you, Debby. I think I’m nearly right again! 🙂
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Amen! 🙂
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What a positive story – much needed in this time that seems full of negativity. In 99 words – you showed us the best in humankind. Thank you.
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Thank you for always finding the best in others, Pamela. I appreciate your generosity.
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❤
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When something like that happens… I think of living angels.
Kindness is a gift that can keep on giving. And that kindness remembered will be offered to someone else – paid forward.
Our weather when it changes always makes my sinuses act up. A full blown cold can get in the way. So can life. Stay healthy and keep spreading the magic! Your story made me smile this morning and that is spreading the magic!
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I agree, Jules. Kindness is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s especially powerful when we pay it forward. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the story and that it made you smile. That is magic.
Thank you for your kindness.
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Your flash brought a sting of tears to my eyes, Norah! I hope you are feeling better. This flu around the world seems to be a draining one. Take care of yourself! ❤
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Thank you, Charli. No need for tears though. I must have unintentionally exaggerated my situation. I wasn’t looking for sympathy. There’s just been a lot going on and it’s been hard to find a moment. Being sick doesn’t help but I think I’m okay now. I just wish I’d stop coughing. 🙂
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Feel better! The flu is not fun. Coughing is exhausting. Rest. Drink lots of fluids. Sending healing vibes. xo
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Thank you, Pam. Yes, I’ve been resting and drinking – and receiving your healing vibes. They all help. 🙂
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I think the “resting” part is the most challenging one. But it DOES help. xo
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It does. I’m feeling much better today. Thank you. 🙂
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GOOD!
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A perfect lesson in a few words. Wonderful!
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Thank you, Darlene. 🙂
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Perfect timing. I am writing a scene in my story where my character is injured, thirsty, and exhausted but must continue. This inspires me.
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You’ve made my day, Jacqui. Thank you. I hope your scene works out. 🙂
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squeezing out that last drop, and what a worthy one! Now rest a while …
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Thank you, Kate. I finished one of my jobs today but still have another to go. I feel some of the weight has lifted but can’t rest yet – soon! 🙂
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very soon I hope, you deserve it!
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You’re very kind, Kate. Thank you. ❤
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Sorry you’ve been exhausted and hope you find some respite like the characters in your flash.
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Thank you, Anne. I finished another of the jobs today. Yay! Still another (much smaller one) to go. I’m still cough, cough, coughing but feeling much better. I wasn’t really exhausted, just overwhelmed with too much going on. Thanks for your wishes.
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Well
Done – a bit of hope you delivered 😉
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This is beautiful, Norah. Love that last line. ❤️
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Thank you, Sarah. I really appreciate your kind words. It’s lovely to have you visit again. ❤
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There’s often a little bit of magic to be found just when it seems all hope is lost – beautifully found here Norah!
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Thank you, Pauline. I thought I should return to optimism rather than lurk in pessimism. 🙂
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A magical response, Norah.
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Thank you, D. I wanted to make it a bit more magical but used up all my words too soon.
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