This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes tapping. You can play with the sound, make it an action, or create something unexpected. Tap a story and go where the prompt leads!
As it usually does, the prompt led me to children and education, especially the empowerment that comes from being able to read. Reading is the key that unlocks the wonders of the world.
While not a continuation of previous stories, it does include some of the characters. I hope you like it.
The Key
Tap-tap-tap, tap-tap-tap.
Peter removed his headphones.
Silence.
He returned to his game. ZING! KAPOW! BOOM!
Tap-tap-tap, tap-tap-tap.
There it was again. Incessant.
What was It? Where was it?
He placed his tablet and headphones on the couch and crept towards the sound — the bookcase!
Tap-tap-tap, tap-tap-tap.
With every step, the tapping intensified. The dusty glass obscured the interior, but the key was in the lock. Should he, or shouldn’t he?
He did!
Into his lap tumbled a rainbow cat, a girl in a hood, a herd of dinosaurs, an Egyptian Pharaoh and all the wonders of the world. Magic!
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Well done, Norah! I love this. Yes, turn that key. 🙂
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Thanks, Jennie. We do our best to encourage them, don’t we. 🙂
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We do, Norah. 🙂
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While we can no longer access the libraries … I am glad I have my books!
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I agree! There’s no shortage here either. 🙂
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How I love the magic of books and reading. Your flash fiction is perfect, Norah. Tap away!
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Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, Pam. 💖
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❤
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That’s a fun continuation, Norah. 📚❤️ Love it.
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Thank you, Sarah. 💖
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What great fun. It just goes to show that there are hundreds of new worlds, stories and lots of entertainment waiting for us on the shelves of bookcases. And we mustn’t forget all those audiobooks and podcasts for those of us who prefer to close our eyes, listen, and be taken to another place. The magic is everywhere.
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Indeed it is, Hugh. Enjoy!
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Wow. That is brilliant. This is what we really need in today’s times. Hope he never gets back to his video games and headphones.
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Thank you so much. I hope so too! 🙂
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Reading is such empowerment, Norah. And I love it when I child can hear the call of a book.
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Thanks, Charli. I couldn’t agree more.
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wonderful flash fiction; a great story is so much better than any video game
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Thanks, Jim. We just need to convince some others of that.
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How fun. Thank you I needed an uplifting story. Our library just closed its doors because of the Corona virus. We are all stuck at home without new library books.
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I’m pleased the story brightened your day, Dayne. I’m sorry your library has closed. No doubt ours will too. Book stores have started delivery (on bicycle) to people in their local area. What a great idea. Libraries could do the same. Mobile carts. 🙂
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That was delightful, Norah. And it does feel that way, doesn’t it–like the world landed in your lap.
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Thank you so much, Jacqui. It’s all there if we want it. 🙂
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wow what a delightful discovery … the wonders of reading 🙂
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Thank you, Kate. It’s all there for us, isn’t it?
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for sure 🙂
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You’ve sure tapped into the power of reading.
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Thanks, Anne. 😂
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Hopefully, they’ll suck him in and never let him out!
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Exactly! 🙂
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Another great piece, Norah. I love this.
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Thank you, Robbie. 🙂
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It’s true and lovely, Norah!
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Thank you so much, Miriam.
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You’re welcome, Norah.
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Oh yes, turn that key! It kinda is a continuation, and a darn good one. Love it.
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Thanks, D. Everyone needs the key, and then they need to turn it.
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It’s good to be a reader. I suddenly find myself with some extra time to read and perhaps other pursuits. Oh the places I’ll go, without leaving home.
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Oh, yes! I love that! 🙂
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