This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills invited writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about an open door. It can be literal or metaphorical. What is behind the door? Who is seeking and why? As the writer, how will you manage the discovery? Go where the prompt leads!
This is my response. I hope you enjoy it.
An Open Invitation
Actions speak louder than words so, when the door opened, she assumed it was an invitation, even though she’d been told to stay inside. She didn’t need naptime. She was a big girl.
Outside the day sparkled with springtime. Birds chatted as they flitted from tree to tree, inviting her to follow. A lizard peeked from a log, then rustled away in winter’s leaves. She followed, crawling under bushes, into an open space where rocks warmed in the sun. Gum nuts and seed pods, twigs and leaves enthralled until, lulled by the warmth and the dappling light, she napped.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your comments. Please share your thoughts.
Norah Colvin 
Very nice
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Ha, she needed her sleep but she needed to do it her way. Lovely flash, Norah.
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Thanks, Anne. Children will generally sleep when they need it, as long as we don’t try too hard to manipulate their natural rhythms.
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A place of peace and solitude for this little one. I’m glad it exists for her! Beautiful writing Norah.
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Thank you, Rebecca. I appreciate your kind words.
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I have a feeling this is not the first time she’s napped outside!
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I think you might be right.
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Oh dear. I’m sure she’s having sweet dreams, but I bet her parents are worried sick. Hope they find her in a flash. With your beautiful story, I split into two. Enjoying the exploration out the door, and worrying like heck that she’s okay…
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She’s okay. Her parents keep a watchful eye but let her explore too.
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Just delightful.
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Thank you, 🙂
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Reminds me of the little boy in the nursery rhyme Little Boy Blue, Norah. He was found fast asleep under a haystack. What an adventure the little girl in your story had.
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I hadn’t thought of its similarity to the nursery rhyme, Hugh. Thanks for pointing it out.
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Oh, I love this! Well done, Norah.
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Thank you, Jennie. 🙂
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You’re welcome, Norah.
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Michael did something like this once, Norah, and I nearly freaked out. He was a bit of an explorer and totally fearless. A very sweet piece.
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I can imagine how you freaked out when you couldn’t find him at first. I’m pleased he is safe. 🙂
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Hopefully the door led to the safety of her own backyard…
Too many children think they are invincible in their innocence.
I too would be lured by an idyllic day.
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Yes, a quiet nook in her own backyard. She was safe and carefully watched. 💖
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Yikes! One more line–“she returned safely to her bed”. I’m sure she did.
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She did. They were looking out for her and were so amused when they found her. What a sweetie. 💖
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Whew. Good to know.
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💖
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Nice job, Norah. I’ve got a clear picture in my mind.
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Thank you, Pete. I’m pleased you saw what I was thinking.
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sounds like the perfect way to fall asleep…
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Thanks, Jim. I thought so too. I hope they find her before she gets too hot in the sun. 🙂
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I hadn’t thought of that!
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I’m sure they will! 🙂
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fingers crossed 🙂
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an adventure we’d all adore, you express it so well!
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Thank you, Kate. I thought it did sound quite idyllic. I was inspired by my beautiful birds singing outside.
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a good dose of positivity is what we all need Norah!
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That’s for sure, Kate. 💖
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🙂
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