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The Open Door #Flashfiction

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 blog post

Thank you for reading. I appreciate your comments. Please share your thoughts.

Comments

37 responses to “The Open Door #Flashfiction”

  1. Vincentdike Avatar
    Vincentdike

    Very nice

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Anne Goodwin is bringing Matilda Windsor home Avatar

    Ha, she needed her sleep but she needed to do it her way. Lovely flash, Norah.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks, Anne. Children will generally sleep when they need it, as long as we don’t try too hard to manipulate their natural rhythms.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Rebecca Glaessner Author Avatar

    A place of peace and solitude for this little one. I’m glad it exists for her! Beautiful writing Norah.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Rebecca. I appreciate your kind words.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Open Doors « Carrot Ranch Literary Community Avatar

    […] An Open Invitation by Norah Colvin […]

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Charli Mills Avatar

    I have a feeling this is not the first time she’s napped outside!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      I think you might be right.

      Like

  6. roughwighting Avatar

    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…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      She’s okay. Her parents keep a watchful eye but let her explore too.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Hugh W. Roberts Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      I hadn’t thought of its similarity to the nursery rhyme, Hugh. Thanks for pointing it out.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Jennie Avatar

    Oh, I love this! Well done, Norah.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Jennie. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie Avatar

        You’re welcome, Norah.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. robbiesinspiration Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      I can imagine how you freaked out when you couldn’t find him at first. I’m pleased he is safe. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Jules Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      Yes, a quiet nook in her own backyard. She was safe and carefully watched. 💖

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Jacqui Murray Avatar

    Yikes! One more line–“she returned safely to her bed”. I’m sure she did.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      She did. They were looking out for her and were so amused when they found her. What a sweetie. 💖

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jacqui Murray Avatar

        Whew. Good to know.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. petespringerauthor Avatar
    petespringerauthor

    Nice job, Norah. I’ve got a clear picture in my mind.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Pete. I’m pleased you saw what I was thinking.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Jim Borden Avatar

    sounds like the perfect way to fall asleep…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks, Jim. I thought so too. I hope they find her before she gets too hot in the sun. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jim Borden Avatar

        I hadn’t thought of that!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          I’m sure they will! 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Jim Borden Avatar

            fingers crossed 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

  14. calmkate Avatar

    an adventure we’d all adore, you express it so well!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Kate. I thought it did sound quite idyllic. I was inspired by my beautiful birds singing outside.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. calmkate Avatar

        a good dose of positivity is what we all need Norah!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          That’s for sure, Kate. 💖

          Liked by 1 person

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