This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about zippers. What are the zippers for? What challenges do they present to the story? Go where the prompt leads!
This is my response. I hope you enjoy it.
Zipper Obsession
Jayden was obsessed with zippers almost from birth. The swish of a zipper always turned tears to laughter.
When a toddler, Jayden’s fascination with interlocking teeth equalled the zip-zip-swish. Zippered items were treasured more than any store-bought toys.
When grandparents visited, Jayden targeted Grandma’s handbag. Zip. Zip …
“Is that boy still obsessed with zippers?” said Grandpa. “Has he been tested yet?”
“It’s just a phase,” said Dad.
“Humph,” said Grandpa, opening his Gladstone bag. Swhooosh.
Jayden stopped. What was that?
Grandpa closed the bag. Blonk.
Swhooosh; blonk. Swhoosh; blonk.
Jayden abandoned Grandma’s bag for Grandpa’s.
Zipper phase zipped.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Anxiety can be read at the Carrot Ranch here.
Norah Colvin 
How sweet. I’ve had some with fascinations as well.
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Fascinations make life interesting.
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LOL. I enjoyed your story Norah. Lovely twist.
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Thank you, Irene.
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Ah, I had to look up what a Gladstone bag was… plenty of buckles on that! Places to hide treasure. 😉 Lovely story.
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That’s right, Robbie. Lots of places to hide treasure. My grandfather used to hide licorice allsorts in his when he came to stay. I went ‘exploring’ one day when I was about 3, and got my hand stuck when it snapped shut. Caught!
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A fun memory? Hopefully your tears got you some licorice 🙂
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I don’t remember. Usually, I just got the punishment.
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Onomatopoeia is wonderful!
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Thank you. I think Onomatopoeia is fun too. 🙂
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Gramps is sorry now I bet!
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Yeah. He jumped in a bit quick.
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Here’s to thoroughly exploring our fascinations! And to the people who love & understand this need! ❤
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There are so many different ‘fascinations’ as you say. Each to their own!
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There’s just something so satisfying with certain sounds. I’ve always liked playing with various closing devices, too.
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I think there is, particularly when we can get a rhythm going. 🙂
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Ha! There’s a twist. I love this, it’s pretty realistic for some kids. I guessed you’d feature a little kid. I was reminded by the prompt of being in a preschool classroom last year and all the little ones getting into their snowsuits for outside time. Lots of zippering assistance was called for.
This flash brought a smile, Buddy.
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I’m pleased you enjoyed it, D. Thank you. It’s a good thing the suits had zippers. You’d have taken all week to get out if they’d had buttons. 😅
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This is very sweet, Norah. Greg had a fascination with lights and loved switching them on and off.
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It is funny the things that amuse children when they are young, isn’t it? It’s great when we get to see the world with fresh eyes again.
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great take Norah! You know the saying ‘xyz’ – you say it to someone who’s left their zip undone. (Could even say it as a joke while they madly eXamine Your Zip) ….
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Thank you, Susan. I’ve never heard that saying before. Maybe I’ve never had trouble with my zip. 😅
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I enjoy learning new words from your end of the world, Norah. I didn’t know what a Gladstone bag was but it reminds me of the bag a country doctor would carry. Your use of onomatopoeia is a clever literary element to show the shifting attention of a tot interested in sounds!
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I’m pleased I can teach you some new words, Charli. I’m usually learning new words from you!
That’s exactly what a Gladstone bag is.
Thank you for your comments about the onomatopoeia. (Isn’t that a beautiful word!)
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This was fun! What is a Gladstone bag?
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A Gladstone back is like the traditional doctor’s bag that snaps open and stays open, and then snaps shut.
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Ah ha! Thank you, Norah.
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You’re welcome, Jennie. Thank you for asking.
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wait until he hears the sound of Tupperware lids closing!
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Good one, Jim. That Tupperware burp is a beauty, isn’t it?
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you know it’s closed properly when you hear that burp!
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The demonstrators used to take great delight with that one!
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at first I wasn’t sure if Tupperware was just in the U.S., but I guess not… 🙂
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It’s been here as well – for years – since I was a mere child. 🙂
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it’s been around since my childhood as well…
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That doesn’t surprise me – considering you’re younger than me. 😅
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🙂
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Ha, I wonder what the kids would make of this. They do fixate on unexpected things.
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They do. I haven’t heard of any fixating on zippers but I’m sure there will be someone somewhere. 😅
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Kids do get obsessed with things though I’ve never heard of zippers. Fun story.
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I have to say I made the zipper obsession up. I haven’t heard of it either but I think it’s plausible knowing what other things children can obsess about. It’s also really funny the things that make them laugh. 😅
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Agreed, and if enough kids read this story, I think you’d start one. Cleverly constructed, Norah.
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😅 Thanks, Jacqui.
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Great! A very funny and also thoughtful response to the challenge, Norah! Thanks for beeing part, and the enjoyment. Have a beautiful weekend! xx Michael
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Thank you, Michael. You too! Thanks for sharing.
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Always with a great pleasure. Thank You, Norah! xx Michael
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💖
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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