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Zipper Obsession #99WordStories

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early childhood, Flash fiction, Writing

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 blog post

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.

99 word stories Carrot Ranch flash fiction Children obsession zippers

Comments

49 responses to “Zipper Obsession #99WordStories”

March 3, 2022

Chel Owens

How sweet. I’ve had some with fascinations as well.

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1. March 3, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  Fascinations make life interesting.
  
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  Reply
March 2, 2022

Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

LOL. I enjoyed your story Norah. Lovely twist.

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1. March 2, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  Thank you, Irene.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
February 26, 2022

Jules

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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1. February 27, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  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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  1. February 27, 2022
    
    Jules
    
    A fun memory? Hopefully your tears got you some licorice 🙂
    
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    Reply
    1. March 1, 2022
      
      Norah
      
      I don’t remember. Usually, I just got the punishment.
      
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      Reply
February 25, 2022

singlikewildflowers

Onomatopoeia is wonderful!

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Reply
1. February 25, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  Thank you. I think Onomatopoeia is fun too. 🙂
  
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  Reply
February 25, 2022

Gloria

Gramps is sorry now I bet!

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Reply
1. February 25, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  Yeah. He jumped in a bit quick.
  
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February 25, 2022

Liz H

Here’s to thoroughly exploring our fascinations! And to the people who love & understand this need! ❤

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1. February 25, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  There are so many different ‘fascinations’ as you say. Each to their own!
  
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  Reply
February 25, 2022

Sam “Goldie” Kirk

There’s just something so satisfying with certain sounds. I’ve always liked playing with various closing devices, too.

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Reply
1. February 25, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  I think there is, particularly when we can get a rhythm going. 🙂
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
February 24, 2022

D. Avery @shiftnshake

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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1. February 24, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  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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February 24, 2022

robbiesinspiration

This is very sweet, Norah. Greg had a fascination with lights and loved switching them on and off.

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1. February 24, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  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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  Reply
February 23, 2022

Susan Scott

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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1. February 24, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  Thank you, Susan. I’ve never heard that saying before. Maybe I’ve never had trouble with my zip. 😅
  
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February 23, 2022

Zippers Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

[…] Zipper Obsession by Norah Colvin […]

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February 23, 2022

Charli Mills

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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1. February 24, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  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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February 22, 2022

Jennie

This was fun! What is a Gladstone bag?

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1. February 24, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  A Gladstone back is like the traditional doctor’s bag that snaps open and stays open, and then snaps shut.
  
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  1. February 25, 2022
    
    Jennie
    
    Ah ha! Thank you, Norah.
    
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    Reply
    1. February 25, 2022
      
      Norah
      
      You’re welcome, Jennie. Thank you for asking.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
      
      Reply
February 21, 2022

Jim Borden

wait until he hears the sound of Tupperware lids closing!

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1. February 21, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  Good one, Jim. That Tupperware burp is a beauty, isn’t it?
  
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  1. February 21, 2022
    
    Jim Borden
    
    you know it’s closed properly when you hear that burp!
    
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    Reply
    1. February 24, 2022
      
      Norah
      
      The demonstrators used to take great delight with that one!
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
      
      Reply
      1. February 24, 2022
        
        Jim Borden
        
        at first I wasn’t sure if Tupperware was just in the U.S., but I guess not… 🙂
        
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        Reply
        
        February 25, 2022
        
        Norah
        
        It’s been here as well – for years – since I was a mere child. 🙂
        
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        Reply
        
        February 26, 2022
        
        Jim Borden
        
        it’s been around since my childhood as well…
        
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        Reply
        
        February 27, 2022
        
        Norah
        
        That doesn’t surprise me – considering you’re younger than me. 😅
        
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        February 27, 2022
        
        Jim Borden
        
        🙂
        
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        Reply
February 20, 2022

Anne Goodwin is bringing Matilda Windsor home

Ha, I wonder what the kids would make of this. They do fixate on unexpected things.

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1. February 20, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  They do. I haven’t heard of any fixating on zippers but I’m sure there will be someone somewhere. 😅
  
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February 20, 2022

Jacqui Murray

Kids do get obsessed with things though I’ve never heard of zippers. Fun story.

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1. February 20, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  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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  1. February 21, 2022
    
    Jacqui Murray
    
    Agreed, and if enough kids read this story, I think you’d start one. Cleverly constructed, Norah.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    
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    1. February 21, 2022
      
      Norah
      
      😅 Thanks, Jacqui.
      
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      Reply
February 20, 2022

OIKOS™- Art, Books & more

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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1. February 20, 2022
  
  Norah
  
  Thank you, Michael. You too! Thanks for sharing.
  
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  1. February 20, 2022
    
    OIKOS™- Art, Books & more
    
    Always with a great pleasure. Thank You, Norah! xx Michael
    
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    Reply
    1. February 21, 2022
      
      Norah
      
      💖
      
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      Reply
February 20, 2022

OIKOS™- Art, Books & more

Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.

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