This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writes to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase, āIād rather beā¦ā You fill in what comes next. What would a character(s) rather be doing and why? How can you use the phrase as a literary device? Go where the prompt leads!
This is my response. I hope you like it.
Iād rather be ā¦
āIād rather be dead!ā
She ran into the street in a downpour of tears, yanking at the sweater as if it crawled with monsters.
āDonāt worry. Sheāll be back,ā said Dad.
āI only suggested āā
āI know. But teenagers like to choose what they wear.ā
āShe always did. Even a toddler ā so dramatic.ā
āLike someone I know. Would you have worn your motherās old sweater at her age?ā
āI did and was grateful for it.ā
āYou were poor. We can afford to buy her a sweater.ā
āThereās nothing wrong with hand-me-downs.ā
āBut The Bay City Rollers? Really?ā
āWell ā’
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Zippers can be read at the Carrot Ranch here.
Norah Colvin 
I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.