When I read Charli’s prompt at the Carrot Ranch this week to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story to reflect the theme, “ready for a change.” Who is ready and why? How does the change unfold? What happened to initiate the change? Go where the prompt leads! I immediately thought of this Cat Stevens song.
As a young adult, I loved Cat Stevens’s songs and their messages of hope for better days. As an older adult, I still do. We could certainly do with some changes around the world at the moment.
I was lucky to see Cat Stevens in concert in 1972, which must have been about the same time as this video was recorded. It was amazing. So much wisdom. Sadly, we don’t seem to be any closer to the vision of these lyrics 50 years later.
‘Don’t you feel the day is coming
And it won’t be too soon
When the people of the world
Can all live in one room’
It took me a while to get past the Cat Stevens musical memory lane, but this is where I ended up. I hope you like it.
Change is coming
‘Get up,’ Pauline whispered.
He rubbed his eyes. ‘Why?’
‘Shh! He’s here.’
He trembled. ‘Take Rabbit?’
Out they crept, sliding against the wall to the door. A shout from downstairs. They froze. Pauline turned the knob. Quietly. Quietly. She pushed the door. Gently. Gently. Then cool air. Silent toes pattered down the stairs. Across the grass they ran and ran. All three, hand-in-hand. Pauline in front. Rabbit behind.
Finally, they banged on a door. ‘Grandpa! Grandpa! He’s come.’
Grandpa was in the doorway, ushering them into Grandma’s arms, picking up the phone.
‘Hush,’ said Grandma. ‘Everything will be alright.’
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Free Pie can be read at the Carrot Ranch here.
Norah Colvin 
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