Well’s Gone Dry #99WordStories

37 Replies

This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase “well’s gone dry.” Is it a real well or a metaphorical well? Why is it dry? What is the consequence and to whom? Go where the prompt leads!

This is my response. I hope you like it.

Well’s Gone Dry

Having lived independently for years, when they moved in together, they had two of everything and needed nothing more. At their public celebration, they advised, ‘No gifts, please. Wishing well contributions appreciated.’

With well-paying jobs, they had no immediate need of the well’s contents, which they didn’t inspect but agreed to keep for a ‘rainy day’.

It sat untouched for many years, until it didn’t just rain; it poured.

“Must be all notes,” they said when it didn’t jingle.

There was but one note: “Always carry an umbrella in case of rain.”

The well remained the only thing dry.

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 Soldier, Prisoner and Buttercup, which I unfortunately didn’t find time to respond to, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.

The collection of stories made in response to the most recent prompt I responded to Mum Selfie can also be read at the Carrot Ranch.

37 thoughts on “Well’s Gone Dry #99WordStories”

  2. Pingback: Well’s Gone Dry Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

  4. Jules

    I remember reading some advice for saving for retirement… amazing how much one needs.
    Especially when an elder needs specialized care.

    I like your story. I know many parties that have had ‘Your presence is our gift’ –
    But it is hard to not bring gifts to recognize special events. I think that one ‘note’ was a great gift indeed. One of my grandfathers had a job where he took his barrow and sharpened knifes and repaired unbrellas!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓
    1. Norah Post author

      I have always found gifting difficult, and these wishing wells especially so, Jules. If you decide on a gift, you may be able to get one discounted and it’s good value, but it’s always difficult to know how much to contribute to a well. (It’s not good value if they don’t need it though.)
      You have fascinating relatives.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓
        1. Norah Post author

          I add a pingback to the previous collection when I post my new story.
          If you publish before the collection, you can alway ping back to the prompt so others can join in. I always post at the end of the writing cycle but I put a link at the top of the post so others can go back and read the prompt if they want.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply ↓

  6. Pingback: Well’s Gone Dry #99WordStories – Freelancer Jobs

  10. Prior...

    I feel like you sprinkled in some fun connections to water – like the rainy day and then the “poured” – and the ending dry…
    —
    Also – i didn’t get to follow up and share with the butter cup prompt – wish I could have !
    But I must say that having Charli on story chat this month allowed me to get to know her more- and see her gracious and humble side – I love her so much – and can see why you have always supported her!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓
    1. Norah Post author

      Thanks, Yvette. I always enjoy your play on words and your positivity too.
      I’m pleased you got to know Charli a little better. She is an amazing woman.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓
      1. Prior...

        Sh really is – and we see the depth of some folks when they let us in- and she does that (sigh – too bad not everyone is like that as they keep up walls or play head games – but she is the real
        Deal!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply ↓
    1. Norah Post author

      I guess that was my mean streak coming out. It wasn’t the ending I initially intended, but it was as far as the word count took me. And I guess my well is dry and I’m in a bit of a negative spot at the moment. Sorry to spread it around.

      Liked by 2 people

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