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Well’s Gone Dry #99WordStories

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.

Comments

37 responses to “Well’s Gone Dry #99WordStories”

  1. robbiesinspiration Avatar

    Hi Norah, this is very clever.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Robbie. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Hugh W. Roberts Avatar

    This was so ‘out-of-the-box’, Norah. Your piece of flash is a lesson to us all. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I hope it’s a good lesson, Hugh. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Jules Avatar

    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

    1. Norah Avatar

      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

  4. nightlake Avatar

    This was a very imaginative story, Norah. Should we post the story in our blog only after Charli publishes it in Carrot Ranch (as per the new rule)?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      Oh, I didn’t know there was a new rule. I’ll have to check it out.

      Like

    2. Norah Avatar

      I’ve just reread the rules. I don’t see anything new in them. So far as I know you can post whenever you like. Please let me know if I’m wrong.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. nightlake Avatar

        I suppose we should just not pingback anymore, just use the form to submit. Thank you:)

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          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

  5. Well’s Gone Dry #99WordStories – Freelancer Jobs Avatar

    […] Well’s Gone Dry #99WordStories […]

    Liked by 1 person

  6. dgkaye Avatar

    Nice play on the ‘well’ word Norah 🙂 x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Debby. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  7. TanGental Avatar

    Nicely done Norah; I’d love to see the faces. I bet whoever the smart arse was he/she didn’t get a Christmas card the next year.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      That’s the point, Geoff. Whoever. I’m guessing it was anonymous.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Jacqui Murray Avatar

    You have a clever and fertile mind, Norah!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Jacqui. On a story about a dry well, that’s quite a compliment. 😂

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Prior... Avatar

    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

    1. Norah Avatar

      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

      1. Prior... Avatar

        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

        1. Norah Avatar

          Totally, Yvette. I think you got that right.

          Liked by 1 person

  10. Chel Owens Avatar

    Seems a mean trick. Why not include a note of more monetary value?

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      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

      1. Chel Owens Avatar

        No apologies, Norah. You’re talking to a pessimist.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. TanGental Avatar

          come on. girls, cheer up; it could be worse, you could be a man…

          Liked by 2 people

          1. Chel Owens Avatar

            I’ve actually not thought that would be worse…

            Liked by 2 people

            1. TanGental Avatar

              I imagine it depends on which side of the X chromosome you sit.

              Liked by 2 people

            2. Norah Avatar

              I agree with you, Chelsea.

              Liked by 1 person

          2. Norah Avatar

            How would that make it worse, Geoff. I thought it was a man’s world.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. TanGental Avatar

              Not mine! But then I’ve been well trained by three generations of rather formidable and amazing women.

              Liked by 1 person

              1. Norah Avatar

                What a job they must have had! 😂 And to think it took three generations! You must have put up a fight! 😂

                Like

        2. Norah Avatar

          I try to be an optimist, but sometimes it’s difficult to see the light when stuck at the bottom of a dry well.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Chel Owens Avatar

            At least you don’t have six young humans pulling you back down into the well anytime you climb a few inches…

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Norah Avatar

              True. I do well enough on my own.

              Liked by 1 person

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