This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a lady shadow. Who is this person and why do they lurk in the shadows. What is the tone and setting for your story? Go where the prompt leads!
I pondered how I could make a connection between children and a lady shadow without sinister overtones that seemed to crawl out from the dark with every beginning. I finally decided to write about the fun that children have playing chase with their shadows, knowing that they can never catch their own. I hope you enjoy it.
Chasing Shadows
Unable to catch their own shadows that stretched across the sand, they jumped on each other’s then dashed for safety in the tumbling waves. As they dived and splashed, the playful wind captured their laughter and carried it far.
Dragging their shadows up compacted wet sand, they compared footprints that waves would soon erase. Where it met dry, another’s shadow immobilised them as might a barbed-wire fence. They cast their eyes along the lady shadow’s length, then squinted upward at the face, obscure and unreadable, haloed by the setting sun.
“It’s time to go,” said mum.
“Coming,” they chorused.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Rabbits, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.
Norah Colvin 
I think you did well – in the light of a fun day at the beach 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jules. That was my intention.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Lady Shadows Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
a nice fun one, most enjoyable thanks Norah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kate. I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved your heartwarming story Norah ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Debby. I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice, Norah. I loved this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jennie. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Norah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What fun — the joy of children chasing their shadows. Reminds me of my doing the same thing as a child! Love things that stir up memories!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pleased it stirred up some good memories, Patricia.
LikeLike
Great writing, Norah. Thoroughly enjoyed your lovely little story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Robin. 💖
LikeLike
Shadows and wet sand, a lovely combination.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anne. It can be. 🙂
LikeLike
Fun story and great memories, Norah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jacqui. I’m pleased it brought back memories for you too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shadows are such playful things- you captured it perfectly Norah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely comment, Susan. Thank you for reading and brightening my day.
LikeLike
Nice connection to the children and their shadows. I remember those days of chasing shadows.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pleased it rang true, Judy. I like to draw on those fun recollections when I can. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You set such a lovely scene with this piece of flash, Norah. I was at the beach and could hear the sounds of seagulls, children’s laughter and waves as I read your story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind comment, Hugh. I’m pleased the setting resonated. It was one very familiar in my childhood as I grew up near the beach.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Delightful. Nicely pulled together
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Geoff. I’m pleased you think so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is fabulous and fun, Norah. I read Colleen’s contribution immediately before yours and it never fails to delight me how different everyone’s takes on the same prompt are.
LikeLike
I’m pleased you enjoyed it, Robbie. I tried to make it fun. I haven’t read Colleen’s yet. I usually leave others until after I’ve written mine. I guess the responses are as different as the writers, aren’t they?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, they are.
LikeLiked by 1 person