This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a cryptozoologist. Who is this character? What cryptids do they research and why? Are they serious about their work, skeptical, or scheming to fool others? Go where the prompt leads!

For my story, I’ve gone back to the family reunion for another take with Jodie and the dark stranger. Like Josie, I’d never heard of a cryptozoologist before. Do they really exist?

The Cryptozoologist

Josie and her cousins stood around the punch bowl, quenching their thirst after a rowdy line dance (family tradition). Josie was catching up on all the goss she’d missed out while away: who was with whom, who’d broken up, etcetera.

“What about him? Who’s he with?” she nodded towards the lone one in the shadows.

“Don’t worry about him. He’s just with himself.”

“What do you mean?”

Susie laughed. “He’s a cryptozoologist.”

“A crypto-what? Does he mine cryptocurrency?”

“Not that interesting. He studies cryptids.”

“What are cryptids?”

“Imaginary monsters. They’re all in his mind.”

“Oh?” said Josie.

Everyone laughed.

Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Confidence, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.