November 2024 -- 75 Word Writing Challenge -- VICTORY TO NIXIE!

[The Judge]

RULES


Write a story inspired by the chosen theme and genre in no more than 75 words, not including the title

ONE entry per person

NO links, commentary or extraneous material in the posts, please -- the stories must stand on their own


WHEN WRITING YOUR STORY, PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS A FAMILY-FRIENDLY FORUM


All stories Copyright 2024 by their respective authors
who grant the Chronicles Network the non-exclusive right to publish them here


The complete rules can be found at RULES FOR THE WRITING CHALLENGES


Contest ends at 11:59 pm GMT, 23 November 2024

Voting ends at 11:59 pm GMT, 28 November 2024


We ask all entrants to do their best to vote when the time comes

but you do not have to submit a story in order to vote
as we encourage all Chrons members to take part in choosing the winning entry


The Magnificent Prize:

The Dignified Congratulations/Grovelling Admiration of Your Peers
and the challenge of choosing next month's theme and genre


Theme:

P E T S

Genre:

OPEN

Please keep all comments to the DISCUSSION THREAD


We invite (and indeed hope for) lively discussion and speculation about the stories as they are posted
as long as it doesn't involve the author explaining the plot


** Please do not use the "Like" button in this thread! **

​

 

[Elckerlyc]

The Incident

On the first of November at 11:01am something extraordinary occurred. Mr. Singleton (from 1 Eleventh Street) was walking his 17 dogs towards the park, near the crossing with First Street, when his dogs started to vanish, one by one. At first Mr. Singleton did not notice, but the empty collars scraping the sidewalk increasingly made irritating noises. Man and 11 remaining dogs looked at each other bewildered.
The incident has never been satisfactorily explained.

 

[Astro Pen]

Cuddling up

Fluggles were cute, kids in their millions wanted them.
Easy maintenance, they fed on peelings and cabbage leaves.
They slept with the children, purring softly, nestled under their chins.
Then, one morning.

“Tibby won’t let go!”
Screams and a small trickle of blood.

At the doctors the queue of parents and wailing children was long.
The creatures were successfully removed.
“Can we sleep with you tonight mommy?” Purred all the doe eyed children, in unison.

 

[Luiglin]

Why-aye​

The thrum of electric under charge became a song to his ears.

Hand shaking, his finger stabbed the green button. Air locks on the ten life tubes clicked as one, pressure escaping in a welcoming whoosh as the doors whined open.

Yes, he’d done it. After years alone.

Mouth dry, he risked, “Alreet, pets?”

Ten perfect women stepped forth.

“Am ganna hit the toon, yee oot the neet?”

As one they answered, “Haddaway, yee radgie.”

 

[THX1138]

Memories Together

His ears perked at the sight and sounds of ducks flying, waiting for the shots to ring out, longing to run. But they flew away without a shot or command. The Labrador shifted, resting next to his master’s leg as his reassuring hand stroked his collar.

The simulation ended, the veterinarian exited, leaving them alone. He rested his head on his master’s lap and sighed.

“I know, old boy, I know… So, do I...

 

[Cat's Cradle]

Crow's Feat

A thrill rose in her as she walked beside the sea. There, her crow was waiting – the one who'd come daily for some treats.

In her hand were several cashews.
~~~

The crow was informed by memories and a guiding logic; the sunshine-haired creature was on time with its food.

It didn't linger after snacking. The fire-maned one would be strolling near the forest soon, with its offering of fruit.

The crow had trained them well.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Sweet Eyes

Sweet Eyes remembers Lab. Many sisters brothers big little fly swim crawl. People buy take home.

Mommy says pretty boy. Sweet Eyes sees mirror. Big shiny red eyes wide blue wings long scaly green tail black fur many white legs. Pretty!

House says somebody here. Mommy says open door. Man comes in gives Mommy many green papers. Mommy says nice man new home. Sweet Eyes flaps wings wags tail hello nice man! Why Mommy cry?

 

[Bowler1]

My Dog Bertie

Is a crazy cockapoo who loves walks on the beach and playing fetch with balls and barking like mad.

He can be cute and cuddly and smelly sometimes too, especially when he poos or rolls in mud, which he likes to do.

And food, he loves his food, and he is all yours for a biscuit.

He is far from perfect, but he is the best dog ever because I know he loves me too.

 

[Provincial]

Bloop

A navy truck, out of control, crashed into the Salvation Army chapel and shed its load - of fishtanks.

I picked one up, just to help. There was some kind of octopus in it.

It suckered onto the side and stared at me. I felt dizzy. Then it threw a ball, and I found myself chasing it.

I carried it home. Left work. Moved to the coast.

Now we hunt cuttlefish together - it shoots, I fetch.

 

[Ian Fortytwo]

Lily, Luna, and Star.

Lily loved her fluffy cat, Luna. Luna was always there, purring softly on her lap or chasing a playful ball of yarn. One day, Lily found a kitten, shivering and alone. She took it home and named it Star. Luna, soon became a gentle mentor, teaching Star the ropes of feline life. The two cats brought joy and warmth to Lily's home, reminding her of the power of friendship and the unconditional love of cats.

 

[nixie]

There is a monster in my kitchen.​

There is something new in the kitchen.

I haven’t seen it move but it's a little close to my water bowl.

I go to have a look and a sniff. I start at the bottom and work my way up. Suddenly it opens a gaping mouth and tries to eat me.

I bark, growl and run to warn the hoomans but all they do is laugh. They’ve allowed a monster in our home.

 

[Baeta]

The Princess and the Rabbit on the Other Side

The doll princess, with eyes sewn shut, could only see the secret side of life.
Sitting on her dusty palace porch, she was visited by a gentle ghost—a little bunny that leapt into her arms.
She stroked its soft fur, her fingers trailing over nearly forgotten threads.
“Even in death, you’re still sweet… you heal empty souls,” she murmured, a faint smile on her lips and a cold breath escaping into the quiet.​

 

[thornCrab]

Poem in Catscratch

Sleep noises and a wide maw
A brightening sky like an open paw
Rustles from out among the weeds
Coil, leap --
Fresh blood in the reeds.

A flick of tail
A flash of fur
A widow's wail
New meal pure

A portion to share
For favor to gain
Warmth inside
Sleep calling again
Nice places to hide
With a loving pair

In through the flap
Back down the hall
Before they come coo and call​

 

[mosaix]

What Did You Expect?

Johannson watched the alien, Kraal, make one final, tentacled salute to the adoring crowd before stepping from the balcony into the anteroom.

He had been instrumental in the alien’s worldwide surge to power, with Kraal as supreme leader. ‘Democracy has failed! Strong leaders! Crush the minorities!’ had been his slogans, his watchwords!

“How can I serve you now, master?” he asked in eager anticipation.

Kraal stroked a leather collar.

“Ever tried walking on all fours?”

 

[Guttersnipe]

Good Boy

Chuck the retriever had eaten an entire encyclopedia when Master found him.
"I will take over the world," the dog said. Master yelped in surprise.
"I will spare your life, but you must be my slave," Chuck continued, scratching himself.
"This is a dream, this is a nightmare," said Master.
"I am very real," said Chuck, unable to reach his itch.
Master smiled and scratched Chuck's acnestis.
"Ooh," said the retriever, "What was I saying?"

 

[AnRoinnUltra]

The Intergalactic Affinity of Flomp Tabernacle


Intergalactic Specimen Hunter Flomp Tabernacle couldn’t bring himself to kill the Earthling, so he made a home for it in the ship’s Vestibule. Even though Flomp couldn’t speak Human, there was something strangely comforting about having the Earthling onboard.

• Flomp watched with curiosity as the Earthling began setting aside some rations to feed one of the ship’s Fuzzy Mollickers.
• And make the Mollicker a nest in the Vestibule.
• And care for it.

‘Huh’, he noted.

 

[johnnyjet]

In Faithful Service of His Master

The Ambassador from Dinar entered the room, his service animal close by his side.

Fortunately, we were warned about the ugly creature. The service animal was also ghastly.

I found it difficult to focus on the meeting agenda, which was vitally important to both of our cultures.

At one point, his service animal climbed onto the table.

I protested.

The Ambassador hoisted an appendage.

"He's reviewing the documents."

He stroked the beast.

"Good master."

 

[chrispenycate]

Heavy petting​

Yes, Mr Preston, your daughter and I have been petting. We both enjoyed it.

I return her to you, bright eyed and intact, well before your curfew, if somewhat mussed, and don't feel ashamed - from the calendar, you and her mother were somewhat less careful.

Although I had not the foresight to buy a ring, my intentions must be obvious from the small fluffy rabbit she brings with her.

 

[genelewis]

Caring for your exotic pet

If the creature approaches with a wet proboscis, let it sample your blood. Be careful not to present any major arteries. When the threat follicles turn pink, you may pet it on the chest-equivalent or under the chin. Do not stroke against the grain. Do not think of the color green. If you feel a sudden urge to lie down, your will has been dominated and you must prepare to be consumed.

 

[Parson]

I’ll love You Like Your Dog Does

May-Belle sat outside the high-end pet shop. On the dole since 2071 and limited to 800 calories a day, she was starving. But she had a plan for an unmarried “Mr. Goodsuit.”

Charles Esquire was looking for a dog who would love him unconditionally. He was sick of sycophants. Cost was trivial.

As he approached, May-Belle stood. “I’ll be your pet dog. I’ll be cheaper, always loving, never jealous, and better trained.”

She was.