Swinging Bridge

They turned at the GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN sign and drove the winding road to the top. 

“I’m doing it,” Edna declared as she stared at the mile-high swinging bridge connecting two peaks. Ed felt woozy just getting out of the car at 5,946 feet above sea level. He found the safety of a nearby bench.

Edna returned exhilarated. “Wow. What a rush!”

“Me too,” Ed mumbled from the bench, barely able to speak. 

Walking back, they passed a couple coming in. “How was it?” asked the man.

“It’s a rush,” Ed replied abruptly, preempting Edna and wobbling toward the car.

*****

This 99-word story is my contribution to the March 23 Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge to "write an adventure, experienced or witnessed."

Lemonade Stand

Ed and Edna watched from their front window. Some neighborhood kids set up a rickety card table just off the sidewalk and brought out a pitcher and plastic cups. They fashioned a makeshift sign, propping it up with a rock:

Lemonade

Nothing happened for nearly two hours. That’s when Edna realized they just needed one thing to get business rolling. 

Edna cut her newly-baked chocolate cake into serving squares, put them on a plate and delivered them to the stand. 

Ed smiled from the window as a line gradually formed in front of the altered sign:

Lemonade and Cake

*****

This 99-word story is my contribution to the March 16 Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge to write about the idea of "just one" -- with a bonus challenge to include cake in the story.

Lizard Man

Edna spotted the weathered marker just as Ed cleared away a branch at the beginning of the hiking trail: 

LAST KNOWN SIGHTING

“You don’t believe it, do you?”

Ed laughed. “Course not. Seven feet tall? Three fingers on each hand and three eyes? Get real.”

Edna seemed comforted, but was still cautious. “Such silliness.”

Ed pointed the way forward. “This way, my love.”

Edna looked at the path and then at the marker. 

“You go first, Ed.”

“But you always like to set the pace.”

“Maybe you should lead this time.”

“It’s OK. You go ahead.”

“After you, dear.”

*****

This 99-word story is my contribution to the March 9 Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge to "write a monster story."

Lizard Man is part of South Carolina folklore.

Gathering Place

“Shhh.” Ed raised his index finger to his lips. His granddaughter Ellen nodded and respectfully mimicked the gesture.

“Practically lived here,” Ed whispered as they entered the campus library. “Haven’t been back in ages.”

Ed froze just inside the doorway. He looked around to make sure it was still a library.

“Cool,” Ellen said in her normal voice.

Several students formed a line to order at the Campus Cappuccino Bar.  Study groups clustered at various tables engaged in animated conversations. Kids in a far corner rehearsed a class presentation. Work and fellowship seemed intertwined everywhere.

“Very cool,” Ellen repeated.

*****

This 99-word story is my contribution to the March 2 Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge to "write a story that includes a library."

Censored TV

Ed checked the TV manual to see how to do it. He and Edna had never blocked channels on their TV before. With the grandchildren coming for a visit, Edna was adamant that they limit access to objectionable programming.

Ed found the correct section in the manual, checked the TV guide, and then meticulously blocked each channel showing the offensive material. He double checked to make sure he did it correctly.

Edna breathed a sigh of relief when Ed finished.

They relaxed knowing there’s no way the kids would be exposed to scheduled TV debates of the current presidential candidates.

Walking Partners

Edna continually checked her smartwatch for pace, distance and heart rate. Ed took in the sights and enjoyed the scenery.

They started out together, but it didn’t last. 

Ed was on a walk; Edna turned it into a gallop. They separated as Edna picked up her pace to meet her daily workout goals. 

At home afterwards, Edna fretted over the slower time to cover her target distance. Ed cooled down and relaxed with a glass of iced tea.

Edna vowed to do better tomorrow. Ed looked forward to another stroll.

“Great walking with you,” Ed said with a chuckle.

*****

This 99-word story is for the February 24 Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge to "write a story about galloping."

End Detour

“Finally,” Ed said as he rolled down the car window and looked out. “The citizens are fighting back.”

Edna was puzzled. “What are you talking about?”

“See that sign? Folks have had it with all this road construction.”

Edna still didn’t get it. “Huh? The sign says End Detour. It’s just a street sign.”

Ed shook his head. “No. No. That’s a protest sign, Edna. Like End War or End Abortion. The people are speaking out. Enough is enough.”

Edna laughed. “But, Ed, this is the end of the detour route.”

“Exactly,” Ed nearly shouted. “The citizen protest has worked!”