She Was a Good One

Dog stories and tears are flowing at Carrot Ranch this week. The dog in the photo was Charli’s beloved Bobo. The February 6, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story to the theme “a dog in the daisies.” It can be any dog, real or imagined. Push into the setting and as always, go where the prompt leads!

The first story follows on the heels of Crystal Visions, a six sentence story featuring Marlie and her Destiny Doll. The second story is just that, a story. 

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Vision Quest

“Guess what Madame Destiny saw in her crystal ball?” Marlie burst into the kitchen, still wearing her mother’s white robe.

“You handle this one Liz. Oof, I need to sit down.”

“Let’s all sit down. You too, Madame Destiny, here you are. Okay, tell us your vision.”

“It will be a girl.” Marlie’s voice was solemn under the terry hood. Her father looked helpless.

“Smart, strong, and snuggly,” Marlie continued.

“Snuggly?”

“Yes. Soft and snuggly. And her name—”

“You know her name?”

“Her name… will be Daisy. She will be the best dog ever.”

“But—”

“Quiet, Bill. Visions change.”

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The Woman Next Door

I guess it’s spying, but I’m curious about someone so mean. Lived next-door forever, all she’s ever said is ‘Quiet down!’ or ‘Go away!’ Mom leaves cookies every Christmas, never been invited in.

Those stone markers in her backyard explain the board fence; probably buried little kids that made the mistake of trying to retrieve their balls.

Shh, there she is. Picking some weedy daisies by her back porch. Now hobbling to the graveyard. Talking to the stones. Crying. “Such a good dog, you were. And you.”

Picks up the little dog that’s followed her, smiles. Wipes her eyes.

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