
The Carrot Ranch, June 10, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a new way to office. Has the office changed? Can we return to normal after big changes or time away? Go where the prompt leads!
Respond by June 15, 2021. Use the comment section to share, read, and be social. You may leave a link, pingback, or story in the comments. If you want to be published in the weekly collection, please use the form. Rules & Guidelines.
High Rise
The little kitchen table was still flanked by three mismatched chairs. ‘For Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear’ he used to say.
He imagined his daughter, all grown up now, sitting in a fancy leather swivel chair in a high-rise office building overlooking the city. Or he imagined she might even be in a director’s chair in one of the studios— more likely, creative as she was.
He made trips to the city. He couldn’t imagine her hunkered on a sidewalk.
But he looked. And worried that after all these years he wouldn’t even recognize his Baby Bear.
Very poignant. Great take on the prompt, D.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Doug.
LikeLike
No words for that kind of loss. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope. The not knowing…
LikeLiked by 1 person
The worst.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonder why and how he lost touch with his daughter. Certainly hope she did not end up on the sidewalk. A very good story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The starter draft which was too long only said that she left for the city at fifteen. That couldn’t have ended well. He’s just holding onto hope here. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a powerfully simple piece. I feel this. Wonderful writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. This one had to get pared down, and that is almost always the right move.
LikeLike
I hope he finds her in a swivel chair and not hunkered on the sidewalk – what a nightmare that would be for any parent.
A brief flash told with a depth of emotion. ‘Baby bear’ adds so much to that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Norah. Yep, it’s a sad tale, this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too many (real) similar stories. 😢
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tough story. I see a father mourning a vanished daughter. There are worse places to be than hunkered on a sidewalk and I hope he doesn’t find his Baby Bear in one of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly. Which is why he desperately searches the streets.
Thanks.
LikeLike
I hope he finds her somewhere much better than the sidewalk! I wonder what was the reason for the fallout. Great story, Avery
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
I think she was just young and naive and ran off to the city and a point of no return.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That does seem to be the case. You’re very welcome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a nightmarish image, yet written with such deep compassion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Boss.
Such a bold move, that setting out of an extra chair.
LikeLike
Pingback: New Way to Office « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
This one pulled on my heartstrings. Well written!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Yeah, that’s a hard place to be, not knowing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I also liked your story “Emptied.” I could really feel the catharsis in that one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again, I appreciate your comments.
Fortunately for me, neither are “my” stories, just playing with words in response to the prompt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Still powerful words 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person