
Over at Carrot Ranch the February 4, 2021, prompt from guest host D. Avery is to: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that features a substitution. How might a character or situation be impacted by a stand-in? Bonus points for fairy tale elements. Go where the prompt leads. Respond at Carrot Ranch by February 9, 2021, to be included in the compilation (published February 10). 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.
American Boarding School
My black hair flutters to the hard plank floor, dead crows windrowed around the stiff boots that bind my feet.
They point at me, repeat a sound.
I tell them my name. Pointing at myself I repeat my name. They beat me.
They point at me, call me that sound, make me say it. The sound is sand in my mouth.
I point at myself. I speak my name. They beat me again.
I say that other name. They smile.
I learn to keep my real name close. I will run with it, will leave their chafing boots behind.
Looks pretty much the same as any other week that I respond to the Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge prompt. However, back at the Ranch, there’s a flurry of organized activity with some slight scheduling switches and substitutions. That’s because the Ranch is hosting the Sue Vincent Rodeo Classic, a fundraising contest to help out our great friend, Sue. This is an opportunity to show your writing chops and win a cash prize as well. You can also take part in the Parade of Sue celebrations. The due date for the contest is Friday, February 19th.
There’s also the Sue Vincent Special Collection Challenge of January 28, 2021: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about life as a river of consciousness. Think about the possibilities of the prompt. Go where the prompt leads! Respond to this one by February 11, 2021.
