Many thanks to Jerry Packard for being the first to take up the prompt and write a story. Happy Reading!
“Ok Malic your up,” Simon said.
Malic latched the pull cord to his harness and prepared to enter the mouth of the serpent. This would be his last dive into the belly of the frozen beast, and his last time on the expedition. Three times out was all that was required to receive a lifetime of extra rations. He knew that he would not survive, but any extra rations were worth it if he did.
“How did the last miner do?” Malic asked Simon
“Made it to the wall, but died before he could grab any” Simon said
“Ok, I’m attached” Malic declared after checking the connections to the pulley system used to drag miners back out.
The colony’s last ember of brimstone was starting to flicker out, they had only days left. After crash-landing on this barren, sunless wasteland centuries ago the discovery of brimstone was what had saved…
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This is a great story! Thanks, Diana, for such a fun project. Off to read the next one 😀
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Thanks for reading, Julie. Jerry did a nice job here. I have a few reblogs lined up for the month. It’s been fun reading all the different responses. 😀 Happy Writing!
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I already read this story before you posted it here, mainly because I wanted to know what others were writing about. Hahaha…
It sure can be interesting how different our brains can run on a single picture.
It’s a great story.
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I agree. All the different responses to the prompt are fun. I’m noticing that most so far have an element of despair, but not all. I have about five more lined up to go, including yours. 😀
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Wow, this was truly a powerful story with such an admirable character knowing what was coming, still he forged on. Great imagery in this story also. Excellent work. Thanks for sharing, Diana.
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Thanks so much for the visit, Lana. It is a rather riveting read. The stories are trickling in and it’s been fun to see how differently everyone responds. Have a lovely day, my friend. ❤
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Great story!
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Thanks so much for stopping by to read Jerry’s story, Solitaire. <3. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
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I haven’t read the story yet. But the view, oh my goodness…stunning!
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Thanks for stopping by, Khaya. The image seemed perfect for January and the responses are trickling in. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Hope you’re well and if you every feel like writing a poem for one of the monthly prompts, I’d love to share. 🙂 Happy New Year!
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I’ll keep writing of a poem, instead, in mind. 🙂
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What an imagination–and what a picture. Thoroughly enjoyed both.
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Thanks, Jacqui. I’m glad you enjoyed Jerry’s story. 🙂 The image intrigued me and I’m glad I’m getting some responses! Have a wonderful day, my friend.
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What an imagination to create a world in such a short piece! Well done and an enjoyable read, Jerry.
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Thanks for reading, Molly. Jerry did a fine job. 🙂
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Congratulations Diana! Before I hop over to read this first contribution, I must thank you for an inspiring image. My muse has been twirling since she saw it. 🙂
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I would love to share a poem from you, Balroop, if you have the time. But no pressure, of course. I’m glad I gave a nudge to your muse. Lol. Thanks so much for stopping by to check out the prompt. 🙂 Happy New Year!
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Great story, Jerry! Thanks for sharing, Diana.
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Ty Jill 🤓
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Thanks for reading, Jill. I’m pleased that I had a taker on the prompt. Glad you enjoyed the story!
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Hopped over to read Jerry’s intriguing story. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you!
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My pleasure, Jerry.
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Thanks, Mary. It had some great tension. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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A great story. Reminded me of the amazing people who enclosed Chernobyl into concrete knowing full well they were receiving lethal doses of radiation.
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Wow. I didn’t know that happened in Chernobyl. Yes, this does have the same feel of sacrifice. I was very pleased to get a response to the prompt and hope for a few more. Thanks for taking the time to read. 🙂
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I’ll ask the house mistress, aka the 3-year-old wee one, for some time to write something. Since her preschool hasn’t started yet, though, I’m making no promises… 😀
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We used to call the 3-year-old grandson “the Overlord,” so I can relate! Ha ha. If not this one, Nicholas, I’ll try to entice you with the next. Have fun playing with the house mistress. 😀
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Oh, she’s always fun. That’s part of the problem. Today, I walked downstairs to the office to get something and she took my hand as I was about to climb down the stairs.
“I’m only going for a moment,” I told her. “You don’t need to come, I’ll be right back.”
“But Daddy, I’ll keep you company. It’s what friends do.”
(cue *drip drip* sounds as my heart melted)
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Aww. I don’t think I can grin any wider. And my eyes are welling up. I hope she says the same for decades to come. ❤
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God, I sure do hope so 🙂
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Ty Rossis, there is a great series of books out I’m listening to in audio called ”Hell Divers” that reminded me of those folks as well. Ty for the read 🤓
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Sweet, thanks for the recommendation and well done on the story! Loved it 🙂
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An imaginative and gripping story!
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Joanne. ❤ I just wrote mine so I won't be influenced by these great submissions. I like seeing how differently everyone will approach the prompt.
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Thanks 🤓
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Forgive my nitpicking, but I think “your up” in the first sentence should be “you’re up” (unless Malic is in Europe). 🙂
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😀
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Nice thank you, I absolutely don’t consider it picky I love help with words. They are sneaky little buggers. 🤓
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I agree, good catch, fixed 👍
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A generous and delightful share! ♥️
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Thanks, Holly. Much appreciated. ❤
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I really enjoyed the read Diana. ♥️
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