About the challenge: Each Tuesday I will provide a photo prompt. Your mission, if you choose to accept the challenge, is to tell a story in 280 characters or less. When you write your tale, be sure to let me know in the comments with a link to your tale.

A final note: if you need help tracking the number of characters in your story, there is a nifty online tool that will count for you at charactercountonline.com.

I will do a roundup each Tuesday, along with providing a new prompt. And if for some reason I missed your entry in the Roundup, as I have occasionally done, please let me know. I want to be sure to include your tale.

Finally, have fun!

And REMEMBER…you have 280 characters (spaces and punctuation included), to tell your tale…and a week to do it. I can’t wait to see what you create this week.

Twittering Tale #66 “The Interview” – The Roundup

Photo by Eddie Garcia on Unsplash

Starting us off…

An Interview with Mother Teresa

“How did you do it? How did you survive amidst so much suffering?”
She smiled, eyes twinkling, “Peace begins with a smile you know.”
In that moment peace washed over me.
She added, “I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.”
(278 Characters)

From Reena at ReInventions:
There were people who loved Alexandra, and others who said she was abnormal. Nobody could ignore her calmness, and the serenity of her whole being.
The radiologist had put sick Alexandra’s  X-ray on display. It showed no body organs, just a shaft of bright light.
Was she human?
(278 characters)

From Martin at Martin Cororan:
Tragedy struck today at The Science Expo. This photo captured the terrifying moment when Dr. Karen Roe, inventor of an invisibility serum, sat down on Hal Froom, founder of Shrinkray.com. A publicist for the famously roguish womaniser stated ‘It’s the way he would’ve wanted to go.’

From Leena at Soul Connection:
“Are You Not Scared Staying Alone Far Away From Family Surrounded By Strangers?”
“We Stop Getting Scared Once We Understand Monsters Are Not Outside, But Inside Our Head.”

From Hayley at The Story Files:
The chair stood alone as if being judged. A strange feeling of foreboding come over me as I was asked to sit. So much seemed balanced on the seat that I found it hard to settle down. The questions began and I clung to the chair as if it could save me.

From Jan at Strange Goings On in the Shed:
Interview with the Tao Te Ching
What is the Tao and how do we know if someone is imbued with its wisdom?
Tao Te Ching: The answer lies in your question
(Laughs) Surely not!
Tao Te Ching: “Those who possessed the attributes of the Tao did not seek to show them, and therefore they possessed them in fullest measure”
(279 characters)

From Di at Pensitivity101:
Reporter:
Hello? Hello? Is anyone there?
Interviewee :
Yes, I’m here, sitting in front of the backdrop waiting for you.
Reporter:
OK. So how does it feel being the Invisible Man?
173 characters

From Fandango at This, That, and the Other:
“Sit down in that chair in front of the screen,” the photographer instructed. She did as she was told.
“Great. Now rest your hands on your lap, turn a little more to you right, hold your chin up, and put your shoulders back. Now give me a Mona Lisa smile.”
“Mona who?” she asked.
(277 characters)

From Michael at Morpethroad:
Lights blazed, men in suits looked formidable.
Where were you on the night of the tenth?
Home in bed.
Liar. We have ways of making you talk.
Gulp.
Bring me the thumb screws.
Gulp.
Answer my question.
Ok I did it, I killed Cock Robin.
I thought so. Lock him up.   
(252 characters)

From Willow at WillowDot21:
You have 3 brothers
Yes
Do you see them often
Annually
Are you close
No
Care to elaborate
No
Can you tell me their whereabouts
Everywhere
They keep you busy
Yes
Who would you say has the hardest job?
Me
Really
Yes.
Why is that
I clear up their mess
Who works harder than you Death
Well possibly God

From Jane at Jane Dougherty Writes: (Can you guess who the interviewee is?)
Are you bitter?
Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.
Wouldn’t it have been better to be like everybody else?
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.
You’ve hit the bottom, how does it feel?
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.

From Francine at Woman Walks Dog:
Interview with Leonard Cohen
What shaped you as a poet and musician ?
My Lithuanian Jewish parents, my mother sang all the time. Their tradition shaped me as a bard
Favourite song Hallelujah ?
No Suzanne
Your guiding belief through a long career?
Touching others humanity with my own, being true to my soul.

From Alice at Alice Muses:
“What makes you good enough?”
“I… I make her laugh?”
“Are you asking me if you can make her laugh?”
“No, sir! I make her laugh and… ” the teenage boy paused for a few seconds, “she says that I make the best chocolate cake!”
“Well, I guess having a baker in the family is not too bad.”
(280 characters)

From Peter at Peter’s Pondering:
“So, Mrs Slaney, you taught Peter, and his sister, at age 10?”“Yes. I taught a lot of brothers and sisters over the years. Most were a pleasure to teach and really made great efforts.”“Can you remember what you wrote on his final report?”“What I always wrote, COULD DO BETTER!”
(279 characters)

Well, that was inspiring! There were some notable characters, as well and fond memories, a bit of mystery and whimsy. Thank you, everyone, for playing along with this challenge. This week is about a tree. But not just any tree. I’m not sure why it is remarkable, but I’m hoping you have an idea you would be willing to share with us. Remember, 280 characters or less…and you have a week to crack this mystery. Have fun! See you at the roundup! 🙂

Twittering Tale #67 – 16 January 2018 – “The Tree”

Photo by veeterzy at Pexels.com

The Wishing Tree

The tree can be found at the end of a well-worn path. Legend says that it grants the wishes of those brave enough to climb its fragile, ancient branches where a rare bloom grows. Most have failed. But wise seekers wait for the wind to swell, sending the petals gently fluttering.
(280 Characters)

~kat
A Moral Perhaps…Good things come to those who wait. 🙂