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. This is important as I have noticed that some of the ping backs have not been working. If you would prefer to post your tale in the comments (some people have very specific blog themes but still want to participate), I am happy to post a link to your site when I post your tale in the Round Up.

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!

Twittering Tales #134 -The Roundup

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood at Pexels.com

Starting us off…
Bishop and Lowell
“Well, these are the last of them.”
“I can’t believe she kept them. Do you know they wrote to each other for decades?”
“Oh yes! He once said that she was a “muse who makes the casual perfect.”
“It feels strange reading their private letters…”
“Pass ‘em to me then. I’m not shy!”
278 Characters

By The Dark Netizen:
Secret Letters
It was difficult breaking into here, I hope it’s worth it.
A world leader he may be, but his room is just as messy as the next person’s. I guess even his secretary is not allowed in here. Let me look around.
Ah! What’s this now? Military letters? No, Love letters.
What a scandal!
Character Count: 278

By Radhika at Radhika’s Reflection:
The Letters
They had celebrated their silver jubilee anniversary recently, and were an example of a perfect couple still in love.
Her recent death had left him shattered. While clearing her closet, he found a bundle of love letters.
Did he really know her, after all those years together?
Letter count 278

By Lorraine at Lorraine’s Frilly Freudian Slip:
Letters in the Dark
I write you by stroke of midnight; dipping pen into ink of my blood.
“Please forward,” scratched into skin of each envelope.
Should but one not find it’s way, unopened, back to me . . .
Then, will I know I remain yet the shape of your heart.
(247)

By Di at Pensitivity101:
I found them, just as she knew I would. They’re all here, each containing my heart.
I wonder how long she’d known?
114 characters

By Kristian at Tales from the Mind of Kristian:
Hidden Legacy
They found the letters to her lawyer in the old station wagon, in a battered chocolate tin shaped like a carousel.
Covered in dust and cobwebs after the extensive search of the house and yard, he sat down to read them.
His wife called out “Did the old bat say where the Money is?”
[279 Characters]

By Milly at Truly Milly:
A Second Chance
I was looking for a rope in the attic so I can leave this wretched world. Then, I saw a bunch of hidden letters. The messages were full of love and encouragement. After reading, I felt I was given a second chance. I guess I owe it to the “me” who wrote these letters 10 years ago.

By Reena at ReInventions:
Letter and Spirit
I found this when I moved into this house.
What do the pages contain?
Unpublished memoirs.
Are you looking for a publisher?
No, an exorcist. My life has not been the same after reading it.

By Larry at East Elmhurst A Go Go:
Split Personality
“I’ve written a scathing letter to each of my alter egos, Michael,” Tim told his friend. “This has simply got to stop. They’ve destroyed my marriage, alienated my children. My life is over thanks to them. “Have you written one to me?” Michael replied. “I’m one of them.”
275 Characters

By Tien at From the Window Seat:
Story #1: Lover’s Letters
She tied the letters into a thick bundle; within these letters lay her lover’s heart. His words meant nothing; he broke her heart so she burnt the letters containing his heart.
This is how you treat a heartless man, she thought, looking at her lover’s corpse lying at her feet.
(276 characters)

Story #2: The Letters
He found the letters while looking for a nail file in the dressing table; he finally knew the truth behind their misfortune. To think she was capable of such vile act! His very own wife!
Yet, she was unrepentant upon confrontation.
“They’re harmless, dear. All chain letters are.”
(278 characters)

By Regina at Help From Heaven:
Love is Eternal
He wrote, “Your love sustains me.” I sent a letter every day he was at war. Returning, I kidded him if we would have anything to talk about. But, we always found words to say we loved each other. He passed last week. His letters sustain me in this war with grief. Love lives on!
(278 characters)

By Lisa at Tao Talk:
So many things needed to be cleared out of the house before moving to the small apartment. Judging each item’s fate, to death or life, she held the bound letters from the old friend she thought would be with her through life and beyond – and dropped them into the trash.
[271 characters]

By Kate at Everywhere and Nowhere:
Lost Love
Occasionally she would look out the box and get lost in memories. Laughing and crying when she read his words and her heart breaking all over again when she looked at the pile that was returned unopened. Four words on the telegram she would never forget presumed killed in action.
Characters: 280

By Willow at WillowDot21:
All dead.
All those letters left unread
Unseen words of people long dead.
Gathering dust and spider webs
The truth they held seeping, ebbs.
Feelings poured out onto the page
Love, grief joy and rage.
I wonder why these missives were hidden
Where they evidence of love forbidden.
Love long dead.
(277 Characters)

By Tessa at Tessa Can Do It!:
Mom’s memory was gone. She lived in a nursing home and no longer talked. We had been asking her about the letters from Jerry to no avail.
We wondered if he was someone who would need her current location and condition. They weren’t from dad as he was long gone. These were new.
278 characters

By Fandango at This, That, and the Other:
The Letters
“Here!” she said, dropping the bundle of letters on his desk. “Keep them or toss them. It doesn’t matter to me. Everything you wrote in them is bullshit. You said you loved me, begged me to wait for you. I did. But you’re not the same man you were when you wrote these. Goodbye.”
(279 characters)

By Neel at Neel Writes:
LOVE LETTERS
Eyes fall on dust laden stack of love letters.
Mind dumps present; hurtles down memory lane.
I spot her.
There we’re, on a terrace, hands entwined, lips joined, limbs attached.
‘Stop dreaming and take your medicines’.
I’m yanked back to present.
I leave my past.
Her, too.
(280 characters)

By Leara at Leara Writes:
Letters That Keep Me Grounded
I kept them all. Rejection. And I took them to heart.
I used them to build a foundation. I will always remember where I came from because I am standing on it even now.
When the first acceptance letter came I reread them. When more rejection letters come I will add them to the pile.
CC 280

By Anurag at Jagadilmein:
Redundant
No one needs a postman anymore.
Not his customers, the billions of hearts he used to connect to each other.
Not his employer, the Govt., which now looks upon him as a redundancy.
And not even his own family, it appears…or they would have paid me the ransom I was asking for him.
280 characters.

By Peter at Peter’s Pondering:
Special Delivery
There was no such thing as first and second class post then, all letters were important.
These, especially.
They explained why Daddy had to go away; why he couldn’t return.
Sadly, they never arrived, having been stolen by a dishonest postman.
Found 20 years later.
Delivered too late!
(280 characters)

By Ron at Read4Fun:
Bully Up to the Barr
John collected the letters to send later; they would arrive home before him. Sad and embarrassed, he detailed the reasons for meeting someone new. It was the war, you know. Graves Registration sent her recovered effects. Jane cried as her husband read the letters for her aloud.
279 characters

By Margo at That Little Voice:
Memories Remain
Your letters didn’t lessen the pain of your absence, nor alleviate my longing.
I grew lost in grief, and elevated in desire.
I hope you received my letters about Bernard. He was here and available. You were not.
I waved goodbye in the picture.
Thanks for the memories.

Wonderful Roundup everyone! Thank you to all who penned a tweet of a tale in response to that stack of letters. For this week I selected this amazing photograph by JPlenio at pixabay.com of a storm rolling in over a Canada skyline. At least it looks like a storm…or could it be an alien invasion (I know how some of you love that topic 😉)…or the apocalypse? Whatever you see, please consider telling the tale in 280 characters or less (title not included) and I’ll see you at the roundup next week…or at least I hope I will. There’s a storm a comin’! A final note, be sure to link you tale in the comments. pingbacks are acting a little wonky lately. 😊

Twittering Tales #135 – 7 May 2019

Photo by jplenio at Pixabay.com

A Little Rain…

“They’re calling it the storm of the century. I’m telling you, we need to get to the shelter…now!”

“You go on. Ain’t nothin’ but a thunder storm. People go crazy over a little rain!”

“Come over here. Look. You call that a thunder storm?”

“Holy crap! Where’s that shelter again?!”

~kat

278 Characters

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. If you would prefer to post your tale in the comments (some people have very specific blog themes but still want to participate), I am happy to post a link to your site when I post your tale in the Round Up.

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!

Twittering Tales #132 -The Roundup

Photo by Luis Quintero on Unsplash.com

Starting us off…

Pay Phone
“What’s that Gran?”
“Oh that? Well, for a quarter you could call someone and talk to them.”
“So it’s a phone?”
“Yes! I even remember when it only cost a dime!”
“Why would anyone pay?”
“Oh Sarah!” Gran laughed, “that was before smart phones!”
“Wow! That must’ve been a looong time ago!”
279 Characters

By The Dark Netizen:
Payphone
This payphone.
All those years ago, I remember I would stand here and call her. She used to stay in the adjoining building. We would sneak chats whenever we could. One day, a great fire broke out here. She didn’t survive.
I can still listen to her voice, on the payphone receiver…
Character Count: 280

By Deepa at Sync With Deep:
Hello….
I
dial the number..
I hear
my heart beat
entwined
in every ring..
answer me.. won’t you?
Hello….
all my bruises
melt away
hearing your
grainy voice.…

By Di at Pensitivity101:
See how the casing is burnt, yet the handset and cable are unscorched?
The fire was deadly, yet amazingly the line still worked, so they just replaced the damaged parts.
169 characters

By Reena at ReInventions:
Courtship
“This is the phone from which your Grandpa called Grandma before they got married. And they wrote letters on paper with a pen….”
“How quaint! I could have three relationships in the time they took for courtship.”

By Kate at Everywhere and Nowhere:
museum of history
‘Dad is this what it really looked like?’
‘Well it’s before my time but yes, I’m sure your Grandad showed me a picture of one once.’
‘But it’s so dirty.’
‘Well it was outside so that anyone could use it and I don’t think they had people to clean them.’
‘Outside and communal, yuck!’
Characters: 278

By Kristian at Tales from the Mind of Kristian:
A Fateful Phone Call
As she saw the phone memories flooded back. Standing frantically dialing for assistance while outside a man pulled out a knife.
Her world changed that day.
Luckily, the police came in time, the Phone Box Killer was caught and she ended up marrying the policeman that rescued her.
[279 Characters]

By Willow at WillowDot21:
Phone box
The last rays of the sun lit the payphone bronze. Through the dirty window the pool still looked blue. Letters scratched into the glass their meaning long forgotten. Another abandoned motel in the middle of nowhere. No money to use the phone but there was no one to answer it.
(276 characters)

By Tien at From the Window Seat a new tweeter who couldn’t stop at just one:
Story #1: Who called?
I was a sobbing mess. The call dropped the moment she picked up. This was the fifth time. I hung up before picking up the handset again.
Someone tapped on the glass window and I peered out, tears obscuring my vision.
“Oh, for god’s sake, put in a quarter before you start dialling!”
(280 characters)

Story #2: What Superman?
“Help! Help me please!”
His hypersensitive ears detected that desperate cry four blocks away. Instinctively, he took off his glasses as he looked around for a payphone booth. Bewildered, he looked around harder.
Not a single one nearby!
It was really tough to be Superman these days.
(280 characters)

By Fandango at This, That, and the Other:
Relic
“Why are you stopping the car?” Ana asked.
Luis pointed to a tall, narrow glass enclosure. “That’s a phone booth,” he said.
“A phone booth?” Ana said. “I didn’t know they still had phone booths in the city.”
“Exactly,” Luis said. “That’s why I need to stop and take a picture of it.”
(280 characters)

By Teresa at The Haunted Wordsmith:
Make the Call
His fingers played with the business card as he debated one last time whether he wanted to make the call or not–or if this was even real. No phone number, but he knew the code. He read the card again, “Prime digits for a new life.” He left the card for the next sucker.

By Graham at Graham is Just my Name:
The tips of my fingers felt soiled contemplating the greasy buttons.
I cringed, reaching for a clean white handkerchief.
The phone rang.
I held the handset well away from my ear.
“Deep breaths.
Tomorrow no handkerchief.
Repeat after me.
OCD is treatable.“

By John at The Magic Shop:
Last Call
It was winter again and he was freezing. But, he had a job to do and that’s all that mattered. He couldn’t let anyone answer the phone. It had been ringing continuously for so long now, that he lost track of time. He just knew that if that call was ever picked-up, it would mean the end of the world.
300 Characters

By Susan at Susan’s Place:
That’s a Phone?
Outside, it was rainy, weather, you didn’t want to be out in. Inside this little bar was a different story. The place was packed, the drinks flowing. A guy tapped me on the shoulder asking if they could use my phone. Pointing to the front door I said there’s a payphone right there. Looking confused, I said, come on, I’ll show you how to use it.
Characters 280

By Larry at East Elmhurst.A.Go.Go:
That Was Yesterday and Yesterday’s Gone
It’s 1970 and I’m in St. Gabriel’s. Brother James and Brother Edmond are finished with glee club practice so I have to call my parents. I reach for the phone and wake up to the sound of my cell phone. My parents are deceased. Those Brothers are now on my Facebook friend list.

By Sadje at Keep It Alive:
It is a relic of the past standing on the corner
Waiting for someone to step in and put a few coins
In the slot and dial a number
Wanting to talk to a loved one
Or sharing some urgent news
This is how life was in those days of the past
When even news traveled in a moderate pace
No rushing or chasing around trying to catch our own tail!
Character count; 266

By Tessa at Tessa Can Do It!:
I was in a bad part of town, I pulled out my phone to call for help. I dropped the phone and it broke. Useless!
Looking around I spotted an old pay phone. I searched frantically for a coin to use, wondering if the phone was still working. Dropped in a coin. I heard a dial tone.
277 characters

By Milly at Truly Milly:
All Your Secrets
No one uses me anymore ever since they invented the smartphone and the internet. Someday, I’ll get revenge by telling the world all the secrets from all the conversations I’ve listened to. Who cheated on who. Who murdered who.
Someday, this old payphone will get revenge.

By Anuarg at Jagadilmein:
Kids These Days!
I hunted around for a coin, but nothing….I was as broke as I’d been this morning.
“Wouldn’t happen to have a quarter on ya, would ya?” I asked the girl.
The unreasonable brat just stared at me.
How on earth was I supposed to contact her Dad for ransom if I couldn’t call him up?
280 characters.

By Neel at NeelWritesBlog:
MOVING ON…
Will he, won’t he?
Trapped in a maze of conflicting thoughts, she stupefyingly stared at the phone booth even as a bumble bee of office goers brushed past.
Finally, emotion won over reason___she stabbed the numbers.
No response.
‘Bastaard’ The words were a spat.
It’s time to move on.
280 Characters

By Deborah at A Wise Woman’s Journey:
Waiting To Exhale
After staying up all night to muster up the courage
to make the most important call of her life,
she left a message and stood outside
the booth staring at the phone
waiting in silent, bated breath for the phone
to ring and hear love return her call…
so she could finally exhale.
Character Count:  278

By Peter at Peter’s Pondering:
The emergency survival packs had been set up for years, they were all over the city.
They held weapons, ammunition, water, food, and a radio.
Each agent had a unique access code to punch in on the keyboard, and a voice code to verify.
What the hell was the cat’s name I’d chosen?
(279 characters)

By Ennle at Abandoned Aminities:
No Connections
The dream recurred
Over and over, in which
I tried to call my mom but
Could never get through;
Problems with the line or
I had the number wrong;
She didn’t answer or
Couldn’t hear me.
Decades later I realized
The dream was telling me
She and I would never
Connect…it wasn’t
About the phone.

By JP at JP the Wide-Eyed Wanderer:
Deserted
The streets were deserted. The city was deserted. Tarna had passed through many places on her journey south, all the same, deserted. Tarna knew there would be few survivors of the war, still she had hoped to find someone. Tarna’s eyes fell on an old pay phone. It was ringing.

By Daisy at DaisiesDotMe:
The Haunted Booth
On a rainy night, locating a dilapidated booth in the market corner, he scurried to make an urgent call. Just as his wet hands grabbed the receiver to dial, a voice at the other end said
“Hello! I was waiting for you “!
A cold sweat trickled, sending shivers down his spine!
(274 characters)

By John at Broadsides:
The phone booth was kept by the detectives. It had been used to give the warning. “This is the IRA. There is a bomb timed to explode in 30 minutes. It is in a bar used by your soldiers outside Chelsea barracks. The codeword is Shamrock.” There were three bars, we never had enough time…

By Radhika at Radhika’s Reflection:
Darn….
My car broke down, my phone was dead. Stranded in an area away from civilization, I started walking to find help. Suddenly spotted a payphone. I prayed and inserted a coin. Couldn’t believe my luck when I heard the dial tone. But darn…
I couldn’t remember a single number!
Letter count : 278

By Deb at Twenty Four:
Mandy must have been desperate to try the old pay phone at the corner of Main and First, or that was the conclusion they had arrived at.
Desperate about what, you ask. Well, they had never reached a consensus about that and now it was too late.
She committed suicide you see.
(275 characters)

By Indhu at Always:
The Game
Sam reached the lane as per the chit in his hand. There was an unused old phone booth.
He found a number on the dirty glass pane of the booth. He dialed it. He could barely hear the voice. He noted down the cryptic message.
“I love treasure hunts!” he shouted as he hurried out.
<277 characters>

By Ron at Read4Fun:
Co-ed bathrooms are OK, but Super Woman will hate it. There used to be doors from foot to taller than me. Who decided we should be publicly visible from the groin down? And who woulda’ thought aliens can write? In the interests of modesty, we will just have to be more cape-able.
279 characters

By Namitha at The Cosmo Dame:
Is it important?
“What is this, Mama?”
“It’s a phone, to call someone you miss”
“Why do you have go away from someone whom you know you will miss, mama”
“It’s a struggle for name and fame!”
“Is it that important, Mama?”
Character count: 202

The old Payphone had quite a few stories to tell! Well done everyone! Thank you for helping to make this the biggest round up yet. And welcome to our newest tweetertalers. We’re so glad you gave it a go! I hope everyone had fun! For this week, in honor of Earth Day, a photo by WikiImages at Pixabay.com that gives us a celestial view of our beloved blue planet. What’s going on in this photo…or maybe the question should be, what’s going on below? The possibilities are infinite! Tell us your tale in 280 characters or less and I’ll see you when we land next week at the roundup. Most of all, have fun! 3-2-1 lift off! It’s gonna be a blast!

Twittering Tales #133 – 23 April 2019

It’s all fun and games until…

“How do you get a baby astronaut to go to sleep? Rocket…What do planets like to read? Comet books! I got more…”

“Enough jokes Smitty. Just get the antenna redirected and…”

“Hey guys, how do you say hello in Martian?”

“No more jokes!”

“I’m not joking guys. We’ve got company!”

~kat

278 Characters

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. If you would prefer to post your tale in the comments (some people have very specific blog themes but still want to participate), I am happy to post a link to your site when I post your tale in the Round Up.

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!

Twittering Tales #131 -The Roundup

Photo by Adhitya Andanu at Pexels.com

Starting us off…
Grounded
The flights were grounded. Sadie scrolled through texts until one caught her eye.
“She’s gone Sadie. I’m so sorry.”
Sadie looked up, tears welling up in her eyes when she saw a familiar face staring back at her in the rain dappled window.
“Bye mom. We sure are gonna miss you.”
~kat
277 Characters

By The Dark Denizen:
Downpour
The rain is pouring down hard.
I do usually love the rain. However, today it has completely ruined my plans. It was all going well until now. The takeoff has been delayed. How will my plan be executed now?
I just can’t hijack a grounded flight…
Character Count: 245

By Reena at ReInventions:
Escape
Fear grips him as he hears announcements about the flight being delayed due to bad weather. It is his last hope for freedom, his ticket to a new life in another country.
The police can be here any moment.
(203 characters)

By Kate at Everywhere and Nowhere:
Adventure
She was glad she had the window seat, so no one would see her tears.
This was it, she was saying goodbye to her life as she knew it and striking out on her own.
Everyone kept telling her how exciting it was, but the word her brain went to was terrifying.
I hope this isn’t a mistake.
Characters: 280

By Fandango at This, That, and the Other:
Ground Hold
“This is your captain speaking. Thunderstorms have moved into the area and air traffic control has put a ground hold on flights. We will remain on the tarmac awaiting a weather update.”
Mark looked at his watch. “Dammit, I’m going to miss my son’s birthday party. I hate this job.”
(280 characters)

By Ron at Read4Fun:
Bordering on Crazy
Her tears matched the sky’s. She had sent her firstborn. A daughter’s sacrifice for the defense of a thankless nation. Most of her had returned first class. The box occupied little space. Stupid policies ordered her to resist the Invaders from the South. RIP, ICE Agent, El Paso.
279 characters

By Larry at EastElmhurst.A.Go.Go:
I May Never Get There
I’ve finally gotten my passport. My ethnic background’s Irish so I’m going to Ireland on Aer Lingus from La Guardia. Thought it’d never happen. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain,” I hear. “Due to severe weather conditions, we are unable to…”

By Graham at Graham is Just My Name:
She watched the jet depart and shed a solitary tear.
She exuded melancholy, but unbeknownst to the casual onlooker, was relieved that the sick bastard had finally left for good.
Only compassion for the crew and passengers prevented the cruellest of thoughts from arising in her mind.
(280 chars)

By Kristian at Tales From the Mind of Kristian:
Maiden Flight
Past obscuring lines of rain
I see the waiting aeroplane
A rising panic grips my chest
Like pangs of hunger manifest
I take a pill to ease my stress
The panic pains soon regress
I conquered fear, my mental plight
Now it’s my maiden Pilots flight
I feel brilliantly
Won’t you fly with me?
[278 Characters]

By Di at Pensitivity101:
Tabatha looked forlornly out of the window, and then at all the people in the departure lounge.
‘We’re not all going to fit,’ she said.
‘Of course we will Honey,’ her mother replied.
‘No we won’t. The planes are shrinking in the rain.’
232 characters.

By Willow at WillowDot21:
Rory watched the rain as the plane taxied to its slot.That was the worst flight he’d been on. Turbulence all the way passengers only allowed up for the loo.Serving dinner had been hairy they’d nearly lost the trolley more than once.God he’d never been so grateful to see Heathrow.
(280 Characters)

By John at The Magic Shop:
Safe Landing
The pilot knew. Despite the current misery that the passengers were enduring, it was safer for them to stay onboard. They had landed two hours ago just as the storm began. Something was in the rain. A thing that pulled two men up off the runway with it’s tentacles as the pilot being the only witness.
(300 characters)

By Patricia at A Wise Woman’s Journey:
All I Can See
Bright lights,
airplane awaiting for clearance
to fly…
but all I can see
are the tears that fall
with the raindrops…endlessly,
as my lover sits in the airplane
waiting for his new life to take off
without me to never return again.
228 Characters

By Regina at Help from Heaven:
Adventure Delayed, Not Lost
As the cantankerous old man screams at the airline personnel about losing his vacation, I want to say to him, “Sir, the rain only means the adventure is delayed. You wil still make sweet memories.” Safe on the ground, my anticipation of laughter, love, and good food grows.
(275 characters)

By Tessa at Tessa Can Do It:
The rain provided coverage as Will circled the small plane looking for a way to sneak on board and stowaway.
The stewardess opened the hatch to allow passengers to enter, but was called away. Will used the chance to climb aboard and hide in the luggage area without a hitch.
273 characters

By Anurag at Jagahdilmein:
Best Served Wet
I saw the plane still on the ground, and thanked God for the storm.
I’d be able to make it just in time…to finally be face-to-face with HIM.
For the world, he was the hero who’d saved passengers after a bird-hit.
For me, he was just the human who had hit my father with a plane.
279 characters

By Ennle at Abandoned Amenities:
Dreams on Pyre
Though it was raining
The evening I left, the
Plane looked to be in
Flames…I died tortured
Death of heart in
Shattered shards
Dreams laid out on pyre.
Not even a mile from
Beach, I should have walked
Into the waves slow deep…
No one would have noticed
Till steam rose like lava, below.

By Indhu at Always:
Saviour!
I looked up from my phone and stared out of the window in disbelief.
“180 feared dead” read the news. The previous flight is missing and is nowhere to be located in this terrible weather.
I thanked my alarm for not working today morning!
<236 characters>

By MSJadeli at Tao Talk:
She sat in the car, waiting for the passengers to debark. Delays in Chicago meant she’d waited two extra hours. He was worth it. Five long years since seeing the love of her life.
The plane’s door began to open.
Grabbing the cuffs, she said, “OK, deputy, let’s go get him.”

By JP at JP the Wide-Eyed Wanderer:
Dance in the Rain
Rain falls and
lightning strikes
in the heart of darkness
alone tonight
For love will come
and love will go
the rain will fall
and wind will blow
When in love’s storm
our hearts are lost
we chance the fire
and never count the cost
I learned to dance
in the rain,
sing the song
forget the pain
character count 278

By Sadje at Keep It Alive:
The rain was making things difficult for the travelers. A delay was announced yet again in the flight time. Mum and dad were both tired of waiting in the lounge but Sally’s excitement knew no bounds as she knew that she was going to meet her grandparents at the end of the journey. She was the epitome of a well behaved child.
Character count:261

By Peter at Peter’s Pondering:
Since those huge bright globes appeared low in the sky it hadn’t been safe to venture outside.
All who tried were frazzled to a cinder.
We soon realised that we needed to keep to the shadows, but then the acid rain proved deadly too!
We’ve now used the last of the food and water!
(280 characters)

By Deb at Twenty Four:
Looking out at the sunlite garden, he conceded that though his parents had sacrificed a lot to give him this opportunity, awareness and willingness were two different things.
With a deep sigh he gazed down at the photo, and this writing prompt wasn’t doing much for him.
(270 characters)

By Radhika at Radhika’s Reflection:
The Solo Trip
Her first solo trip abroad, had taught Annie life skills and learning beyond the two decades of formal education.
Missed flight, incessant weather, bitter experience, helpful people, diverse culture, dealing with situations….it was a mixed bag.
She was now ready to take on life!
Letter count 280

By The IndieShe:
It was a chaotic day.It had been raining heavily with many flights being delayed or cancelled The rain pattered windows watched the neon lights preening themselves in the glistening tarmac .The overcast sky now the master of its own realm as it had grounded the alien invaders.
(280 characters)

By Namitha at The Cosmo Dame:
Power
My eyes were filled with tears as I boarded the flight.
‘New life new beginning’ I told myself, yet, clear wasn’t my sight.
With a blurred vision I looked outside, water droplets trying to kiss the window.
Like a feeling of an unknown power telling ‘Move on, I am here with you!’.
Character Count: 277

By John at Broadsides:
With apologies to TripAdvisor
Landing in Ireland! It’s raining! But you’ll have your umbrellas, your wellington boots AND galoshes, and a fold up ponchos, for emergen rain. And you’ll be off to see Blarney castle – in the rain, the Giants Causeway – in the rain, to drink a pint of Gluiness – in the rain, and if you’re lucky, to watch a Gaelic hurling match, in the rain.

Wonderful tales this week! Thank you everyone for taking the time to tweet! And if you are new here, welcome! I hope you’ll join us again! For this week’s prompt, a photo of a relic by Luis Quintero at Unsplash.com. You don’t see many of these around anymore, with smart phones and tablets. As I was writing my little tale, I thought about how quickly technology has advanced in my own lifetime. I can only imagine how we will communicate with each other fifty years from now! Feel free to use this week’s prompt as a launching pad for a look past or a look to the future. In 280 characters or less…and I’ll see you at the round up!

Photo by Luis Quintero on Unsplash.com

Pay Phone

“What’s that Gran?”

“Oh that? Well, for a quarter you could call someone and talk to them.”

“So it’s a phone?”

“Yes! I even remember when it only cost a dime!”

“Why would anyone pay?”

“Oh Sarah!” Gran laughed, “that was before smart phones!”

“Wow! That must’ve been a looong time ago!”

~kat

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. If you would prefer to post your tale in the comments (some people have very specific blog themes but still want to participate), I am happy to post a link to your site when I post your tale in the Round Up.

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 #128 – The Roundup

Starting us off…
They Call Me Yoda
I was joking when I said, I wanted to come back as one of their dogs. Didn’t think I’d be dying so soon. 
Now, here I am, a pug! I couldn’t be a Shepherd or a Rottweiler? 
Anyhow, they call me Yoda. And they do treat me good. You might not believe it, but this is my happy face.
~kat
277 Characters

By MSJadeli at Tao Talk
Please Tell Me Why
When Dr. Jekyll asked my two-legged if I wanted to be part of a cutting-edge animal research experiment, why, oh why, did she agree. They put me in one pod and the octopus in the other, linked the pods, and flipped the switch. Now look at me. I’ll never play fetch again. You should see him!
[292 characters]

By The Dark Netizen:
Hooman
Humans are not a very smart species.
My hooman however, is not your average human. She’s way less smart. Don’t mistake me. She’s a lovely person and loves me a lot. But not the brightest bulb.
She keeps the air conditioning so low sometimes. I need to wrap myself up in a blanket…
Character Count: 280

By Reena at ReInventions:
Warmth
Warmth has a new meaning since you entered my life. I worry seeing the wrinkled lines of tension on your face, and then realize that you are happy…. Why am I being a fool? I’ve never loved anyone as much.
You are the blanket of emotional security that covers me…. I hope, forever.(279 characters)

By Kate at Everywhere and Nowhere:
On Guard
My humans keep telling me how cute I am but I’m not really listening. Instead I am watching the human with the black box that keeps setting off a blinky light, anytime I move I am put back in this position and given a treat, seems suspicious.
Must not fall asleep, must stay alert.
Characters: 280

By Fandango at This, That, and the Other:
Pug in a Towel
They said he’d been traumatized before he was dropped off at the shelter wrapped in a towel.
They said he would need patience and understanding from a loving family.
They said it would take some time.
They didn’t say he’d wrap himself in that old towel and whimper all the time.
(278 characters)

By Kristian at Tales from the Mind of Kristian:
Pugs in Blankets
She wrapped him in a tassel blanket and gave a laugh.
She took the picture and added it to her dating profile labelled ‘Pugs in Blankets’.
Her Pug thought “Silly girl! Take me for a walk and I’ll find the perfect guy. You can tell the best humans by the way they treat their dogs.”
[280 Characters]

By Hayley at The Story Files:
Pug Face
Back from a quick lunchtime walk, both my pug and I were soaked to the bone. We stood shivering in the hallway, wondering why we had risked going outside in monsoon style weather.
Grabbing towels, I wrapped us both up and saw my pug’s face saying it all.

By Teresa at The Haunted Wordsmith:
What Did You Do?
I tried to be careful. I did. Accidents will happen though. I didn’t think it would look as bad as it did after it dried. Instead of a small spot, it was now a blot on her favorite shawl. Her keys turned in the bolt. Quick hide! Look cute! Look sad! Look apologetic! I’m sorry!
277 characters

By Ron at Read 4 Fun:
Going to the Dogs
All I needed was an heir to the Throne. Eleanor birthed Mary, a girl. To her castle! Anne gave me a girl. To the block! I’ve heard the country is going to the dogs and I’ve been accused of going to extremes. But this one looks the best of the litter. We’ll work on the coronation.
280 characters

By Di at Pensitivity101: (It’s a record!)
Pug in a Blanket
Well it worked for E.T!
23 characters

By Willow at WillowDot21:
Pug in a Blanket
Azriel was missing, Mike and Gabe had searched hi and low to no avail.Satan was enjoying watching them.The Big Man had located him. Sitting on the bed at flat 23, swaddled in a blanket. OMG she’s cute Dave I love her so much. Azriel cringed at the word she. Satan was having fun.
(280 Characters)

By Sadje at Keep It Alive:
Pug in a Blanket
First day is always the toughest. He won’t settle down and won’t stop uttering the tiny whines. I gave him a cuddle and a hug, a treat to make him happy. In the end I realized that he just wants to cuddle in a blanket on my bed.
Character count; 229

By Anita at For the Love Of:
Pug-amus Wisdom
Come one, come all as I tell you a tale
Of wisdom I gathered though I am frail
One concerning my masters who throw me in the cold
To do my business, good grief this really gets old
Will spring or warmth ever show their bright side?
I think not as I snuggle with blanky deep inside

By Tessa at Tessa Can Do It!:
It seemed like a pile of dirty rags just lying there on her bed. Samantha stared. It hadn’t been there this morning. Unsure what it was exactly, she was surprised when it not only moved, but a cry sounded within. She jumped back expecting a rat. Instead it was a cute pug.
272 characters

By Anurag at Jagahdilmein:
Give Me Red
I wrap myself in Grandma’s favourite blanket and wait.
I can still smell her sweet scent on it. She’d been so loving, so caring, so… tasty. 
I just hope little Red Riding Hood has taken after her.
198 characters.

By Daisy at FreshDaisiesDotMe:
You’re (a) Love Gift
You’re the evening soft and velvety
You’re the morning peachy and fuchsia
You’re the moment that’s relieved and blessed
You’re the love that’s pure and virgin
You’re a pug snug in the rug
A love gift wrapped in fur

By Deb at Twenty Four:
When she’d heard the news she’d been so excited, for it was one of her favourite movies and she’d been thrilled when she won tickets to the premiere.
It was only after she’d taken her seat that she wondered why so few were attending.
The opening credits explained it all – E-Pug.
(277 characters)

By Linda at Charmed Chaos:
Unconditional Love
When I was a human I was unloved and unwanted. On my deathbed, I made a wish; to come back as a dog. And it happened, here I am wrapped in a blanket, loved beyond reason. You want to know what’s funny? As a human I never knew you had to love unconditionally in order to be loved.

By JPP at JP the Wide-eyed Wanderer:
Sandworm of Arrakis
So, this is it. I work my tail off to get into field work. Eight years as a Class 1 senior MIB agent and THIS is the disguise I get? Freakin’ Annelids. I’ll get those stupid worm guys if it’s the last things I do. I’ll teach them not to dress ME up like an Arraki Sandworm.
character count 277

By Peter at Peter’s Pondering:
You think this is funny?
Cute?
Sweet?
Ah, I want one just like that?
Well, let me tell you matey, this ain’t any of the above.
It is agony!
I have an itch on my nose that I cannot scratch, AND I’m bursting for a pee.
The minute I get out of here I’m going to pee in every shoe I can find!
(280 characters)

By John at Broadsides:
I have loads of fronds who all like me, on Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, Tumblr, Snapchat, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, but most of all I have a human friend who likes me and takes me for walks.

By Lorraine at Lorraine’s Frilly Freudian Slip:
p.i.p.*
I’m in hiding. Disguised as a lumpy blanket. On an unmade bed.
A Kat plans to pugnap me. Force me to be an internet influencer. A YouTube Yahoo.
So, I’m incognito til Twittering Tale #130.
If you don’t cat me out, it’s worth a kilo of kibble.
Yawn. Going under-the-radar-sheets.
(279 characters)
*pug in peril

Thank you everyone for participating in Twittering Tales last week. It was such a cute photo. I couldn’t resist. And you did not disappoint. I loved your tales. For this week, an interesting photo by Tony Dinh at Unsplash.com. What is the story here? This is a real place in Sydney Australia called “Angel Place.” Look it up if you need some inspiration. I trust you will come up with some fantastic tweets! Take a week to simmer on it if you like. You have 280 characters to tell your tale. And I’ll see you at the round up!

Twittering Tales #129 – 26 March 2019

Canary Test Fail

“Poor bastards. They thought those damn birds would save ‘em.”

“Let’s just do what we came here for.” Agent Shultz sighed, as he tugged at one of the cages.

The chemical attack had been swift. The birds died instantly, and along with them, the people who placed their hope in them.

~kat

279 Characters