Category: Fiction

Uneasy Interest/Crazed Birds (6SS)

May 28, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/05/27/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-73/

Okay, I’m up, I’m ready…let the 6-Sentence stories roll out.

If you’re new to the neighborhood, click the link above and you’ll get all the info you need—meet the mega-watt host and authors…and write your own 6-sentence story!

This week’s prompt word: INTEREST.

~~~⛪~~~

Richard’s interest in Judd and Lorelei had turned uneasy; in truth he wasn’t a pastor by divine calling, as much as by persuasion from people he greatly respected; he wasn’t half-bad at writing a short sermon to go with whatever passage of scripture dropped into his head—but he didn’t feel as up to snuff with regard to counseling his flock, as he’d hoped (expected) to be.

Judd and Lorelei (his quite younger bride) were committed to their long-term marriage where passion still burned like a bonfire—and equally intelligent, talented, good-hearted, sincerely generous, personable; and Richard’s clergy mentors had warned him not to be surprised when the longer he knew people, the more their “issues” would likely surface; but he didn’t know what to do with Judd and Lorelei—they‘d become crazed birds flying against the windowpane of his church office.

It seemed to have started with the success of Richard’s book, which they’d both read; Lorelei had been fascinated by his spooky experiences on first-arrival to Birchwick Cliff, but Judd was Not—then came the strange reversal: Judd read the book with interest and began having nightmares…which led to Lorelei’s high-octane anxiety that she would soon be widowed, losing the man on whom she depended for daily breath🙄.

But as Richard’s Christian faith promised, if you call on God–HE WILL HEAR and ANSWER.

And it was just possible the answer was coming in a most-welcome phone call from a couple who were newer additions to his congregation: they were sprightly seniors married only a couple years—and despite having recently lost their pastor to cancer (he was also family and best friend)…they’d appeared one Sunday with surprisingly joyous smiles of perfect-peace, the wisdom of age, and a joined-heart to serve the Lord’s people and their pastor, any way they could.

Richard fairly shouted into the phone with glad relief: “Finn! what shenanigans are you and Bedelia up to today–do you have time for lunch–my treat!”

~ Cale

Running Out of Steam (6SS)

May 22, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/05/20/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-72/

It’s time to wrap up those 6 sentences and link them for everyone to enjoy. If you’re a new visitor, click the link above and you’ll get the answers to all your questions. You’ll meet our host and a fine group of friendly writers!

♠💕♠

Lorelei had made an unscheduled visit to Richard’s office at the church, and was sobbing hysterically, her tears blurring his scribbled sermon notes on a blue legal pad as she leaned forward over his desk: “I’m so afraid I’m going to lose Judd and HE’S ALL I HAVE…he says he feels OLD and that scares me because he CAN’T be old and leave me…but he’s obsessed about your book and his nightmare…”

Richard spoke softly, calmly attempting to stop her waterfall–“Lorelei, take a couple deep breaths–and tell me what brought this on today…did Judd drop you off here?”

“NO, I had to call a taxi because he’s driving all over creation trying to sell the painting you encouraged him to do which was supposed to stop the nightmare that he’s living your experience in the Victorian that you wrote about, don’t you understand–he’s going to have a stroke or heart attack and he’ll be gone and I’ll be alone…” she was choking on her words, and shaking.

“Lorelei, I’m going to get you a glass of water–just breathe, I’ll be right back”; but instead he hurried to the supplies closet, called Judd’s phone, and quickly learned he was at the library showing the painting of the nightmare to a few interested patrons–“Judd, you need to come to my office now, Lorelei’s here, in great distress”–he heard Judd’s, “oh God”, and the call ended.

Judd was much calmer than Richard as he entered the pastor’s office; he nodded with a gentle smile, and put his arms around his wife; “it’s alright, Love, I’m here–everything’s alright,” he soothed as she clung to him–“let’s go home now, honey.”

As he guided her trembling steps to the door, Judd looked at Richard with pained eyes, and thanked him, adding–“life gets to be too much for her sometimes, and I missed the signs this morning…she just runs out of steam”.

~ Cale

No Signal (6SS)

May 7, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/05/06/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-70/

No matter the weather, or what’s happening in the world–6SS brings us together.  Our host, Denise, serves up a wonderful prompt word each Sunday, and our imaginations flow out in magical streams.  So if you’ve never heard of 6-Sentence Stories, click the link above–meet Denise and the crowd of versatile talents–and then step up and write your own “6”, you’ll be gladly welcomed!  The word is SIGNAL.

♠♠♠

Perhaps the suicide attempt was a signal.

Or maybe she was just too tired, wanted out.

Amid dysfunctional people, attempts to communicate were futile.

It was exhausting to try to do nice things for them on ordinary days.

So she saved up money, and lovely gift ideas that might please at holidays–only to shiver in the heavy ice of their mute stares.

If it was meant as a ‘signal’ it failed miserably, and why should she be surprised; why would she think the large bottle of pills would succeed in sending her on to eternal escape…or damnation which would at least be familiar.

~ Hagar

 

Help: Try ‘Simple’ First (6SS)

April 30, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/04/29/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-69/

We’re gathered together to tell our stories, prompted by our host, Denise’s word:  HELP!  If you’re not familiar with her weekly challenge, Six-Sentence-Stories, it’s time you click her link above for info, and get started!  I promise you’ll soon be hooked!

~~🌻~~

“Come in, Judd…hope that frown’s not for me–coffee?”

Judd sat across from Richard’s desk–“Yes, on the coffee…frown is speeding ticket I got 10 minutes ago–haven’t had one since my twenties, makes me feel old.”

Richard grinned, handed Judd a steaming mug–“my preacher license only covers comforting the sick, marrying folks and counseling them when they hit a rough patch…or burying them; sorry I’m not able to fix traffic tickets.”

Laughing lightly, Judd moved on to his reason for requesting an appointment: “I had a weird nightmare–I dreamed I was experiencing the same scenario you lived, and wrote about…the strange music and knocking on the walls, and becoming deathly ill during your stay in the Birchwick Cliff victorian–the details were exactly the same as you described, but it wasn’t you–it was me…I wonder if I’m going crazy.”

Richard leaned back in his chair, steepled his fingers as he studied Judd’s face for a moment, then said, “wow–I didn’t anticipate my readers might have that response, but I can tell you’re troubled; my instinctive suggestion, since you’re a talented and successful artist, is–paint it, put it on canvas so you can see it…if that doesn’t help, you can sell it for a hefty price–Munch’s ‘Scream’ is still a favorite among collectors.”

Judd wasn’t sure if he should be grateful or embarrassed–“that’s it?…just paint it and pray for sudden wealth…Lorelei will either laugh her head off, or invite you to another lasagna dinner”; to which Richard shrugged, replied, “hey, I go for simple solutions first–it might work.”

~ Cale

330px-the_scream_by_edvard_munch_1893_-_nasjonalgalleriet.png

Flagged Down for Minor Offense (6SS)

April 23, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/04/22/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-68/

Oh good, I’m jumping up and down with excitement…another round of talented writers and their 6-Sentence Stories!!  Denise, our lovely host, always serves up intriguing prompt words…by which I mean, “oh gosh, what am I gonna do with that?”  And yet I keep showing up!  If you’re new here, click on her link above to get all the needed info–and get hooked on 6SS!! 

~👮‍♂️~

When the Birchwick-Westling Municipal cop flagged him down, Judd expected the ancient Caddy must have a taillight out–he was wrong…the young officer was writing him up for speeding.

Judd was irritable, handed his ID out the window, watched the kid’s eyebrows raise–“problem?” he asked with no inflection.

“No, I’m just surprised–this says you’re a detective, retired…what’s your hurry today, Sir?”

“I have an appointment with the pastor in Birchwick Cliff–I guess I wasn’t paying attention, my thoughts wandered…” (maybe he’d get a pass, consideration for a veteran who might have heroic stories from the old days, and commendations–but nope, no favors).

“Hey, it happens,”–the young cop was jovial, and in no rush–“so you know him, the pastor who wrote a book about Birchwick Cliff’s haunting…do you think all those things happened like he said in the book?”

Judd took a long moment’s ponder, remembering Richard’s description of the Cliff’s sole lawman who came across worse than Barney Fife when Richard first arrived: a superior attitude frosted with suspicion–and useless as boobs on a boar; he nodded, said, “Yes, the pastor is a straight arrow–he didn’t write a novel, he penned his nightmare…and two nights ago I had the identical one myself.”

~ Cale

 

Shuffle Out of Nightmare (6SS)

April 16, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/04/15/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-67/

Hurray, it’s time to gather for the 6SS blog-hop, a red-letter day each week for many of us!  If you’re new in town, click the link above and get all the info so that you, too, can join the group of fine writers hosted by Denise–who serves up a dynamite prompt word every Sunday.  This week it’s SHUFFLE.  Let’s go!😁

~~♥~~

Lorelei wore her worried frown–“Judd, you’re shuffling, are you feeling alright?”

Half-way to his studio he paused to kiss her–“I’m tired, you forget I’m Old…and you mercilessly wear me out.”

Relief made her grin–“was it the dancing, or the romancing afterward?”

He kissed her again–“you’re always a delightful menu…but I didn’t sleep well…just a nightmare.” 

Concern reappeared on her youthful face–“was it about the bad times”, she asked softly, stroking his arm, gazing at him with undying love embroidered by fears recalled; it had been a long while since he’d suffered recurring dreams of the 3 near-fatal incidents during his law enforcement career.

His artist’s features etched a furrowed brow with half-smile beneath–“no…I dreamed I was in that small Victorian hotel where Richard had his crazy experiences and nearly died…it was as real as he described in his book.”

~ Cale

If you’re interested in previous episodes: try typing 6SS or Six Sentence Story, or Six Sentence Stories in my Search box (but no obligation)😊

Silence Relays Message (6SS)

April 9, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/04/08/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-66/

It’s time for one of my fave days: the 6SS folks gather to reveal the latest product of their writing passion, on the blog-hop.  If you need info about how to participate, just click the link above and our host, Denise, will happily fill you in–Everyone’s welcome!

~♥~

Things were subdued in the Westling home–Judd and Lorelei had ceased parsing which of them bore the bulk of responsibility for the less-than-amiable leave-taking, after the tour of Birchwick Cliff.

“I doubt we can be excommunicated from a non-denominational church, Love”, Judd murmured as his wife sat nearby, watching him paint storm clouds over Puget Sound.

She sighed, “somehow, I think Richard’s schedule will be booked up till Christ returns, if we invite him to dinner again–he didn’t greet us after church, just rushed off–that relays a lack of further interest, don’t you think?”

“I’LL wine you, dine you, and be your dessert,” he teased.

She tenderly worked out the tightness in his shoulders–“what, no scintillating conversation as you pour the wine?”

“Well, I’m fresh out of cliff-side ghost stories, but I can still sing a few bars of a Julio Iglesias song.” 

~ Cale

An Order Undetermined (6SS)

April 1, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/04/01/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-65/

Hello, Hagar here–sitting in for Cale during her leave. 

Her optional to-do list included writing for challenges/prompts, and the asterisk by “Six Sentence Stories” indicated a high priority.  I’ve sent up a prayer, and will try my best. 

The host is Denise, talented writer and much-loved friend to bloggers.  6SS instructions can be found by clicking her link above.  Her prompt this week is ORDER.

✝✝✝

The Order Rene would have chosen was a cloistered one.

Entering the convent’s office she saw a latticed grate separating visitors from the nun at the desk; it was both intimidating and comforting.

Rene desperately longed to leave the World which demanded so much, and returned a mere pittance of compassion.

She was young, and aware that those who thought they knew her were making less than heartfelt efforts to deter her (she wasn’t blind: they’d gladly be rid of her–locked up in a convent was preferable to their prideful self-regard, than hiding her in a mental institution).

The unsmiling nun eyed her for lengthy moments before saying, “you’ll no longer wear all that make-up, you know–there’s no place for such vanity in the service of the Lord–only submission to the rules of the Carmelite Order, and hushed humility at all times.”

After earnest soul-searching Rene withdrew her request to become a novitiate–and it had nothing to do with make-up; the risk of failing amid this pious community weighed heavily–if she disappointed them, and God, she’d have nothing left; perhaps in His mercy He’d find some small mission to occupy her, lest she crash and burn utterly.

Hagar

 

Mercurial March ~ 6SS

March 26, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/03/25/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-64/

Ahh…in the rustling wind I hear stories, lots of  ’em, and they’re all 6-sentence perfection.  Click the link above, if you’re unfamiliar with this weekly writing challenge hosted by Denise.  You’ll find all the information there, meet the crowd of fine authors–and be invited to write your own 6-sentence story–Yes!  Her briliant prompt this week is “MARCH”!

~♥~

March is widely considered a mercurial month, and Lorelei had followed suit: tearful, insatiable passion, wistful sighs, singing as she cooked, and distant–all in one day, or worse, within an hour.

But she was calm as Richard pointed to the vacant school, where his first contact in the town had been with the last remaining teacher–who’d seemed normal, friendly enough; the teacher and students were gone, and the building now served as an all-purpose auditorium for town meetings, rummage sales, receptions and various exhibitions.

“Tell Judd about the kids”, Lorelei urged, “how, prior to your arrival, there were no more children being born.”

Judd watched Richard’s face for any ‘tells’ of dissembling or outright lies–Lorelei’s request seemed to rock him just a bit, but he shrugged, grinned, said, “small town, ageing population–there wasn’t anything to offer young families looking for a place to settle, after the last graduating class moved on”–he shrugged again.

Aware the detective side of his brain was tracking, Judd took up where Lorelei left off: “wasn’t there considerable illegal drug business going on under cover of the fortune teller’s shop…she was allegedly the middle man; and the spate of suicides–teenagers; and a murdered girl, also allegedly connected to the fortune teller…her trade in love potions and curses, etc–am I right?”

Richard’s expression became strained–“perhaps you’ve acquired more information than I possess, Judd; I came here after all the ‘alleged’ was past history–and I was targeted by folks who couldn’t let go of myths and mysteries so convoluted that they were suspicious of a stranger coming in, quite innocently, to write a book that had nothing whatever to do with their town and residents–I only wrote about them after I’d narrowly escaped death; now, I’d really like to show you some of the nicer points here, if you’re interested”…to which Judd backed off, smiled an apology, and gestured for Richard to lead on.

~ Cale

Not a Porch Swing In Sight ~ 6SS

March 19, 2026

Together again, we’ve gathered at the invitation of our inspiring host, Denise–who teases us each week with a word prompt sure to make writers salivate and plan their next 6-Sentence Story.  We’ve got everything, among our talented writers: engaging mystery, romance, fantasy/sci-fi, drama, humor…even some tomfoolery now and then😉. 

So you’ve come to the right spot for a creative nudge.  Everyone is welcome–come in for a meet & greet, and get the only rule:  write a story in 6 sentences using the current word prompt.  Click the link below and you’re all set!  The Prompt is SWING.

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/03/18/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-63/

~♥~

Judd had watched Lorelei closely for mood swings since telling her Richard would give them a tour of Birchwick Cliff, the town; she’d gone from surprised, to pleased, to quiet–which usually indicated nervousness (in this case, specifically due to their aborted first visit when warning signs at the locked gate refused them).

They were once more approaching the intimidating wrought iron gate where Richard said he’d meet them, to make certain it was unlocked–which triggered Judd’s detective sensibility: if the huge and heavy padlock and chain were secured even during daylight, how did business people and residents get in and out?

Richard had also told him he could leave his car outside the gate, “it will be safe”–(safer than inside it? Judd wondered); and as Richard appeared, Judd parked and locked it on faith, and he and his wife entered, the three of them making small talk.

Lorelie remaind quiet as Richard began describing the community’s layout, and various buildings which had received make-overs since he’d chosen to reside there, after his nightmarish initial experiences.

“Visitors’ morbid curiosity leads them to ask to see two spots immediately”, Richard said with dry amusement: ‘The Victorian’–an exaggeratedly described ‘hotel’ with only 4 guest rooms where I stayed, thinking it a quiet place to write my novel; and this”–he gestured to the inviting book store.

Judd felt like he was on the set of a movie–“Carrie” came to mind, as he recalled Lorelei’s early mention (from reading Richard’s biography) of the fortune teller’s shop catching fire and killing her…on this piece of salvaged property where they stood, silent–as though listening for her guileful ghost shuffling tarot cards.

~ Cale

(to be continued, obviously😉)