Category: Fiction

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😉)

Let Worries Float Away (6SS)

March 12, 2026

Oh yes, it’s that time again–more 6-sentence stories rolling in from all parts: east & west, north & south!  Get ’em while they’re hot!  Every week our hostess with the mostest, Denise, serves up a fine prompt word, and away we go…frantically carving a story which is only allowed 6 sentences (thus, many of us are grateful for the grace of St Denise…if our sentences “run-on” long, she doesn’t use a red pencil to discipline us).

Here’s the link for info, and to meet the crowd of talented writers–just do it–you, too, can write 6 sentences!  The prompt this week is FLOAT!

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/03/11/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-62/

~♥~

“I’m thinking of changing my name,” Lorelei said, refilling Judd’s coffee cup–he looked at her, wondering what could possibly come next; she smiled like the Cheshire cat and he asked innocently, “first or last”—which made her giggle, “first, silly–remember that guy who sat next to me in English class, never really talked to me, but called me ‘Zelda’–I like the sound…like Zelda Fitzgerald.”

Judd aligned his thoughts carefully; he vaguely recalled the story about her classmate (whom he would never have met, as he was 20 yrs their senior)–a lad naturally smitten with her, but oddly reticent.

“Love, Zelda Fitzgerald was a very unhappy woman–not a good name–Lorelei is the one dearest to my heart, keep it”; a last swallow of coffee, and he stood–“I’ll be back soon, just a couple errands”; he kissed her twice and was out the door before she could request his itinerary.

~~~~~

Richard greeted him warmly at the church office door–“hey, Judd–what brings you to church on a weekday?”–and nodded when Judd asked if he had time to talk.

Judd sat in the offered chair, rubbed the furrows from his brow and began telling the pastor some of his and Lorelei’s history, followed by their recent drive to the entrance of Birchwick Cliff–the warning signs, his concerns about the town’s backstory, Lorelei’s vulnerabilities and fascination with Richard’s experiences; when he paused, sighing, Richard leaned forward to speak:  “Judd, the sensationalism surrounding the town is foolishness and inaccurate–there was no cult behind the misfortunes I wrote about; people who lived there, and others, got caught up in their own suspicions and fears–it can happen in any small town.

“Now, let me float a solution past you: I’d be happy to give you and Lorelei a personal tour, and answer any questions–I’m an open book; there are no ghosts, nor inherent evils–and I’ll check out those signs at the gate…they must be left over from last Halloween’s festivities–if your schedule’s fairly open we can set a date, and lunch is on me.”

~ Cale

“Further On”…

March 11, 2026

I don’t usually do movie reviews, and I’m not a big Bill Murray fan–but this one, “St Vincent” (2014, rated PG) is so good that I’ve watched it repeatedly.  Why?  Because the actor who plays “Oliver” (an “old soul”)–his debut role–absolutely carries, and makes this film fabulous.

Bill plays the curmudgeon, “Vin”, extremely well–so the contrast between Vin and young Oliver is striking, to say the least.  The movie is rough around the edges…but if you stay with it till the end, it’s sure to melt your heart because there’s a message for all of us in it. 

“Saints are human beings”–perhaps when we show respect and love to humans who are unlikeable, we’ll have a positive impact on them…and thus they may become saints, after a fashion.

There’s the gamut of emotions on display in this film–and the music is familiar to most of us.  I particularly like the song, “Further On” (which was new to me)–so I offer it here with scenes from the film, and also the radio/lyric version in case you’re interested.  Hope you enjoy!

~ Cale

St. Vincent is a 2014 American comedy drama film written, directed, and co-produced by Theodore Melfi.[4] The film stars Bill Murray as the title character and it features Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, Chris O’Dowd, Terrence Howard, and Jaeden Lieberher in his film debut.

 

Grief

March 10, 2026

Grief is for the strong, who use it as fuel for burning.

Lauren Groff, “Fates and Furies”

Lauren Groff is an American novelist and short story writer. She has written five novels and two short story collections, including Delicate Edible Birds, Fates and Furies, Matrix, The Vaster Wilds, and Brawler. She was named one of the 100 most influential people by TIME in 2024. Wikipedia

“The Weight of Water”*

March 9, 2026

Sometimes I think that if it were possible to tell a story often enough to make the hurt ease up, to make the words slide down my arms and away from me like water, I would tell that story a thousand times.

Anita Shreve, from her book–*The Weight of Water

Of all the fiction I’ve read in over 60 years, this line is so personal that I wish I’d writen it. ~ Cale