Category Archives: 1. 100 Word Challenge for Grown Ups #100WCGU

Legend tells the people The Great Beast had ruled since the beginning of time. The Beast was the keeper of darkness, the one who stole sunlight from the sky.

Legend also taught the coming of The Star Child would return The Light, “He who is so chosen will defeat The Great Beast.”

When of age, The Star Child ascended into heaven. The sun streamed through and sunlight returned paving way for all to reach The Light.

In The Great Beast’s world, dad called out, “Turn that light off. We’ll have moths everywhere.”

For the people, darkness returned as they awaited the next star child.

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Vera knew her husband could at times be forgetful. She worried he might forget their silver wedding anniversary. Silver often found its way into conversations.

“Jared, have you noticed how my hair has turned silver over the years we’ve been married? Do you remember we first met on the Queen’s Silver Jubilee?”

She only hoped he took the hint and was pleased when, on the day, he handed her a box, “This is gold. It’s our silver anniversary.”

Jared smiled as he kissed her, “Silver is second place at the Olympics. My love for you has always only been first.”

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Mila was proud of her latest litter. Six puppies would mean hard work but she was experienced in puppy raising.

As Mila watched her puppies at play, one caught her attention, “Hani, tail chasing did not help. You won’t catch it.”

Hani stopped his chasing, “Mumma, it’s not the chasing. If we aren’t willing to try the impossible, we don’t grow.”

Mila, looking to her other puppies, heard a muffled call, “Mumma!”

Turning, she realised Hani was destined for greatness. He sat with tail in mouth.

In time, Hani grew into a rescue dog renowned for his bravery and willingness to go where others wouldn’t.

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Leaves gently drifting, their russet and golden colours lending contrast to the dullness of an autumnal day. Life passes before me and I see the beauty of children at play, the presence of young lovers, elderly couples enjoying their own company, the joyous laughter and the feel of a cooling, gentle breeze.

My life has been short compared to many yet I had been born, had grown to the fullness of youth and am now fading, assured, in time, others will take my place.

My final destiny has been reached. I am the leaf and it’s my time to fall.

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Known to mortals as The Ancients, they guarded the Earth. As the world turned, they controlled the elements and were the givers of law. This was the faith of the people.

Steven Cargo’s curiosity drove him on as he made his pilgrimage. Days passed until he faced the final climb.

He asked The Ancients the eternal questions, “Why am I here? Is this all there is?”

He awaited an answer never to come. From above, a great object descended crushing The Ancients beneath.

How could this be? For S. Cargo, this was the fate of many of his kind but surely not The Ancients.

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Dark and cold, the cabin offered shelter from the growing storm my small tent couldn’t.  It was now spring but a cold front had returned a touch of winter.

Fumbling in my backpack, I found a candle and some matches. At least I would have light. Flickering dimly, the candlelight caste shadows around the old cabin. I imagined the lives of those who had once called the cabin home, the shadows their spirits lingering.

Sleep.

I woke with a start, the candle almost gone but there was still enough light to see a presence before it faded.

A sound, perhaps a whisper, “Welcome to my home.”

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“…whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” I remember this favourite quote of scripture teachers in classes when one of us dared transgress what they thought forbidden. They taught us our future grows from the seeds we sow.

I look back on the seeds of knowledge and understanding I’ve sown in many years of teaching. Many have grown strong in the lives of children now adult. From those seeds, new generations have been sown.

The future will reap the benefits in ways I can’t know. My only hope is strong plants will grow free from weeds of indifference.

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“Listen, can you hear that?”

I listened intently but heard nothing, “There’s no sound. You’re imagining it.”

“Listen!”

He insisted but older ears don’t hear as well as the young.  Faintly, I thought I heard the noise bothering him but where did the noise come from?

It was only after an intense search I realised the source of the sound.  I turned the switch to off.

“It’s gone!” he yelled but I didn’t hear him.

At a frequency too high for my ears, I’d never noticed the high pitch tone coming from my hearing aid when the battery ran low.

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I remembered the school’s Easter Hat Parade. The excited children had murmured, giggled and chatted yet there was one who was alone in the crowd.

I’d caught his eyes as he read my lips, “I love you.”

The beauty of his smile could melt hearts yet his world had been without sound since birth. He’d never heard my voice, music or the laughter of friends.

The doctor brought my attention back to now, “Ready?”

She adjusted some settings and then nodded to me.

“David?”

He dropped the toy in his hands and turned. His smile was magnificent.

Haltingly,  “Mumma, poppa?”

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My friend had promised me an experience of a lifetime. He was a keen hot air ballooner back on Earth but I didn’t know it was possible on this colony so far from home.

It was dusk when I arrived, surprised by the shape of the balloon. He’d explained he wasn’t permitted to bring a balloon but, packing one in the freight, he’d listed it as extra underwear and was surprised no questions were asked.

Skydrifters were rising aloft amongst the clouds. It was the night of their annual mating, the iridescent glow of millions lighting the darkened sky.

This is the prompt photo from the 100WCGU site.

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