Weekend Writing Prompt #419 – Delicacy
Joe thought it was only a dream, or a nightmare if you were his friend Jack. Jack had been unpleasantly rude in the last month after taking Joe’s girlfriend, Frannie. Of course it was partly Joe’s fault since he had been inattentive in the last months, and Jack took advantage. As the night went on, Joe couldn’t sleep and sat up quickly as three specters seemed to grow nearer until Joe could actually feel their presence in his bedroom.
“You seem to be having a problem”…the first one said, “an unpleasant disagreement”…the middle one added, “we have a solution…the last one murmured. Joe’s eyes were as wide as they could be and he started shivering, as the specters were icy cold and came nearer. “Your friend seems to have absconded with your lover…we can fix that…in fact it’s our very reason to exist”. Joe was scared, but foolishly interested.
The three phantoms were evil, but Joe realized none of that, he just wanted Frannie back. “What will I have to do, what will you do?”
“Just sign here”…the first one said, and whipped out a wrinkled paper from behind him. Joe wanted the paper but couldn’t reach it. “It must be signed in blood”the second specter added, and the third one murmured, “of course”. Joe scooted back on the bed, more frightened than ever. The specters started to fade. “Of course it is your choice…” the three stated in unison.
Joe thought this was just a dream, and didn’t stop them, at first. Then he thought of Frannie, and how he had neglected her, and missed her. “Okay, okay, don’t go!”
Suddenly a small dagger appeared in his hand. He used it to cut his hand and signed the paper. Just as they came, appearing from nowhere, the ghostlike presence disappeared. Joe fell back to sleep and woke the next morning, remembering nothing of the three who came the night before. He noticed a cut in his hand but it was almost healed, but he couldn’t remember cutting it.
Having coffee and relaxing on this day, Joe felt inordinately happy, not knowing why. He opened his phone to the local headlines to see his friend Jack had been murdered. Joe was shocked! How could this happen? Jack was such a great guy and good friend. Further on in the report it was stated it was a burglary gone wrong. Three men broke in…suddenly Joe was aware of last night’s happenings. He felt so guilty he could not face Fannie. However Fannie was now seeking Joe to comfort him. The relationship she had with Jack never existed in her mind. Joe loved Fannie, but eventually his guilt took over and he left her.
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https://lindaghill.com/2025/06/06/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-7-2025/
SoCS 6-27-20 – PC?
The prompt this week is coffee, tea, or me. I wrote a post ages ago using this phrase which is old, dated, probably looked at as sexist these days, but it was meant as a joke, by me. Most of the 60s jokes, comedy routines, etc are no longer considered funny. Henny Youngman’s ” take my wife, please”, for example–I’ve used references to these old jokes in my posts but maybe I have offended someone by doing so. We had Bill Cosby albums and our family in the 70s laughed out loud at them, and used some tag lines from them. No one has ever said they were offended. We never thought to look at the person who was telling those jokes. It was entertainment about family life. The cleanest comedian I always find funny is Sinbad, but he probably is curbing his routines in light of recent events. Comedians like Rodney Dangerfield probably wouldn’t survive today. I still look at some of his work and think it’s hilarious. George Carlin offended everyone and anyone, seen as radical, but he would be popular today. Seinfeld’s “not that there’s anything wrong with that” is used in our family still and we apply it in all types of ways. I watched Chris Rock’s “bad apples” routine which was done in 2017 after a horrible event, and it is now resurrected. I love comedy but when should it be no longer just sarcasm and who, if anyone, does it hurt? Old protest songs are making a comeback and it seems like anything you write or say can be turned or twisted to be offensive. Many times I write something, pick an old song video, etc, and think, is this going to bother someone? Well you can tell me if it does, I’ll listen, but you can always delete, like this post for example😉. https://lindaghill.com/2020/06/26/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-27-2020/#like-14609
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https://mymindmappings.com/2025/06/06/fandangos-flashback-friday-june-6th/
I guess I will punt with this prompt as I’m waiting at the doctor’s office in line for getting blood tests done. My daughter is away and will be back to pick me up. Exciting news that her daughter who just graduated, is being interviewed and has a photo shoot for the athlete of the year today. This is one of a few interviews and videos that my granddaughter has had. She of course is shy about it but we are so very proud of her. The work she has put in in basketball and soccer deserves this. So I will brag about her and post pictures ☺️
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https://lindaghill.com/2025/06/06/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-7-2025/
The floor was so slick I thought my suitcase was going to roll down the hall without me. Other than that, I like the look of the new modern train. It’s only going to be a short trip and it’s going to be fast, but I can’t wait to see my family. I’ve been away for six months and that is way too long to be by myself. I say by myself, but of course I never did have a minute to myself. My book is selling like hotcakes and now they want to make a movie from it.
***
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Still the hidden specter
Still that familiar voice
Still those friendly feelings
Or should I rejoice?
I find your presence upsetting
Why after years, you’re here
I feel you next to me
It causes me a fear
Time passing is reminding
Is it when I join you, finding
My loss of love and companion
Please still your presence
Oh spirit of my mind
Or are you being kind?
Still all that you remind.
***
W3 Prompt #162: Wea’ve Written Weekly
Joe awkwardly hesitating, offered a biscuit to Sylvia’s pet, a huge Great Dane. Suddenly the dog pressed his huge body gently on Joe’s leg, as a gesture of thanks and affection. Joe’s reaction was a shiver of fear, but a glance from Sylvia assured him that the dog was friendly. The small silent prayer Joe muttered was not heard by any.
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Pick 3 #7
My impulsive nature shown in a black evening gown
My quiet, subtle reputation already renown
The widened eyes of many guests saw my dress’s plaiting
And I found their surprise was intoxicating
My usual shyness in a summer flowered dress
Was undone, I shocked them when the black folds covered less
All in all I think my husband was impressed
And that night, I was pleased, as he seemed obsessed.
***
Moonwashed Weekly Prompt – June 3, 2025
Some small stuff I worry about is: Is my house clean enough or do I need to dust again? ( I live in a dry dust filled climate). Is my eye makeup leaving rings under my eyes? Is it too much or not enough? Is my hair, general appearance okay? Are my friends really okay with what I choose to say in political discussions (I live in red WY). These are some things I worry about but really, it’s all very personal to reveal here😀😵💫
This Week’s Writer’s Workshop Prompts – May 29, 2025
The Bag Lady 
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