The Bag Lady

“Take the gun.”

Marie looked at her husband and reluctantly took the pistol.

“If they break through–shoot, no hesitating. I know you won’t want to, but if they get by me, I won’t be able to help you.”

Joe left the room, shutting the door behind him. Marie heard gushes and squeals and screams. She steadied her hand on the trigger. It was fully loaded, Joe had seen to that, but she’d never actually shot this gun before.

The door flew open. Marie did not hesitate, pulled the trigger again and again until the gun was empty. The attackers were taken aback, not expecting her strong resistance. However, the bedroom was now completely soaked, along with the clothing of Marie, her husband and their sons. The little ones ran to the bathroom to reload.

Fourth of July water fun had begun.

https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/first-line-friday-july-5th-2019/

A post from last year:

Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction 7-5-18

ON JULY 7, 2018 BY RUGBY843

IN UNCATEGORIZED

He always admired her from the back.

It wasn’t for anything frontal she lacked

It was more of a preference

His need to see

Her back, almost obscenely

It was ages ago when men were less bold

Didn’t tell of their likes in days of old

At least by a gentleman in a lady’s presence

He was happy to enjoy the resonance

Through his being, quietly

Until she felt it but with piety

She’d purposely turn her back

Letting him observe was her tack

The long curvature in a buttoned line

Traveling down her curves showing that beautiful spine

***

http://fivedotoh.com/2019/07/05/fandangos-friday-flashback-july-5/

They kept watch all morning but never saw the being. They nervously glanced back and forth between them. Expecting a horrid creature to appear any minute, they held their ground. Only three dared come from the village and the boys felt strong and brave.

Later, the boys were hungry, pulled out their pack that held a small provision, all the while keeping one eye on the bridge. Being boys aged ten, keeping their attention on one thing for more than an hour was daunting and soon fell weary of their task. Deciding to return another day to keep the protection vigil, they walked back through the trees.

A massive burly man who seemed more than a bit frightening suddenly stepped into their path. He had a wild look about him and the boys thought this might be the creature they were seeking. “What are you boys doing out here? Are you lost?” The small ones started mumbling their reply and that is when a huge hairy arm descended upon Jack’s shoulder.

The day had been long with fearful thoughts and Jack fell back, almost fainting. The intrepid team cowered and enormous laughter sprung from the creature. “I see you’ve heard the stories about me”, he continued and helped Jack to his feet. “I’m no fairytale, I’m a lumberjack! I choose only a few special trees for my company. They are very particular. That is why I’m here, searching. I eat my lunch under the bridge every day.”

” You’re not the ogre we’ve been told about?”

“Certainly not,” laughing again. “Now let me see you out of here safely.”

***

Thursday photo prompt: Span #writephoto

Pixabay

***

We should be celebrating

It is the Fourth

A remembrance of why we are all here in the first place

And yet after all these years

We’re still fighting, swimming against

Each other and the world around us

One big aquarium that needs to be cleaned and refreshed.

FOWC with Fandango — Aquarium

A time to celebrate

With your special mate

Fireworks in dark skies

Everyone just feasts their eyes

Colors bright and loud will burst

Barbecues, beer for your thirst.

***

Dogs are howling, hate the noise

While children enjoy all the toys

Neon bracelets, necklaces too

In yellow green and bright blue

Glow in the dark, quite a treat

While soccer balls keep their feet

Busy waiting for the show

When the sky is all aglow.

***

Come share my fun, I have these sparklers

I also have some popping cracklers

Fourth of July, time for fun

Come you all or just one!

***

100 words

https://only100words.xyz/2019/07/04/three-line-tales-week-179/

Let me just say this is a very mild rant…

I have not been sleeping. That is a warning right there, feel free to delete anytime. I was woken from my five-am-finally-got-to-sleep respite at six by a sales call. It went downhill from there with a couple of perks.

My daughter called this afternoon telling me I have unclaimed money from the state of Texas. After trying access to the site on my phone, switched to the iPad for easier hunting. Turns out I have a couple and followed up by phone. Then I received emails with PDFs to print and return. No luck.

It seems when they fixed my WiFi and changed the address, my printer no longer recognizes my AirPrint program. This is a great program, btw, as long as you set it up correctly. Of course the printer options only give me a partial on the address and just a keyboard with letters. That’s not what I need. Every time I tried again, it timed out.

I finally looked online and as usual, Apple sends you four hundred places and no real answers. I called Canon, my printer manufacturer, and a cheery voice answered, then I was put on hold for ten minutes. Hearing nothing on the other end I hung up, dialed again. This time I could hear something like – I mean this – radio waves on the other end! So I waited again, for 13 minutes. Then I hung up and ordered a pizza.

Some days you need it.

Tomorrow I’ll try again.

***

https://rugby843.blog

Summer fruits so sweet

I shall taste them from your lips

Drink in their beauty

https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2019/07/03/heeding-haiku-with-chevrefeuille-july-3rd-2019-summer-love/

Since today would have been my 53rd wedding anniversary, I offer this:

One-Liner Wednesday – First thing that comes to mind

Looking in the mirror

Paused at my reflection

When did this happen

All this imperfection

The years have not been good to me

I think I need a doctor

A little tuck, a little lift, that is all I need

Up with the eyebrows, slice the double chin

Did someone mention turkey neck

You can see what trouble I’m in

All the bright young ingenues

Beautiful, each and every one

They’ll have their chance as I’ve had mine

And their time, too will march on.

***

https://fivedotoh.com/category/flash-fiction-challenge/