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| It was a long night in the prairie, and the temperature lingered at an all-time high. The grass stayed still, and no movement could be found. One little fox just couldn't sleep. She ventured out of the den to end up face-to-face with a bird so big it looked as if it could carry her away. With a bald neck and face with skin flapping down, it turned its attention toward her. "Well, well. Look at what we have here. Food in the middle of the night. This heat is steaming me up, though," the bird cawed in a way of laughter. "I'm Zayla, and I think I know what to do to bring the Western wind to this prairie. Will you help me?" Zayla wondered what the bird was thinking. "If you can bring the Western wind out, I'll be in your debt. What do you need in order for that to happen?" "I need four different cubs. One of yours, one raccoon, one owl, and one prairie dog. Please find them and bring them to me. I can't sleep in all of this heat." "Your wish is my command. I can't see in the dark, but I can smell. I will find them." "Don't eat us, please." So the bird flew off without another thought. Zayla watched as he left into the sky. Now she needed tools. Without the proper tools the magic just didn't work. Off she went until she found a circle of magical mushrooms. Smiling, she went close and marked the spot. Then she went over to a tree with magical maple seeds and started collecting the seeds. A rat distracted her attention for a moment and took a mouthful of seeds away. Growling, she collected them until she reached 35. The rat made an appearance again. "Why do you keep taking them away? I'm going to use it to summon the Western wind," Zayla growled defensively. "Oh, in that case take all you need. Need a guard for them?" The rat perked its ears. "Yes, please." "I can do the job." When they arrived at the mushroom circle, the four pups and the bird were already there. Everyone went to their places. Then Zayla began enchanting. The others followed suit. At first, nothing happened. Then, a breeze came in. Still not enough. They continued some more. Then a gust blew constantly. They stopped and cheered. Now the prairie felt cooler even though it was the hottest night of all time. The bird returned everyone back to their homes and Zayla fell fast asleep. Word Count: 429 Activity: "The Bradbury"  |
| Smoke filled the air. I smiled in delight. For all the years I served Pakistan, this was the best celebration yet. It was the middle of August and I was beading with sweat. The smoke bombs, as I called them, were just the beginning. The clouds looked dark and ominous against the blue sky. I had seen green sky too. "It's going to rain. We did most of the daylight fireworks—time to go inside for tea and sweets. Bring the fireworks in. You get the first choice. You're a veteran." My mom rubbed her hijab in a way to cover her hair. I picked up the fireworks and brought them inside. Behind me, rain started pouring. I sighed. If it didn't stop raining and clear up by Magrib, then they wouldn't be able to celebrate at night. I looked at all of the journals and medals I collected over the years—time to start a book about serving Pakistan. I smiled at my accomplishments. "Dad, it won't stop raining," a grandchild of mine spoke up. "It never lasts long. Come and enjoy sweets." My mom was busy putting pans on the stove and chopping up vegetables. She asked for help only to set the table. Things I knew how to do. I didn't know anything about cooking. That was more for the ladies. I knew the fields. Delicious food grew here. "Magrib time. Isaac, will you lead us into prayer?" My son asked. "Of course. I will." I felt delighted by the honor. After Magrib prayer, we checked the weather. Still raining. Slowly, the rain subsided and the sky cleared, revealing stars and the moon in the night sky. In the distance, we could hear and see fireworks in the air. Now we could continue celebrating. We started with fountains. Word Count: 300 Activity: "Honoring Our Veterans - Challenge" "The Bradbury" |
| The red and orange flames flickered in the breeze as more wood got added to it. The campfire was in full swing. The sky was filled with glitter in the otherwise darkness. Nearby was the lake where they spent fishing during the day. Farther away was the cabin where they stayed. They were out for one thing: S'mores under the beautiful moonlit sky. They were both a friend of each other. "How would you like to have another?" Jessica asked. "I would love to make another. They are so good." Kible munched his last bite and swallowed. "You know, I have been thinking of going out with someone. Someone special." "That's great! Who?" "Meglo. He's real sweet deep down." "I'm not sure about him. He seems shady." Suddenly Jessica's hand slipped and landed on Kible's chest. Kible chomped down on his last bite and caught her with his two muscular arms. Slowly, he let her fall on him. "Are you okay?" "Yes, I am." Their lips brushed each other as she struggled to get back into her side. Then they looked at each other silently. Was it just her imagination? "Maybe we should be more than just friends. That felt good. I'm going for the wrong person and you are single too." She played with her hair, reliving that moment. "You're right. We known each other for a long time. We graduated together. Why not me?" "Yes. Meglo can find someone else." Prompt: Campfire, S'mores, Cabin, Lake, Friend Word Count: 242 Activity: "The Weekly Quickie Contest" and Bradbury |
| My teeth chattered. It had been a long journey. The more I rode on the back of the dragon, the colder it got. I'm sure this was the right thing to do. Hiring someone was too expensive to do. Riding on the back of a dragon was the cheapest option. They fly quickly too. I reached for the side of my backpack. Good. The passport was still there. My husband was fast asleep when I left. It was all according to plan. I passed the checkpoint at Canadian border with ease. Snow in the middle of summer. The North had its disadvantages. The only cure for our daughter was located up in Alaska. I had the prescription in my backpack. I was sure he would hate me for it, but I must go on. If I didn't do it, she would die. The cold bit into my skin. How much further are we? All I saw were trees and towns below. The other people seemed to be enjoying themselves. I wasn't enjoying the cold wind that passed through around me. Then we reached the border of Alaska and slowed down to a hover. The officials marked our passports before letting us continue. Finally, I reached my destination. Instead of grabbing a bite to eat, I went to the only Pharmacy that held the cure. I felt stiff all over. Frozen. Snow started coming down. I had to hurry. I found the Pharmacy among the store. "Please, here is the prescription. How long will it take?" I asked. "One hour. Please sit and wait. Have some coffee- is that your stomach growling?" Taisy, the Pharmacist, replied. "Yes, I haven't eaten for hours and am cold," I said, looking down. "There is a station giving away free meals four blocks from here. Straight ahead, walking distance. Go warm up." "Thank you." I headed in the direction she said and sure enough there was a station offering free meals. I took my share and ate it. Then I looked at my watch. Two hours! I hurried back to the Pharmacy and got the medicine. One hour before departure and I got what I came for. I rushed to the takeoff center and made it to the dragon just in time. This one was gold in color with striking, feathery wings. I sneezed. The snowstorm grew worse. Flight delayed. Now what are my options? Shivers crawled up and down my spine. I couldn't stand the cold. Then came a break in the storm and all dragons flew at once. Evening and my phone was out of range. The flight back went smoothly. I rushed to my daughter's side. Sure enough, my husband was boiling. It didn't matter though. I took out the cure and gave it to my daughter. Then she passed out. Everything went still. Tears rolled down my face. It was too late. The stillness ate me up. Suddenly, a response showed and she woke up. Now I cried tears of joy. I had made it after all! Prompt: I was sure he would hate me for it, but I must go on. If I didn't do it... Word Count: 510 Contest and Activity: "Starting Stories" Bradbury |
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