The Carrot Ranch Challenge:
In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story inspired by “Dishes”.
Click here to hear the author read his words:
Smithereens
Guess who?
The soapy plate slips from my fingers.
She looks older, exhausted.
She is wearing a man’s coat and work-boots.
I need clothes and money, she says, heading for our bedroom.
The coat falls, and she’s naked.
She’s small, skinny now, brutally bruised.
They let you go?
She scowls scornfully.
Did you hurt anyone?
Only when deserved…
She dresses quickly, in dark, practical clothes.
Quaking with fear, I give her all the money I have.
She punches me in the mouth, hard.
Payback, she says, or an alibi.
I-I didn’t …
But she’s gone.
Back to the Resistance.
Sound Bite Fiction 
Payback, or an alibi… Gotta keep ’em guessing.
Nice one!
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Yes! So good!
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Yes! Thanks, Bridgette!
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Vive la Résistance! Is it karma or payback that’s a bitch?
Love the music choice!
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I think it’s a punch in the mouth that’s a real bitch, Nancy!
Ah the music, one of the all-time great movie scenes…
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You’re so right, C.E., about the punch and the movie scene! 🎥
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Alo, allo, what’s going on here then? Grit, nudity, spying, violence. I’d get the vapours if I wasn’t so impressed. Good ‘un, CE.
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Laughing.
The thought of you with the vapours, Doug!
Thanks, I know it was pretty terse, so I’m glad it worked for you.
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Waddya mean? I’m a very sensitive person beneath my wokeness. 😉
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Good thing she doesn’t hold a grudge…there might’ve been more damage than a broken plate and a punch in the kisser.
That’s one tough soldier of the people!
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Sometimes a gal’s gotta do, Liz!
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Ooh, great use of the music to complement the story in this one.
I’m ready to march out myself and join the Resistance!
So much conveyed in the story by what is not said – that’s an art in itself.
It’s a great piece.
(And I know where you got the music from 🙂 )
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Thanks, Jenne.
Here’s looking at you, kid…
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