A River Runs Through It #99wordstories

Posted on Feb 11, 2022 by TanGental

This week’s #99wordstories prompt from the Carrot Ranch is

February 7, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes anxiety. Who has anxiety or what is the source? Is there conflict? How can you use anxiety to further a story? Go where the prompt leads!

Anxiety reigns in Little Tittweaking around now. If the River Tweak hasn’t begun to flow by St Poon’s Day, much wailing and gnashing ensue; if the first dribble is declared by the designated elder before the saint’s day, fecundity is guaranteed. Since the elder is always chosen from the regulars of the Compost and Rot, by the time moisture is detected, said elder is usually face down in the mud, babbling incoherently. Consequently, the anxiety grows which explains why this day is known locally as Ground Bog Day and, in recent years has coincided with an early Valium harvest.

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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27 Responses to A River Runs Through It #99wordstories

  1. Erika says:
    Feb 11, 2022 at 12:58 pm

    Now we know the real origin of Groundhog Day☝️

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Peter's pondering says:
    Feb 11, 2022 at 2:13 pm

    I shall not worry about that then!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. noelleg44 says:
    Feb 11, 2022 at 2:35 pm

    Chuckles and chuckles!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. John W. Howell says:
    Feb 11, 2022 at 3:31 pm

    Thanks for the laugh.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. prejila says:
    Feb 11, 2022 at 4:06 pm

    That’s nice

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Norah says:
    Feb 13, 2022 at 11:26 am

    You crack me up, Geoff. So funny!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. robertawrites235681907 says:
    Feb 14, 2022 at 6:01 am

    Haha, I can just picture him facedown in the mud.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Charli Mills says:
    Feb 16, 2022 at 3:38 am

    Those who measure wind chill are smokers outside on a break. Apparently, those who measure spring runoff are drinkers examining the mud. I love this special place with its quirky population.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Pingback: Anxiety Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

  11. Colleen M. Chesebro says:
    Feb 16, 2022 at 5:10 pm

    So that’s how Ground Bog day started. LOL! Great characters as usual, Geoff! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Doug Jacquier says:
    Feb 16, 2022 at 7:56 pm

    I think I live in that village, at least in my head. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

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