Writing Prompt

He quickly shushed Anna. “Did you hear that?” Carl normally acted superstitious. He was a little too wary around phones, world knows why. Maybe it was the grumbling about “too much technology”. Unfortunately for him there were many phones in the world.

He wasn’t crazy, he was just a little more lost than he was 50 years ago. He really was a dear, giving hugs and rubbing his glasses fondly. He forgot what he had for breakfast but he remembered my birthday a couple weeks ago. He normally forgets the date and yet, today, September 28, he stares at the wall.

“Married me wife years ago today,” Carl said this morning. His face was wistful, or maybe Anna mistook it for grief. She took his gnarled hand and squeezed slightly.

He turned to her but stopped. His eyes darted and he squinted. “You hearing this?”

“No. What’s it sound like?”

“Sounds like a newborn. Prepared to wreak havoc, that one.” Carl mumbled then cringed. “I’m old but I know me gut. This one… aye, she’s got pipes.”

Anna smiled curiously. She felt gateful and a touch humored. Carl managed to sense a newborn’s cry in the world but not a doorbell. Her days with these seniors were erratic but they had such stories and lives and tidbits about themselves to tell. They taught her that every story is compiled into a big memory book and to utter it is meaningful.

In the small town of Conyers, Georgia, on a stormy June 25th in 1997, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. Dark clouds loomed overhead, threatening to unleash a torrential downpour upon the town. The townsfolk hurried about their daily routines, seeking shelter from the impending heavy rain.

Meanwhile, in a cozy little house nestled on the outskirts of town, a young couple eagerly awaited the arrival of their first child. The expectant mother, Sarah, was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness as she prepared for the life-changing event that was about to unfold.

As the rain began to fall, Sarah’s contractions grew stronger, and her husband, David, rushed to gather their belongings. They made their way to the local hospital, navigating through rain-soaked streets and the occasional flash of lightning that illuminated the night sky.

Inside the hospital, the atmosphere was bustling with activity. The sound of rain pattering against the windows seemed to echo the excitement in the air. Nurses hurriedly prepared the delivery room, while the doctor stood by, ready to guide the young couple through the journey of bringing new life into the world.

As the hours passed, Sarah’s determination and strength shone through. Despite the storm raging outside, she remained focused, drawing strength from the love and support of her husband by her side. David held her hand tightly, offering words of encouragement and reassurance.

Finally, as the clock struck midnight, a cry echoed through the delivery room. Sarah and David exchanged tearful glances as their beautiful baby girl entered the world. The storm outside seemed to pause for a moment, as if in awe of the miracle that had just occurred.

News of the birth quickly spread throughout the hospital, bringing smiles to the faces of doctors, nurses, and staff. Despite the chaos of the storm, a sense of joy and celebration filled the hallways. The heavy rain that had once seemed ominous now symbolized the cleansing of the past and the promise of a new beginning.

Back in Conyers, the rain continued to pour throughout the day, creating a symphony of droplets on rooftops and windowsills. The town seemed to embrace the storm, finding solace in the comforting sound and the knowledge that new life had been brought into their midst.

In the years that followed, the young girl born on that stormy June 25th grew up in Conyers, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family and community. She would come to cherish the story of her birth, a tale of resilience, hope, and the power of love in the face of adversity.

And so, on that fateful day in Conyers, Georgia, the heavy rain served as a backdrop to the beginning of a beautiful journey. It was a day that would forever hold a special place in the hearts of Sarah, David, and their daughter, as they embraced the challenges and joys that life would bring, knowing that they had weathered the storm together.

November 30, 1995

Heartwarming Acts of Kindness Illuminate the Santa Ana, California Community By Vanessa Mahler

In a world often overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of daily life. The news is filled with violent crimes and horrific things happening in this city, this story is not like that. It’s the small act of kindness that has the power to bring the community together and illuminate the spirit of humility. These heartwarming stories emerging in our community showcase the compassion that resides in us all.

At Café Cito, a simple “Pay it forward” chain has sparked a wave of positivity in the city. What started with a young man buying coffee and muffin for the elderly woman behind him has turned into a week-long phenomenon that has yet to stop, with countless people participating in this selfless act. The smiles on the faces of those who have received such kindness speak volumes about the joy being kind to one another achieves.

Down the street, a bunch of children have taken it upon themselves to cheer up the elderly who live in all the nursing homes here in Santa Ana. The elderly are all smiles as children give them drawings, sing songs to them, bring them food from home, or give them stuffed animals. Seeing the joy on the faces of the elderly brightens the children’s faces. The kindness shown here speaks volumes about how a smile can brighten someone’s day.

Let’s continue to pay it forward and be kind to each other, continuing this positive wave into next week. How can you pay it forward to someone today?

(Author note: I’ve never written a newspaper article as a story before, please let me know if I did it right or if you have any tips. Def looking for feedback on this. I also used - a real place in Santa Ana, CA. I’m not sure if that’s okay or not).

Mom was frowning. Remembering the words her Dad said. “I thought you were going to be the one.”

Broken bones will mend, but word-wounds They ripple through time, Inflicting pain for a lifetime, Or, in my case, two.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can forever hurt me.

Nestled in Momma’s arms. Just met her. Looking up into those eyes. Feeling warm, but there’s a hint of cold. Love, pain, and distraction. Fractured. Infraction.

Pregnant at sixteen. Handsome boy next door, a journeyman. Wanderer no more.

Working the line, steel mill, on company time. Dad’s not here, yet, but he will be. Throwing baby a smile and a lifeline. Dad’s love? It will last a lifetime.

“You okay, honey?” Nurse says to Momma.

“Yeah” her eyes were sad, and she wore a frown. Mom lays the baby down.

“That boy’s going to make you real proud some day.”

“I guess so,” she says.

it was a small place nothing really to do there was really only space to go grab some food

everyone knew one another “ hell you might have seen my brother. “

it’s place with grace maybe not to you but for the ones born and raised it’s a dream come true.

I need water that moves Not the still placid glass That sits idly on top of a firm green earth But currents that flow through my veins And sources the power of meridians I need water that breathes Absorbing the impressions Of the sentients alive Dancing as it jumps from heart to heart I need water that floods Through and through In my heart, soul and utter being. I need water

Frying potatoes and onions, crisp bacon, and strong coffee, the smells greeted Rev. Maasaki Stanley as he entered Little Al’s Diner. His generous stomach grumbled hello. Ruby gave him a friendly nod and gave his order to chef AJ.

With a newspaper under his arm and humming a jaunty tune, Maasaki headed for his favorite corner booth. He spied Simon Fleming sitting in his seat. The clergyman stood stock still lost in some very unchristian thoughts.

Simon looked up startled. Maasaki realized the local high school science teacher was pale.

“Would you care to join me Pastor? I’ve not been to church since forever but I could use a good listener.”

Simon’s hands shook slightly. The reverend sat down. Ruby came over and set a cup of coffee with light milk and Splenda and a slice of apple pie in front of Maasaki.

“You look like you could use a good breakfast Professor?”

“Just more coffee. Thank you Miss Jensen.”

Ruby and Maasaki traded looks. The waitress walked away.

“What’s bothering you my child?”

Simon grinned at that. Then his face turned troubled. He toyed with his full cup of cold coffee. Patient Maasaki demolished his pie.

“Pastor I’m a man of science and I’ve never believed in things that couldn’t be proved. But this morning I found a book.”

Simon paused when Ruby returned with a fresh cup of coffee and sweet potato pie for Simon and the Apollo breakfast special with orange juice for Maasaki. Simon ate some pie.

“What about this book Professor? What frightens you? I’ve known you all my life. Hell you nearly failed me in Algebra 1 and I’ve never seen you so shaken.”

“It was a B, you drama king. I’m doing renovations at the house. You know I inherited my grandma’s place. We’re opening the place up, updating and redecorating. I broke down a wall in the upstairs and revealed a hidden closet. Inside the closet, I found the dusty book, a notebook from my great Aunt Octavia….”

“Well the closet just got covered up from a past renovation. Not too sinister,” Maasaki said around a mouthful of scrambled eggs.

Ruby was swishing a towel on the four top behind their booth.

“The book was dedicated to me—“

“That’s disconcerting but maybe Simon was a family name or your great aunt had a friend named Simon,” Maasaki said before biting a pancake.

Ruby stopped pretending to clean the table and leaned in to better hear.

“The notebook read: to my sweet grand nephew Simon from your dear departed Great Aunt Tavi, Believe. The rest of the book was filled with descriptions of different events that happened on October 15th around the world after she died. After she died, Pastor. Remember that explosion outside of Shreveport?”

The clergyman pursed his lips. “I think so.”

“Yes, October 2013 fertilizer plant versus ruptured gas main,” Ruby said squeezing into the booth. “Scoot over Maasaki. You know the Bible but I follow nineteen crime, conspiracy, and paranormal podcasts. Did you research every event?”

“The explosion was on October 15th to be exact. My birthday. Each event my great aunt listed was real, a real disaster that occurred on October 15th.”

“Professor could it be an elaborate prank?”

“I opened that door myself. The plaster and lathe were from the 1920s. I swear to God.”

Simon’s hands began to shake. Ruby and Maasaki each took one of his hands.

“You’re going to be okay. We will get through this.”

“That’s just it. The last description is—you know for my 50th birthday we booked a train trip along the eastern coast—The last description just reads: October 15 2023 Philadelphia boom.”

Maasaki gasped and Ruby covered her mouth. Simon looked like he was going to cry. They sat in silence. Ruby stood up.

“I have an idea. First I’m going to get us more pie.”

‘Twas a sunny morning, the sky so blue The birds atop branches, leaves dripping dew. An idyllic scene sure to be followed by a perfect day So blissful and quaint the milieu did not stay.

The birds ceased their merry chirps, the flowers their bonny nods The rivers pounded rocks, the winds wailed to the gods. The spirits and the elements in full-tilt disarray What catastrophe could have caused such dismay?

The sky a sordid grey, the clouds a stormy black Wilted flowers, drooping leaves and in the earth a crack. From within rose an inferno, flames licking away Then a clap of thunder, and the fire doused by spray.

The townspeople so frightened that they were doomed That over their heads a dreadful fate loomed. The horses whined, the wolves howled, and the donkeys brayed For safety and relief, the people, as one, sacrificed and prayed.

The chaos heralded an event like none seen before The rise of a villainous demon, rotten to the core. I was born, in a small white room, not so far away And the people never knew peace again- so my parents say.

A stir awoke the city A blanket of fog covers these hills The mountain shook Where all the animals were killed

Each day I plead insane Picturing the sunshine While singing in the rain A perfect start To a perfect end Life has eaten me alive Never to amend

While I am done picking up the pieces The alarm bells start screaming When will I be done swallowing the leaches? Like a dog that’s tearing you to peices

Chase your tail For what I am I’m spinning in circles Of lightform sun ballrooms I can’t wait to let the storm brew through

Hot summer day Do it my way Early morning arrival My day for survival

Los Angeles, California No more waiting for yah That day a baby came Her life no longer the same

July 10th in the morning I arrived with little warning Tiny little bouncing baby Morning hot and slightly hazy

Many years later no longer there Funny, sad, I no longer care Family went without a fight No more discussion, I took flight

Death is closer now that I’m old Feeling tired no longer bold Just waiting for the clocks to tick So very tired of being sick Tessa🦋