These stories are all based on prompts people give me. If you’d like to play along, I invite you to send me your prompt ideas by using the comments box below or emailing me at ScottyCornfieldWriter@gmail.com
When I draw a prompt from my inventory, I never know how the process will work. Some days, I have no idea what I’ll do with the prompt and there’s a definite struggle as I brainstorm a variety of ideas before I land on something. Other times, the idea hits me in an instant, and I’m speed-talking into my voice memo app as I walk Scooter (my pandemic puppy) during our morning writing session. This one was one of those lightning strikes. Hope you enjoy it.
ANOTHER FAMILY TEACHABLE MOMENT
“Ever notice how Mom doesn’t like to say ‘no’ to us?” Jamie asked her brother, Stan.
“Yep. Instead of no, she’ll say ‘maybe’ or something like that.”
“Hey, Mom,” Jamie said as she entered the kitchen. “Can we go to the waterpark today?”
“We’ll see.”
“So that’s a ‘no.’”
“I didn’t say that.”
“You pretty much did.”
“Not true at all. I’m saying it’s a possibility—if you get your other stuff done first.”
“What other stuff?”
“Cleaning your room…doing your homework. Can you do all that first?”
“Stranger things have happened.”
“Are you trying to be annoying?”
“It’s conceivable.”
Prompt: Perhaps