When the rains passed, and evening was well on its way (though the sun still burned white-hot in the firmament), Little Blue lifted her head from under the scrap of newsprint and sighed.
Continue readingA Fairy Tale
Unicorn Challenge
Frau Holle 2025
© Ayr/Gray
It’s an inside job for sure.
I gaze out at the fat, fresh snow falling, fairy voices singing with bell-like giggles as winds gust and tumble them into one another. Not yet time for Spring cleaning. It’s only February. Yet an urgent inner tug tells me to create something to meet the pure snowfall half way. Continue reading
Hobbies
© Ayr/Gray
Justin sniffed the icy air, noting a trace of seaweed amongst the familiar salt. A stiff breeze from the north was clearing out the clouds. With it, the temperatures dropped. Huddling deeper into his duffle coat, he wished he’d worn a hat. But Clara loved to run her fingers though his dark curls, and laughing, call him “Pony Boy.” Better to face a little chill as they hiked the pebbled shore, away from the hotel and toward her childhood cottage; he knew so little about her, but was almost sure she was The One. Continue reading
Bells
© Ayr/Gray
Many thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr for their photo prompt for THE UNICORN CHALLENGE (01/10/2025). No more than 250 words in length.
“I’m not so sure about this.” Maisie, hands in sweatshirt pockets, looked sidewise at Ted. “Why are we doing this again?”
“Because it’s what we’ve always done.” Ted’s hands were calloused from many years of woodworking, and his strong, blunt fingers rasped across his unshaven jaw. He’d gladly traded his family business’ corporate ID for the scent of fresh wood and aromatic finishers. But the family’s silent disapproval of his choice still smarted. Continue reading
New Life, New Love
© Ayr/Gray
Many thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr for their photo prompt, THE UNICORN CHALLENGE. 12/13/2024). No more than 250 words in length.
What to have? Continue reading
Haunted or Hunted?
© Ayr/Gray
“I’m telling you, I’m not going to their cottage for the weekend!”
“Whyever not?” Perplexed I was, that once again, he was refusing. “It’s not like we’re going for the fox hunt. Haven’t done that for years!” Continue reading
Midnight Magic
© Ayr/Gray
Many thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr for their photo prompt, THE UNICORN CHALLENGE. (11//22/24). No more than 250 words in length.
“You’re sure this is the place?” Annette’s skepticism dripped thick as winter molasses on Remy’s spirit. Hunching his shoulders deeper into his Tennessee logger’s shirt, he regretted again suggesting it to the freshman Literature major. Continue reading
Valley of the Trolls 