The Door

Sometimes what is in front of the door is more interesting

Prompt by: Microzine: Behind Every Door Challenge #5

Step 1: Using a prompt, write a 6-word story.

The Knock

Knock secret, in order to enter

Step 2: Using the prompt write a different 25-word story.

Expect The Unexpected

Joe lifted the mail slot flap.

“Expect the unexpected,” Jillian had said to him without explanation.

Staring at a fuzzy face he now knew why.

Step 3: Using the prompt write a different 50-word story.

The Knight Of Culpepper

“Who is it?” inquired a weird voice.

“It is I, the Knight of Culpepper, The Voice of Reason, the Deliverer of Regal Tidings,” replied his Royal Highness the Duke of York.

“Go away,” cried out the voice. “We already have one.”

“Wrong address,” he mumbled as he fled next door.

Step 4: Using the prompt write a different 100-word story.

Ivy

“Only a few more feet,” Ivy huffed, stretching as she neared the end of her goal. The daily rain had given Ivy the motivation she needed to complete the journey of a lifetime.

It seemed like it was only yesterday that the journey had begun. While ineffective weather had hampered it at times it was days like today that gave her the final impetus to complete the plan. As her arms moved towards the door she felt satisfaction in blocking off the entry and exit to the building. Ivy now eyed the windows so there would be no surprise escape.

Step 5: Using the prompt write a different 150-word story.

The Mail Slot

Calvin stepped up to the door and looked at the door knocker. He knew he needed to apologize for what had happened. The conversation had gotten out of hand and he had let his anger get the best of him. Words spoken in haste should be taken back with equal gravity.

He had wasted all his huffing and puffing. All he had to do was ask sweetly for a cup of sugar. That is what good neighbours do.

He reached out and used the door knocker.

Immediately the mail flap flew open. When nothing else happened Calvin bent down and peered into the flap. He expected to see eyes looking at him. Instead he saw forces being marshalled, rhetoric being uttered, and situations developing that were beyond his ken.

Calvin fled, shocked, deciding on new intentions. He needed further thought on how to resolve an increasingly out of control situation.