Henry followed the big yellow cat down the block, wishing to pick her up and hear her purr. He continued across the street to the next block. She showed up before on the door step of his old brownstone buildings.
His mother told him not to wander off, but the cat seemed to want him to follow. Henry’s mother’s words faded away. He would only go a block or two.
The cat paused in front of a long winding stair case, then scampered up and through a large open door at the top. Henry thought perhaps he could meet the cat’s owner, so he slowly climbed to the top. As he peered into the dark opening, Henry heard an old man’s voice, “If you are a dreamer, come in my child.” He froze, uncertain whether to go in or run back down the steps.
Painting: Dwight L. Roth
Today at d’Verse, Lillian is challenging us with a prosery prompt. Prosery is a flash fiction piece, of exactly 144 words, that includes a line from a poem given by the host. The line is from Shel Silverstein’s poem, Invitation, as published in his wonderful book, Where the Sidewalk Ends. The line is, “If you are a dreamer, come in“.
Join us at: https://dversepoets.com
HOW DARE YOU!!! How dare you leave us hanging!!! What happened??? I want to know!! Definitely the mark of excellent flash fiction 🙂 So glad you posted…but I really do want to know what happens next!
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Thank you Lillian! I really appreciate your kind words. Perhaps you could write Chapter 2!??
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I love the painting–and like Lillian, I want to know whether Henry goes in or runs back down the steps!!
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Ha. That is the next chapter!! :>)
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Looking forward to it!
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I add to the growing question stated before me….and when is Part 2 coming? Nice buildup, Dwight!
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Thanks Elle. I might have to work on that!!
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You’re welcome.
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A wonderful teaser; clever and clean. I vote for Henry getting the hell out of there. That cat was connected to sorcery or witchcraft.
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Thank you Glenn. Probably a smart idea, but don’t you want to know what happens if he goes in?? :>)
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I don’t know what I would do Dwight. Loved the piece my friend. Gotta watch those cats. 🙂
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Thanks Rob! It is a dilemma. Cats seem to have a reputation! I appreciate your comment!
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You have to let us know!
Joanna
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Chapter 2 is up!
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Oh Dwight !! I so want to know whether Henry ventured inside or not… ??
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Thank you Ivor… Chapter 2 is up… :>)
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I’m reading now… 😀
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Terrific painting and written imagery!
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Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind affirmation.
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love it Dwight. ooooh and the rest is the mystery.
I know the answer. The coyote was there but so was the woman with the air to save the cat. They all ran to safety, never to stay again and they all lived happily ever after.
Don’t mind me…. my brain is a little fried right now. (dealing with the coyotes is going to head).
🤣🌷
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Ha ha ha your version sounds like a morning dream, just before you wake up! I love it. Thank you Cindy… Chapter 2 is up also!
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It’s my daily nightmare at the moment 🤣. Oh I’ll have to find it Dwight. Thanks! 💖
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:>)
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Quite a lure, that cat. Can’t believe Henry actually got that close to that door! A cliffhanger, nice. Great painting too.
Pat
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Thank you so much. Check chapter 2 to see what happens next.
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Ha, ha.. I did! This could become a really nice short story🙂
Pat
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Thank you very much!
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Dwight, I enjoyed the painting and both chapters you have posted. Still left hanging, you rascal. you! 🙂
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Ha ha… Thank you Cheryl!
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So, what happened? A lot of these stories have dangling endings, I guess like so many dreams. You wake up before the end and never finish it. Great story!
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Thank you Mary… suspense is a great draw!
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Dwight, your story starts like some anime stories I’ve watched. Cats seem to be messengers and guides to the “otherworld” of adventure. I really like this one. Would love to see you expand it.
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Thank you Lisa. I will see!
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You’re welcome and I saw afterwards you had written a 2nd chapter. Enquiring minds needed to know 🙂
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:>)
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This is really fantastic storytelling, Dwight – it reads just like a children’s book. I love it.
❤
David
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I am glad you feel that way. It could become a great story for kids. Thank you David!
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I’m itching to know the rest of the story, Dwight, but I see you posted a Part 2 so I won’t be kept in suspense for too long…
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I am so glad you liked it! Thanks.
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OOH! 😮 A wonderful story and you leave us wanting more!!!
(((HUGS))) 🙂
PS…Cats and dogs take us on adventures! AND help us meet new people! 🙂
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Thank you so much… Pets do have a special place in our lives.
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I love this, Dwight! Before the pandemic I was a sucker for cats that wanted me to follow them. What a cliff-hanger!
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Thank you Kim. And …. did you follow them??
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Whenever I could.
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Absolutely fabulous!!! Keep up the great work!!!
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Thank you so much!
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Nice suspense! Going to have to read Chapter 2 now!!
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I appreciate your comment!
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Perfect way to leave us hanging, Dwight (grunt, smile, grunt).
Loved it.
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Thank you so much!
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🙂
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Oh Dwight, talk about a cliffhanger. We shall wait for chapter 2, maybe next prosery prompt. 😉
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Chapter 2 is already up and chapter 2 today.
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I wonder what will happen next… but I do not think that you left and let the cat be.
Maybe it’s a bit like “the master and Margerita”
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Check out my follow up in chapter 2 & 3 now posted.
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I must appreciate the way you have portrayed your thoughts.I loved your write up.
Hey! I have just started a blogging on positivity and mental health. It will mean world to me if you stop by my page sometime and shower some love!
Have a great day!!❤
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Thank you! I will check it out!
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My pleasure!!! 😊
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ooh intriguing, off to find the next episode!
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Ha ha… I am glad you like it!
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Artwork and words. Outstanding Roth. I enjoyed the story.
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Thank you so much John I am glad you enjoyed it!
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I did my friend and you are welcome.
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:>)
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