Don’t forget you can add your own drabble in the comments using any of the random words.
1.) Build A Team - Don’t Tear It Down
Random Words are Set, Put, and Run
Peyton waited behind the center. “Down. Set. Hike”
No ball was snapped to him.
“Hike.”
Still nothing.
He ripped off his helmet. “Hand me the fucking football so I can give it to dumbass number one, and he can run for a touchdown.”
“We’re done putting up with you. You suck at being a QB and a leader.” Devon took the role of setting Peyton straight.
Peyton’s face reddened. “None of you are going anywhere. The NFL will never take your quitting asses.”
“We’re ten, no one wants our butts.” Devon waved to the others. “C’mon, my mom made cookies.”
2.) Gone Girl
Random Word is Laid
It had been one day since Peter had reported his girlfriend of two years missing. Law enforcement, family, and friends had put out flyers and spent numerous hours searching.
Peter spent every minute at their apartment organizing searches and waiting for her return.
Today was the day the new carpeting was getting laid in the living room. This had been planned for over a week. No sense in rescheduling now.
Peter even ripped up the old carpeting and wrapped it all tightly in plastic. The men would be able to take it away, along with the body of his girlfriend.
3.) A Harsh Dose of Reality
Random word is Elaborate
Elana’s mom walked into the room just before Andrew kissed her. He excused himself and left.
“Mom. Why did you have to do that? I’m sixteen. I want my first kiss.”
Mom gave a soft smile. “I don’t think getting romantically involved with Andrew would be a good idea.”
“Care to elaborate?” Elana threw out her bitchiest attitude.
Mom sighed. “I was single before I had you and had a baby.”
“And?” Elana was confused by this response.
Tears filled her mom’s eyes. “Andrew is the baby I gave up for adoption. You can’t date him; he’s your half-brother.”
4.) What Do You Fear?
The random word is Fear
What is it that you fear?
A question most can simply answer. Some would say
snakes,
spiders,
crowds,
but these are all things that you can see. You know they are there.
If asked, my fear would be the unknown.
How can anyone be certain of what happens after our body expires?
Heaven.
Hell.
Alternate universe.
A void.
Or, maybe nothingness.
Will we just cease to exist?
Fear shouldn’t be something we have control over
Fear is an event that we know will eventually happen, but the
how,
where,
when
and the not knowing,
is what scares me the most.
5.) Leap Into the Unknown
The random word is Hypothesize
Lena poured over forbidden texts in the corner of a modern library, hypothesizing the existence of a portal hidden within the city’s oldest ruins.
Believing this portal could lead to another world, she gathered her courage and research and ventured into the forgotten depths.
There, beneath layers of history and mystery, she found it: a gateway vibrating with otherworldly energy.
Lena stepped through with a deep breath and a final glance at her notes.
Instantaneously, she was transported to a realm beyond her wildest dreams.
Her hypothesis had unlocked the door to wonders untold—a new world awaiting her exploration.
and the last...
Elaborate
April 3 2024
Prompts by: Izzibella’s Substack: Drabble Time
3.) A Harsh Dose of Reality
Random word is Elaborate
“Elaborate,” came the dreaded call. Everyone in English 401 turned in their chairs, secretly glad that they did not answer the question. The word elaborate could be thrown out at any point in time. It was an exercise for you to demonstrate why you believed what you did.
Sarah O’Connor eyed Prof Loftus carefully. ‘The comparisons you are making between today’s authors and authors of old is moot point. There are so many advantages today for one to become a stronger author than years ago. On the other hand these advantages also make it more difficult because people have forgotten about the 2 maxims that are important. Hunger enforced constant practice and a society of strong friends who share your craft.”
“Interesting so far. Elaborate.”
Sarah smiled. “The chances of one going hungry today both metaphorically and realistically are almost non-existent. Back in the early 1900’s it was a distinct possibility. That forced authors to become more productive. They improved their copy dramatically and submitted to magazines and publishing houses as a result. All this writing for money improved their skills. Their purpose was resolute.
Professor Loftus smiled.
“Because they were writers they often found people in their communities who wrote. They kept making connections until they found others who were either of their calibre of writing or better than them. They had discussions, performed reviews and discussed ideas that helped develop their thinking. Think of the events that brought Hemmingway and Fitzgerald together. The writers of Montmartre gave everyone that opportunity. Today we can face time but it is not the same closeness that they felt.
“Please sit down, Miss O’Connor. You have made your points. It is time for us to move on.
Sarah intended to be ready when the discussion arose stating that Stephen King was not in the same class as older writers, It seemed inevitable.
and the second...
Commonality
April 3 2025
Prompts by: Izzibella’s Substack: Drabble Time
2.) Gone Girl
Random Word is Laid
“If all the girls attending were laid end to end,.....” began Evan.
“Don’t say that,” interrupted Liz as she made a face. “It’s vulgar.”
Evan looked at her wide eyed. “It’s just Dorothy Parker humour.”
“Yes. I am aware of that. Being that as it may being a Dorothy Parker does not make it good. It’s still vulgar.” Liz had a look of sterness about her as she spoke.
“Humour my dear. Some things appeal to different people.”
“I agree,” she reflected. “Repartees, bon mots and double entendres are other forms of humour. They can be good and funny but often they are so common.”
Evan looked at her in surprise. Liz wasn’t a snob but this so sounded like one. “Common?” he asked.
“Yes. People often don’t rise above bawdiness in their humour. More sophisticated humour can still be bawdy but it has an eloquence to it. I am striving for more than commonality.”
“More than commonality?” asked Evan. “What does that even mean?”
“I want more than what I see everyone else has. I want something better. I want to live my life to a higher standard.”
“You have standards?” he asked half joking.
She gave him a deadpan look. “I can’t be like everyone else. I won’t be like everyone else. There is no need to be like everyone else. If society is all about the individual then that is what I am. I intend to be me.
“Nothing wrong with that. I guess.” replied Evan as he was reevaluating what he had just heard.
“Well. It is something to aspire to as I work my way through this version of my life.” reflected Liz.
Evan almost choked on the water he had just drank.“This version..”
Liz started reciting off past lives. “Yes. I have been a cave maiden, a charwoman, a lady in waiting and so much more. I have learned from each life what I need to be successful in this one and the ones to come..
Evan smiled. “You are so far gone girl. That’s what makes you interesting and special,” he said as a tease.
“Thank you. I think,” intoned Liz dryly. She was unsure if he believed her or not but if he stuck around he could be a life changer.