Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    From $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Assortment 4: Assortment, #4
    Assortment 4: Assortment, #4
    Assortment 4: Assortment, #4
    Ebook145 pages1 hour

    Assortment 4: Assortment, #4

    By D. Reed Whittaker

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    This is the fourth collection of short stories. As with the other three, there is no theme, no specific genre, no fixed format. Most come from contest submittals at www.writing.com. The nice thing about these contests is it gives the writer a chance to venture out of his/her comfort zone. Sometimes, you'll be asked to write all the dialogue with no descriptions. Other times, it will be only dialogue without tag lines or beats (who said what, and what were they doing when they said it).

    The stories can be short (less than 300 words) or long (up to 2500 words). They can have any theme or prompt – a poem, song lyric, a picture, a comic book cover, anything. The goal is to develop as many writing skills as possible. You never know when you'll need a new approach.

    I hope you like these. If you don't, please let me know what I can do to make the story better.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherIntercede LLC
    Release dateAug 20, 2018
    ISBN9781386247296
    Assortment 4: Assortment, #4
    Author

    D. Reed Whittaker

    Retired engineer creating worlds I'd like to live in and people I'd like to know. It's been fun meeting/creating MarieAnne, Steve, Bill, Maggie, Sylvia, Smitty, Linda, Billy, Suzy, Ken, Molly, Dad, John Henry, Melody, Sally, and George. I think you'll like meeting them, too. 

    Related to Assortment 4

    Titles in the series (11)

    View More
    View More

    Related ebooks

    Short Stories For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • UNLIMITED

      Mr Dear NAILS IT

      Mar 18, 2020

      “Let’s enjoy a brief respite this week from The Strange Mystery of the Missing Handbag, which has caused so much unnecessary drama at the charity shop. We’ll also temporarily gloss over the embarrassing problem of Graham, the old flame who has sudden

      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Good Bones

      Mar 19, 2020

      Good Bones
      18 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Open HOUSE

      Sep 9, 2020

      “There are times when life is like an episode of that television series in the 80s and 90s when Jeremy Beadle used to play elaborate practical jokes on members of the public. You know the sort of thing. A bulldozer turns up, knocks down your house,

      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Gabbers And Friends

      Jun 28, 2023

      Gabbers And Friends
      14 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Just hanging AROUND

      May 11, 2022

      Just hanging AROUND
      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Journey INTO SPACE

      Jan 17, 2024

      "When I got back home from walking the dog, Mr Dear was washing the windows and singing a merry window cleaner’s song: ‘The blushing bride she looks divine, the bridegroom he is doing fine I’d rather have his job than mine, when I’m cleaning windows.

      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Let Me Do It

      Jun 1, 2023

      Let Me Do It
      6 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Life Lessons In Drawing

      Sep 6, 2021

      Life Lessons In Drawing
      7 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Chuckles

      Feb 11, 2022

      Fancy yourself a joker? Email original jokes to [email protected] or send them to Chuckles, YOU, PO Box 7167, Roggebaai 8012, and we may publish them on this page. Sue’s husband, a scout leader, gets sick. Though she’s never been camping before, she

      4 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      A tricky MOMENT

      Mar 10, 2021

      “As the great feminist thinker Tammy Wynette so vividly reminds us, sometimes it’s hard to be a woman. Yet it seems that life as a man isn’t always a bowl of cherries eaten on a bed of roses, while watching Match of the Day. As Mr Dear complained t

      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Good news, BAD NEWS

      Nov 30, 2022

      The good news is that I’m still married. And the bad news? Well, we’ll come to that in due course. It is true that a temporary frost had descended over Dear Towers, as you’ll remember if you were good enough to visit last week. This was because Mr D

      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      HOW TO MAKE A Man Listen

      May 31, 2023

      One of the secrets of a happy marriage – or indeed any long-term relationship – is making sure that your partner doesn’t walk off in the middle of a difficult discussion. Let’s face it, we’re talking about men here, aren’t we? Some chaps can’t last f

      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Second CHANCES

      Aug 24, 2022

      Second CHANCES
      6 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      The Building Block Of Character: Part Two

      Jul 4, 2024

      I can hear him outside my door. Grumbling. Moving around. Waiting. Even though it’s so early it is still dark outside. I always get up early on Sundays. I don’t want to waste a second. I pull my bed out enough to squeeze round the end, and I wee in t

      6 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      The Sound Of Crickets

      Jul 10, 2022

      The Sound Of Crickets
      9 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Squeaky Clean

      Feb 6, 2022

      Squeaky Clean
      5 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      New NEIGHBOUR

      Oct 21, 2020

      “It was a cold rainy morning and Mr Dear was staring out of the sitting room window. He does this because a) he thinks it makes him look wistful and sensitive, and b) he knows it annoys me when I’m dusting because he could be lifting up all the usele

      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Looking FOR LOVE

      Jan 3, 2024

      You’ll remember that last week’s episode took place in the chilly flat of my little sister Deb. You might also remember that we summoned help from that renowned domestic engineer Dr Dear, who quickly diagnosed a fault in the underfloor heating – Deb

      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Afraid of Living

      Sep 10, 2021

      Afraid of Living
      5 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Silver Linings Brain Trauma To Thriving Business

      Aug 2, 2024

      In 2015, while riding her mountain bike in a friend’s backyard, Debs had a mishap. It wasn’t a dramatic crash, but she hit the ground hard and the bike struck the back of her head, helmet on. Initially cleared by a GP despite seeing stars, it was a s

      5 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Tell Me A Story

      Feb 12, 2020

      Tell Me A Story
      7 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Chuckles

      Apr 14, 2022

      ■ Question: Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible? Answer: Samson. He brought the house down. ■ Question: Who was the greatest financier in the Bible? Answer: Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation. ■ Question: Wh

      4 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Let battle COMMENCE

      Apr 28, 2021

      “ You could have knocked me down with a feather. No wait, the days when you could actually knock me down with a feather are a distant memory. These days it would take the entire bird, and a pretty hefty one at that. So let’s cut out the colourful fig

      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Mend And Make Awesome

      Dec 5, 2021

      Mend And Make Awesome
      3 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      So Much To Fall In Love With

      Aug 14, 2024

      POINT one: Writing does not need to drive you crazy. It is an ancient endeavor. Honorable, true. I still handwrite, feeling the fat of an a, the delight of a q. Think of it as creating ants across the page. It’s summer now in New Mexico. Tree shadows

      6 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      In The Bag

      Oct 3, 2024

      In The Bag
      4 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      Minimalist

      Jun 3, 2020

      Minimalist
      8 min read

    • UNLIMITED

      The Unlikely Minimalist

      Jun 3, 2020

      The Unlikely Minimalist
      8 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Assortment 4

    0 ratings

    0 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Assortment 4 - D. Reed Whittaker

      Genie

      Introduction

      The prompts here are for a show-don’t-tell. They are highlighted in blue. This is a fun little story, not that little – about 1900 words, I think you’ll enjoy it.

      Story

      Staring into the fridge, I was contemplating breakfast - left-over Chinese or pizza. I decided pizza would be better for dinner. Next big decision – hot or cold. Went with hot. I had no sooner closed the microwave door than plop, bang, rattle, and somebody pounding on my front door.

      I set the timer and walked to the living room blinds. I got there in time to see the FedEx man scurrying back to his or her truck. Hard to tell these days, ponytail and all. Once he, or she was safely in his, or her truck and moving down the street, I opened the door.

      Just what I need: a shipment for someone else. Now I have to call them and arrange for them to pick it up or take it to their store. I don’t need this. I looked at the sky. Weather guy said a 50% chance of rain. Damn, with my luck, it’ll rain. Damn, that means I have to bring the box inside. It looks heavy; it is as wide as my door. Somebody ordered something nice.

      I couldn’t lift it, so I kind of rolled it. Whatever was inside would flop when I rolled it. Each side was plop, poof. Plop, poof. I left it in the middle of the living room. I looked at the delivery label. Hmmm... Joe Cavenaugh and the right address. I didn’t order anything from Amazon. I assume it was Amazon, it was their box with that silly ‘smile’.

      My breakfast was ready, probably already cold again. I turned to go to the kitchen.

      Joe, open the damned box, said a voice from who knows where.

      I turned.

      Joe, open the damned box, said the box.

      I leaned forward, squinting. Why?

      So I can get out, fool, said the box.

      I moved closer to the box. Why do I want you out?

      You want your three wishes or not?

      What three wishes?

      The ones you get when I get out, idiot.

      I stepped back. I’m not sure, you’re a box. What three wishes can a box have?

      Think about it Einstein, would a box talk?

      I’m looking at a box that talks. So, yes, a box can talk.

      Deep sigh. This is going to be tough. It’s who’s inside who talks, not the box.

      Oh.

      Right, oh. Grab a knife and get me out of here.

      Not sure.

      Deep sigh. What aren’t you sure of?

      You.

      What about me?

      You’re a talking box. This can’t be good.

      I’m not a talking box, I’m a genie. I here to give you three wishes to make your life better.

      Why?

      Why what?

      Why would you want to make my life better, and why are you in a box? Aren’t you supposed to be in a lamp or something?

      Deep sigh. That is so 8th Century. We have to keep up with the times. Took too long to get things done staying in a cave waiting for somebody to walk by.

      So now you let FedEx send you to... to... to... Just why did they send you to me, or did you pick me?

      They pick you, the Fulfillment Center. They give a little bio on you, then stuff me in this box, and I mean stuff. Guess I should lay off the Cannoli. The box laughs. Well, are you going to get me out or what?

      I’m thinking.

      Deep sigh. That could be a first.

      You’re not helping. If you want me to help you, you might want to be a little nicer.

      I’m sorry, I get a little testy after being crammed into this thing. Will you let me out, please? Pretty please?

      Okay, be right back.

      Took a while to find a sharp knife, took three tries to cut the tape. Three trips back and forth to the kitchen. When the final strap and tape were cut. Whooosh. The genie filled the living room. He had to stand hunched over to clear the ceiling.

      Wow! I said.

      Impressed? asked Genie, smiling.

      I nodded.

      Good. Let’s get this over with. What are your three wishes?

      I shook my head. I dunno. What do most people ask for?

      Money, love, happiness. Had one guy want to be president. Genie shook his head. Big mistake that. You don’t want to be president, do you?

      I shook my head.

      The geniuses at headquarters are trying to figure out how to make things right. The people who should be president don’t want the job; and those who do shouldn’t get it. It’s a great job. You get a neat house, your own plane, and the way things are you wouldn’t have to do much - just undo some, most, all the things he did. Interested?

      I shook my head.

      Hmmm... you might be smarter than I thought. So, what would you like?

      Breakfast, I’m hungry. Do genies eat?

      Not on the job.

      Good, I didn’t have enough for two. I cocked my head. What do genies do, exactly?

      Whatever the job calls for, whatever the client wants, it’s his.

      His, not hers?

      Genie smiled. Good, you were paying attention. We avoid women because they want things like happiness, world peace, stuff we just can’t do.

      You can’t do happiness?

      Genie shook his head. We can do material things. If you think money will make you happy, then we can make you rich. Handsome, easy peasy. Smart, a little harder, but we can make you think you’re smart by making all your friends dumber. But happiness, per se, is something you have to do. You want to be rich?

      I shook my head.

      Live in a nice house?

      I looked around. What’s wrong with this house?

      Genie laughed. He rubbed his chin. It’s a might small.

      I shook my head. Not for me. I looked around. I like my house.

      Want a new car?

      I shook my head. Don’t drive the one I have.

      Deep sigh. So, what do you want? I have to get back.

      I shrugged. Nothing, I like things the way they are.

      Nothing?

      I nodded. Nothing.

      Damn, can’t you wish for something? It doesn’t have to be big, just something.

      Like what?

      The genie looked around. It was tough since he was hunched over. How’s your health?

      Good. The doc says I’m fine – average.

      Want a girlfriend?

      Can you find me one who will make me happy?

      Genie shook his head. There we go with happiness again. I can get you any girl you can describe. You want a blond, I’ll get you a blond. Tall, short, light, dark, smart, stupid, whatever you want, I can get. What I can’t get is the girl who’ll make you happy. What kind of girl do you think will make you happy?

      I shrugged. Don’t know, haven’t known that many and the ones I have seemed to lose interest. I’m not very exciting, very interesting.

      Genie nodded. Yes, that can be a problem. Why don’t you have breakfast and let me think about this?

      When I finished the breakfast dishes and returned to the living room, Genie was sitting cross-legged on the floor. Much better arrangement, he didn’t have to hunch over. He opened his eyes. Good, you’re back. We may have a solution to your problem.

      What problem and who is ‘we’?

      We are the guys at headquarters and your problem is you have no problems. You, Joe, are content. Do you realize how difficult you make my life?

      I shrugged. I guess not.

      Well, we decided to ruin your life.

      I sat on the living room couch. I had to squeeze by genie, but it was the only place I could sit. He took up the whole living room. Don’t I get any say in this? Don’t I get three wishes?

      Genie shook his head. You don’t want anything. How can I give you three wishes if you don’t want anything?

      If I told you the type of woman I want, is that one wish, or do I have to give three qualities or aspects?

      Genie laughed. Qualities or aspects?

      I nodded. Qualities or aspects.

      One girl, one wish. Do you want a girl?

      I nodded.

      Great, said Genie, rubbing his hands together.

      Hard to tell if they were hands, but let’s assume they were.

      What is your girl like? asked Genie.

      She’s like me.

      Like you?

      I nodded. Maybe a little younger, or older. Could be my height or shorter. Not sure I want her taller. She should be good-looking, but not beautiful – average. I’d like her as smart as me, but not too much smarter.

      Genie laughed. He coughed into his hand., That should be easy.

      I narrowed my eyes. Well?

      He ticked off on his almost fingers. Your age, your height...

      Or shorter, I offered.

      Genie nodded. Or shorter. Home office says you have a degree. You want your girl to have a degree?

      I nodded.

      Hmmm... good. Nice looking, but not beautiful. Should she cook?

      If she wants.

      Keep house?

      We’ll do that. I do that now. Don’t see any reason for that to change.

      Anything else?

      "I’d like us to like the same things. Figured one of the reasons I wasn’t doing much was because I didn’t have anyone to share things with. I want her to be my

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1