Here are the details:
"A children's story, poetry or prose, maximum 200 words, about unlikely Valentines, posted on your blog (or in the comment section of mine) between Saturday February 11 and Monday February 13 at 5 PM EST."
Two hundred words was exceptionally difficult. At one point, my story was more towards 400 -- so I am hoping the story makes sense. :-)
I had hoped that I would have some magical revelations about the story in my sleep last night, but I was not so lucky. Oh well!
Here goes:
Oops! Excuse me!
On her way to school, Porcupine was certain
nobody would be her Valentine. She
waddled along, head down, when -- oomph!
“Yow!”
“Oops, excuse me,” said Porcupine. “Ugh! What smells?”
“Me. Sorry. Happens when I'm startled.”
“Oh no! You’re that stinky skunk! Now you’ve made me stinky.”
“You’re that prickly porcupine! You gave me
an owie.”
Porcupine sighed. “Who would ever be our Valentines?”
As they dillydallied toward school, Skunk stopped
to sniff flowers. Porcupine stuck a puffy one on
a quill behind her ear.
They exchanged looks.
Porcupine grabbed one for each quill. Skunk scooted around on them, scenting his
bottom.
Porcupine giggled. “You look funny!”
“So do you.”
They both collapsed in laughter.
“ACHOO!”
said Porcupine. Quills popped out. “ACHOO!” said Skunk. Stink squirted.
They exchanged glances, and then, started
shoving flowers into their noses.
ACHOO!
ACHOO! ACHOO!
“No more,” said Skunk, exhausted.
“Enough! “ agreed Porcupine. “You know, I like you just the way you are.”
Skunk said, “Same here. Will you be my valentine?”
“Will you be mine?” asked Porcupine.
The new friends scampered off to school.
Of course, it wasn’t perfect.
“Oops, excuse me!” Giggle.
“Oops, excuse me!” Giggle, giggle.
But it was close.
If Susanna's post is still up, I encourage you to go read the other entrants' stories. They are very good and very entertaining.
Loved it! Skunk & Porcupine are definitely unlikely Valentines.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny for stopping by and reading my story. :-)
DeleteLove the image of flowers poking out among the quills. So sweet a pair!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cathy! I'm glad you stopped by to read my story. I really enjoyed yours.
DeleteI REALLY like your story!! I have a porcupine in my story, but it doesn't have such a happy ending ;) I can imagine them holding hands!
ReplyDeleteThanks Erik! I loved your story -- very creative.
DeleteMargaret, this one really made me smile! Actually, I laughed, because you so charmingly conjured up the images of these silly friends in the flowers. And what a cute ending, too. Really well done! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee! I'm glad you got those images -- I was afraid with all the cutting I did, no one would be able to understand.
DeleteThis is awesome, Margaret! And I can't believe it - my other idea, which I didn't use, was Skunk and Porcupine - what are the odds? Great job - very fun story!
ReplyDeleteThanks Susanna! That is so funny that we had the same thought. I thought your story was really well written -- it set a very high bar.
DeleteI love the giggles and the fun they ended up having together. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather!
DeleteVery sweet Margaret, loved how it ended!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer for reading my story! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteHow cute, Margaret! I loved your skunk story! So, so, cute! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Natalie! Isn't it funny that there was one skunk story (yours), one porcupine story (Erik's) and one that was both?
DeleteI love porcupines! -- not to fond of skunks -- but I'm glad these two became Valentines!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eric for stopping by and reading my story. :-)
DeleteHi Margaret,
ReplyDeleteI think the skunk and the porcupine make lovely Valentines!
Every time they said, Oops, excuse me, I could see the picture in my mind...so funny...and sweet. Kids would love the silliness. :)
Glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by, Vivian.
DeleteSkunk and Porcupine sounds like it should be a modern name for a UK pub lol. Cute story!
ReplyDeleteThanks Catherine!
DeleteSkunks and porcupines were popular creatures. I enjoyed your story. I read it on my phone between Valetine cupcake batches. So, this morning, I am here to say — Happy Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day to you too, Stacy!
DeleteThats an excellent ending! Its amusing as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ben!
DeleteVery sweet story! The characters are great.
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret,I just now read your delightful story - only 200 words and you got the characters, a plot, a conflict, and a charming resolution. giggle... it made me LOL! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete