33 Comments
User's avatar
Jim Sarasu's avatar

Imagine a world in which parenting lasts only 3 years!

Expand full comment
David Perlmutter's avatar

For most non-human animals, that's how long it lasts- or less....

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

After the fact, it seem like my parenting years were very short. There are a few things i would like do-overs on, however.

Expand full comment
James Ron's avatar

This is a strange one, Sharron. Wonder what might be the back story.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes, Ron, I see now that 50 words were not enough to tell this particular story... Sometimes WE know what we mean, but the readers do not. I'll keep trying.

Expand full comment
Kathleen Hobbs's avatar

Interesting Sharron, I had to read this one a few times.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

This one was a fail, Kathleen. My fault for not proving enough information here. Sorry!

Expand full comment
Kathleen Hobbs's avatar

No need to apologize.

Expand full comment
Mark Starlin's avatar

Who says aliens aren't real? 🤣

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Some of my best friends are aliens, Mark. True!

Expand full comment
Jill CampbellMason's avatar

I'm shrugging, because, well, because....

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes, poop!. This story did not hit the mark. Too little info. Aw well, win some, lose some! Sorry, Jill

Expand full comment
Jim Cummings's avatar

When you're in the thick of parenting, it seems to last forever. When they are grown and independent it seems it was the blink of an eye.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

It really does. My story was half-baked, I admit, but still inspired some thought.

Expand full comment
Jim Cummings's avatar

I took it as a well crafted bit of symbolism.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

And that is precisely why I adore you. ha ha ha

Expand full comment
Sue Cauhape's avatar

those ethereal creatures ... at it again. And he/it looked so innocent and maybe a little boring.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

I liked where this story was going, but I should have worked on it a few more days... Too much plot and not enough setting / character development...

Expand full comment
Sue Cauhape's avatar

For a fifty-word story, it tells what you need with that little twist you're so famous for. It would make an interesting short story, but then again ... that might take the mystery out of it.

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

I’m in the “days are long” stage of parenting but I’m trying to soak it all in. It’s exhausting and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Someday I know I’ll look back wishing for just a little more time.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Oh, I have no doubt! But then, if you are lucky-- grandchildren!

Expand full comment
Yael Gelardin's avatar

I read it twice. I’d like to know more on that world. Sounds interesting.!

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Yael, for your encouragement. I am thinking I just might want to do that. It is a tale worth telling…

Expand full comment
Meg Oolders's avatar

Oooh. Love this one. Perfectly sized. Perfectly mysterious. 💜💜

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

I got mixed reviews on this one. I may try it again as a full page rather than 50 words. I like the concept, but felt it was too thin.

Expand full comment
Meg Oolders's avatar

Nice to know you can always reshape it. But the premise is divine.

Expand full comment
Janice Walton's avatar

There is a powerful message in there, though. I felt her pain.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, Janice! Always experimenting, any way. ha ha ha

Expand full comment
K.C. Knouse's avatar

Well, at least she was spared the anguish of her son's teen years.

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Ha ha ha! Or at least the teen years may only have lasted one week in this case.

Expand full comment
K.C. Knouse's avatar

Hey, you're right. I forgot about compression of time in this case.:)

Expand full comment
palmisanocj@yahoo.com's avatar

Extraordinary, Sharron! The images, of course, are wonderful and truly enhance this story. I especially like the "crooked crucifix." Chilling! xo

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks! Yes, I thought that cross was a nice touch. ha ha ha

Expand full comment