Today I randomly opened Circumstances of Childhood to page 77. With Eyes closed, I pointed to the page. My finger was closest to the word “bag.” That is the prompt today.
Bag by John W. Howell © 2025
“So what’s in the bag?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“Oh, come on. We don’t have time for games.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s the holiday season, and we have to get things done.”
“I know full well the time of year and what needs to be done.”
“So just tell me.”
“It’s a surprise. I don’t want to spoil it.”
“Okay then. Never mind. Give me a hand with this tree.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“I’m holding this bag.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. Can’t you put it down?”
“I’m afraid it will get damaged.”
“Take it into the house and then come back.”
“No can do. It might open.”
“So what?”
“Well then, the surprise will get out.”
“You have an animal in there?”
“No. Not exactly.”
“What does that mean?”
“Alright, I was going to surprise you since I know how much the holidays mean to you. I managed to grab off The Grinch.”
“What?”
“He was standing outside the toy shop, and I snuck up behind him and threw this bag over him.”
“How can you carry him. Isn’t he heavy?”
“No, like you, he is more spirit than substance. I told him he would be set free after Christmas.”
“I’ll be darned.”
“No, you’ll be blessed.”
Fiction Favorites 
LOL This is, like all your writings, a good one! 🌷
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Thank you, Kymber. Glad you liked it. 😊
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Animated or Jim Carey Grinch? It makes a horrifying difference.
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Yes, it does. Let’s just say the most manageable.
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Now that’s using your imagination! Bagging the Grinch. Love it! Happy Holidays, John!
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Thank you, Susie. Happy Holidays to you.
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Christmas shopping? It’s in the bag! 🙄
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Yes indeed.
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A perfect Christmas story!! (I never imagined The Grinch in the bag.)
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A Merry Christmas is in the bag at this point, John!
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