Stories don’t have to be long. It’s possible to tell a story within just a few words. To show you what I mean, here are a few crime stories told in 50 words – what blog friend and academician Rob Kitchin has called Dribbles.
I
Kevin paced back and forth. ‘Wasn’t Johnny supposed to be here by now?’
‘Relax, man,’ Dylan reassured him. ‘Everything’ll be fine. He’ll be here’
Kevin looked up as he heard a click. His face paled as he saw the gun.
‘What the hell, Dylan?’
‘Sorry, Kev. It’s you, not Johnny.’
II
Melinda watched as the junk removal guys loaded their van.
‘This one’s really heavy,’ one of the men commented. ‘Big move?’
“Yeah,’ Melinda responded. ‘I’m downsizing.’
He checked the form he was holding. ‘Everything to the landfill, right?’
‘That’s right.’
‘Including this sledgehammer?’ he asked.
‘Yup. Don’t need it anymore.’
III
Frank called out, ‘Pizza’s here.’
‘Finally!’ Lanie snapped.
‘Could you pour some wine?’
‘Yeah. I won’t screw it up like you always do.’
Lainie stomped out and was back in five minutes.
Frank gestured. ‘Bacon half is yours.’
Lanie grabbed the biggest slice. Frank smiled. It wouldn’t be long now.
IV
Tanya opened Tinder. A match! And a cutie. She read the profile again and swiped right.
Before their first date, Tanya checked herself carefully. No flaws.
They met at a café – so easy to slip the roofie in his drink and clean him out. Tanya was a pro at this.
V
‘Isn’t this a great place for our company retreat?’ Ian’s enthusiasm was obvious. ‘Camping, hiking, everyone’ll love it!’
Dave looked around at the cabins and trees. ‘It’s perfect,’ he said with a smile. He’d already hidden the snake in Ian’s sleeping bag. He’d get the company and no-one would suspect.
What do you think? Care to share any Dribbles of your own?
*NOTE: The title of this post is a line from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Oh What a Circus.
