A Drabble is a story told in exactly 100-words. Not 99-words or 101-words, but exactly 100.
The idea of a Drabble is thought to have originated in the 1980’s and established by the Birmingham University SF Society.
It is believed they took a term from Monty Python’s 1971 Big Red Book. In this book ‘drabble’ was described as a word game where the first person to write a novel was the winner.
The Cake
“Just want to let you know kid, in case you were wondering, that last cake, the chocolate éclair, it’s got my name on it. Touch it and I’ll have your fingers off!”
“Mum! Mum! Aunt Sally’s dog just said he’s going to bite me. He says the chocolate éclair is his.”
“Don’t be silly dear, little Henry can’t talk, he’s a dog. Now play nicely with him, there’s a good boy. And don’t feed him any cake. Aunt Sally has him on a strict diet.”
“Well kid, it’s up to you. What’s it going to be, cake or fingers?”
The Bell
“Whatever you do son, don’t ring that bell.”
Samuel stopped dead in his tracks and looked towards where the quiet, menacing voice came from. In his hurry to reach the warning bell he’d not seen the stranger emerge from the swirling, crimson mist.
“I’ve got to mister,’ he said, none too convincingly, “It’s my job. If I don’t ring the bell, then the people in the village won’t be ready.”
“I’m sorry son but I can’t let you do that,” whispered the stranger, gently pulling a fearsome looking weapon from inside his long, black coat.
The bell remained ominously quiet.
He’s Late
Peter looked took the gold watch out of his waistcoat pocket.
He was beginning to worry; it was so unlike his visitor to be this late.
He scanned the dark waters one more time and suddenly there it was, silently gliding out of the surrounding mist, the boat he had been waiting for.
“You’re late my friend,” he whispered, as the boat drew up alongside him, “No problems I hope?”
The hooded reaper looked across at Peter and said, “Some people still waste time trying to delay my coming. Here is today’s quota of souls, process them as you will.”
If you fancy having a go at a Drabble I’d love to read it. Drop it in the comments below. Remember, exactly 100-words!
