Writers all having fun, you know what I mean. A reprieve in traffic — you know how I feel. Holding hands, letting go, friendships, games, gentle love — you know how I feel. It’s all about feeling good.

After the inaugural #1000Speak for Compassion it feels appropriate to feel good. It’s a new line, a new page.

This week, writers responded to the February 18, 2015 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about feeling good. A variety of posts and stories rolled in to lift up our spirits and dance to the likes of Michael Bublè and Ella Fitzgerald.

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Feeling Good by Sherri Matthews

He reached across the dining table, taking her hands tenderly in his.

“I know you have a lot of healing to do, but if you want to meet again, I’ll be waiting.”

Her heart raced even as the warmth of his gentle touch gave calm.

Then she panicked.

“I…I think I better go now…the kids will be waiting…”

He waved her off from the car park as she tore away into the night, leaving him in dust.

I’ll never see her again…

Two years later, he held her hands once more as she beamed and he said, “I do”.

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A Reprieve by Jeanne Lombardo

Rotten shits. She hated this city. Hated all the assholes rushing about on their shallow, pathetic pursuits. All the monumentally self-absorbed fakes she had to serve at work. That coifed woman today, stinking of Chanel, so worried about that one wilted leaf of lettuce, then the temperature of her lobster bisque. She should get out. Now, before she died in some pile-up on this god-forsaken freeway. “Let me in you bastards!” she screamed from the on ramp. “Arrgghhh, you sonsabitches!” Oh, what’s that? A break. A woman in a Mercedes waving her in. Smiling at her. God in heaven.

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Today by Luccia Gray

“Mum, I’m doing a survey for a school project on happiness.”

“Sounds like fun!”

“Which was the happiest day in your life?”

“It’s hard to pinpoint one. What’s the next question?”

“That’s the only question.”

“I could say my graduation, my wedding day, my first day at work, the day you were born, your last birthday, when all the family got together, the long summer holidays at your grandmother’s…. so many days.”

“So, which one, mum?”

“Today. Definitely today.”

“Why today?”

“Because I’ve just recalled and relived all those wonderful days, and there are so many more to come.”

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I Feel Good! by Norah Colvin

She stood at the door for one final glance. Not much had changed, but it felt, oh, so different. They were gone. Gone!

Almost twenty years had passed since she’d stood in this spot; since she’d fled their cruel ways. Twenty years of dodging shadows, double-locking doors, and fearing the phone’s ring.

But no more. They were gone. Gone! And for more than five years! Five years to track her down! All that remained was the house. She’d sell of course.

With the door closed behind her she almost skipped down the stairs, her heart singing, “I feel good!”

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Just a Game! by Ruchira Khanna

Sounds of loud groan, grunt, grumble and sighs were heard followed by a loud cry from the next cubicle. Curious Darci walked across with the intention to help but had mixed feelings when the person in that booth removed his headphones and had his head on the desk.

“Are you alright?” inquired Darci with apprehension.

“My favorite team lost the match, and I am just not used to losing.” he said with his head propped up.

That statement made her laugh like crazy as she uttered, “It is just a game, and you were not even playing. Lighten up!”

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Glorious Gloria by Geoff Le Pard

‘How did it go?’

Mary sat still, a grin slipping unbidden across her face. ‘Gloria made me feel lighter, you know?’

Paul nodded. ‘Did you learn much?’

‘No. But I don’t mind. I think, even if those bones are my twin… well let’s see.’

Paul let her speak in her own time.

‘No one knows if she’s alive. I believe Rupert. Dad’s diaries don’t mention her, only me. It looks like Mum knew who my birth mother was, though not Dad’s… affair.’

‘Can we bottle Gloria?’

Mary hugged her husband. ‘From here on, I just need you and Penny.’

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Thanksgiving 1995 by Phil Guida

2600 miles of lost causes left behind him. Not looking for happiness through others any longer, a totally new environment, a chance to re-start his life anew was just a hopeful dream. It was a roll of the dice if this move would even workout; an escape from the turmoil more than anything else.

An invitation to a festive holiday changed all of those feelings. Surrounded by a family of strangers, dinner was served. A no meat Thanksgiving was a meal he never experienced before, nor was the act of falling in Love with the hostess of the invite.

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Invincible by Rebecca Patajac

Mind cycling through the daily routine, I slowly slide off the bed. I waddle around with my swollen belly, pain erupting from inconveniently placed baby kicks.

I feed the animals, step back inside, breathe. Head spins from standing too long washing dishes. Turn on washing machine, more pain; crouch down, turn, bend, breathe.
I waddle up the stairs. Panting at the top, I head toward the girls’ room.

“Good-morning Mum-mum!” my three year old squeaks, “cuddle please!”

I embrace her.

She nuzzles into my chest “I love you thousands and millions!”
My heart swells and I feel invincible again.

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One a Day by Larry LaForge

Miller looks at his watch. The unusually hectic day has had him swamped at his desk. He hasn’t had his opportunity yet, but knows to be patient. It will happen.

Some days it comes easily. Yesterday it was on the morning train commute. The day before it was in the restaurant at lunch. Sunday it was in the supermarket parking lot.

It has to be spontaneous and genuine. It can’t be forced.

Miller has committed to it every single day. He never misses, and it always finds him.

When it does, he’ll seize the opportunity to brighten someone’s day.

*****
The 100-word version of this story is posted at larrylaforge100words on Flash Fiction Magazine.

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Life’s Good by Irene Waters

“The operation was successful. We expect a full recovery.” The doctor said. She left happy.

“Knowing your Mum will be okay I can’t wait. I love you so much. Will you marry me?” She nodded, her heart filled to overflowing with love and joy.

Blissfully reflecting on her day, she slowly became aware of her surroundings; tall trees with moss on their trunks, a view to the sea, soft grass. She was in heaven.

“Henry Miller” she said out loud, “according to you, now might be the time to die but life’s good and I choose to live.”

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Hundred Year Cookbook by Sarah Unsicker

The cookbook cover was frayed and worn, but the binding had stayed intact over the years. The effort it took to read Grandmother’s script was well worth it as she felt the scratchy wool of Grandmother’s sweater and smelled the combination of baked chicken and nutmeg, the way this kitchen had smelled when she was a child. Add cinnamon! Grandmother had written in this sweet roll recipe. Cecilia remembered feasting on these rolls every Saturday of her childhood.

With the cookbook invoking so many fond memories, it was no wonder she loved to bake.

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Feeling Good by Anne Goodwin

They laughed when I told of my desire; it was no surprise when you laughed too.

You claimed you were different, you claimed that you cared.

You prodded and cajoled me to dig deeper still. You absorbed all my words and left me only tears.

You cut me open; put my ugly wanting on display. Like an old-time fairground freak show, the butt of scorn.

You stared at it lovingly, never once averting your gaze. You named it beautiful, exciting, brave.

You helped me to touch it. I laughed, you laughed, we laughed in perfect harmony, brimming with joy.

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Merlin Learns a New Way: Part II by Tally Pendragon

“On balance, I think I’ll stay,” I reply to this woman named Anna, who clearly knows who’s boss! I give her my real smile too, the one that says I’m glad she can cut through convention to what really matters. I don’t get the chance to use this one often.

“Good!” she replies, hands on hips and a damp ringlet brushing her cheek where her efforts have worked it loose from its braid. The man she’s just patched up looks up at her, shocked thanks written in his worn features. “Because now we have a wedding to get to!”

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Jessica? by Pete Fanning

He edged closer—through the whispers of those gathering—towards the shyest girl at Redding High. She sang out. Her hands danced along the keys, flooding the roadside piano with a melody that was both beautiful and tragic.

It really was her, ordinary Jessica singing like an angel, her confidence building as her voice soared above the hum of traffic and everyday life.

When she finished they all cheered. Evan snuck off, into the sun, looking back one last time.

Good for her.

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Delivering the Goods by Paula Moyer

Jean was fed up. Stopping a medication she had been on for 20 years “may cause” caffeine-withdrawal migraine. Three days running.

And this new guy. Enthusiastic as a puppy. Why did she leave him that voicemail? Her headaches?

She dropped off her kids at the ex’s, snaked back home and plopped on the couch beside a pile of laundry.

Brrrnng. “Jean, it’s Steve. Got your message. Ouch. So sorry. Need some company?”

Wow, Jean, thought. How to show up!

“My hair’s dirty. The place is a wreck,” Jean mumbled. “Come on over.”

No pause: “Sure. What can I bring?”

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What I’d Buy You by Charli Mills

If I had a trillion dollars, I’d buy you Bob’s Red Mill. The gluten-free division. I’d rebuild it in your back yard and every morning you’d rise to the smell of blueberry muffin happiness. I’d buy the land between Idaho and Kansas, moving it somewhere else so we could be closer and laugh out loud between our open doors. I’d buy you a costume-making business and you could make us those riding dresses we saw online, and I’d buy us horses to ride to your wedding. But money can’t buy what we already share: a friendship that feels good.

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Mr. & Mrs. Brant: we all hope these stories leave you feeling as good as your recent wedding merger in the land of sunshine! Congratulations!