But these clouds are clearly foreign,
such an exotic clutter
Against the blue cloth of the sky
–from “Clouds” by Constance Urdang
She’d played LOTTO Club for twenty-plus years. It was probably a waste of money. If she was meant to win, she would; yet she couldn’t win if she didn’t play, and so it continued – until their numbers hit.
Post-retirement professional and social connections that had stopped during covid and had continued to languish afterwards lurched to life with the win. Invitations flooded in. Their utilitarian transparency both disappointed and inspired her.
“A one-way ticket to Argentina, please,” she told the travel agent. She dropped ambiguous letters to interested parties in the mailbox at the airport.
She stepped off of the jet and breathed in new, fragrant life. Looking up, she smiled and thought, {But these clouds are clearly foreign, such an exotic clutter against the blue cloth of the sky.}
“¿Como puedo ayudarte¿,” preguntar un hombre guapo.
“A las montanas!”
[144 words]
Note: the last two lines are in Spanish and say:
“How can I help you?,” asked a handsome man.
“To the mountains!”
(Hoping I got the Spanish correct with punctuation, etc.)
image link is here
Merril is today’s host for dVerse’ Prosery Monday. Merril says:
Write a piece of flash fiction or other prose of up to or exactly 144 words, including the [top quote] within your piece.
Tao Talk 
So true… even if the probability is very low to win, it is actually infinitely lower if you never play. A good idea to leave I think
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Thanks, Bjorn.
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I love how you incorporated the prompt here, Lisa! Great story. I think she’s going to be very happy.
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Thanks, Merril!
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You’re welcome!
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I really feel like lottery wins show the shittiness of others around us. Suddenly, that friend you haven’t heard of in twenty five years? At your doorstep, practically.
Very well written—no one would blame her for leaving. I’d be depressed too if my social life became active because I got rich. At least, it shows you who your real family and friends are. I hope she likes the mountains, sounds like it’d be nice scenery. 😀
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She has a reason and she has the means. I think an adventure in a breathtakingly beautiful location is a great decision 🙂
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Hopefully, she finds true friendship.
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I really enjoyed this story. Yup, a LOTTO win and I’d be off to another country too!
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Thank you, Marie 🙂
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What a great take on the clouds seeming foreign in a foreign country@ Winning does strange things to the winners. Sounds like she had the right idea. Great Stroy Lisa.
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Thanks much, Dwight, glad you enjoyed it.
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You are welcome!
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Nice story.
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Thank you, Sadje 🙂
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You’re welcome Li
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Your writing captivates from beginning to end here. The scene sets the stage for a great adventure!
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Thanks, Tricia. I hope she has one!
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Her ticket to freedom! Wonderful ☺️ I wonder what I would do. Hmmmm … Great story Lisa.
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Thanks, Christine 🙂
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Loved the way you have woven this story from the prompt, Lisa
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Thank you, Shweta 🙂
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You are welcome 😊
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She actually did win in the form of a transformation to her life. Nicely done!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Funny how the “loved ones” come out of the cracks when you are suddenly able to “help” them. Wonderful use of the phrase!
And good for her 🙂
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Thanks for the great comment, Dale 🙂
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🙂 Pleasure is mine .
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Wonderful story, Li. You incorporated those lines beautifully. ❤️
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Thank you, Punam ❤
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My pleasure. 🙂
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To be continued ~~ I’m hoping!
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🙂 ❤
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Good for her! *cheers*
❤
David
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🙂 Thanks, David. I agree.
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Hope she finds peace and love in the mountains. Clever incorporation of the quote Lisa. 😊
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Thanks much, Marion!
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Left me with a smile, Ms. Lisa. You used the lines seamlessly!
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Ms. Rosema, thank you.
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Lovely 😊
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