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A occasional twist used in the Thursday Prompt is the '365-word limit;' the writer must keep the body of the narrative (in other words, minus the title, author's name, and "The End") to exactly 365 words. Brevity is, after all, the soul of wit. The following story appeared earlier this month as part of the Thursday Prompt's charity anthology that was offered at Megaplex this year, and as with Wish You Were Here, I have waited until after the con to post it here on FA. Enjoy!
******
First Morning Out
© 2021 by Walter Reimer
Prompt: cruising (365 word limit)
Thumbnail art © The Solar System
_______________________________________
Sanura stretched, the caracal’s claws flexing against the sheets as the tiger’s big paws massaged her shoulders and down her back. The gentle touch had started bringing her out of her sleep, and as Dzhokar had increased his pressure she had awakened completely.
“Mrrf . . . Dzhokar, dearest?” she murmured against her pillow.
“Hmm? Yes, Sanura?”
“I’ll give you the rest of my life to stop that.”
He chuckled and leaned over her, brushing his lips over one of her tufted ears, making it flick reflexively. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.” He moved aside as she rolled over on her back. “What time is it?”
“Eight o’clock. I was about to order coffee. Do you want something to eat?”
“Mm, yes, I’m starved. Order whatever for me, and I’ll go freshen up. Can we have breakfast on the balcony?”
“I don’t see why not,” Dzhokar said as he ran his fingers over the cabin’s touchscreen, scrolling through the menu options and adding items to the order. His ears flicked as he heard the shower start, and he sat back down on the bed.
The Sublime Argosy was a passenger liner with a spotless reputation for service and safety, with a well-paid, well-trained, and attentive crew for the thousand furs who had bought tickets. The vessel had several swimming pools, two gyms, a running track, and a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and amusements. Their cabin was midway down the port side of the ship, a location that promised some spectacular views.
The steward, an officious mink with a ready smile, helped the tiger bring the coffee service and meals out onto the balcony. He left as Sanura stepped out of the bathroom, wearing a robe and vigorously rubbing a towel against her headfur. “Breakfast?” she asked.
She grinned as Dzhokar gestured to her.
They dined on eggs Benedict, with extra bacon and scones with jam, washed down with freshly-ground coffee while the ruddy face of Mars swung into view from their balcony vantage point.
Sanura put her cup down and pointed. “That is beautiful.”
“Not half as beautiful as you.”
“Charmer.”
Dzhokar smiled, planning on proposing to the caracal when the Sublime Argosy reached Jupiter.
__________________________________
End.
******
First Morning Out
© 2021 by Walter Reimer
Prompt: cruising (365 word limit)
Thumbnail art © The Solar System
_______________________________________
Sanura stretched, the caracal’s claws flexing against the sheets as the tiger’s big paws massaged her shoulders and down her back. The gentle touch had started bringing her out of her sleep, and as Dzhokar had increased his pressure she had awakened completely.
“Mrrf . . . Dzhokar, dearest?” she murmured against her pillow.
“Hmm? Yes, Sanura?”
“I’ll give you the rest of my life to stop that.”
He chuckled and leaned over her, brushing his lips over one of her tufted ears, making it flick reflexively. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.” He moved aside as she rolled over on her back. “What time is it?”
“Eight o’clock. I was about to order coffee. Do you want something to eat?”
“Mm, yes, I’m starved. Order whatever for me, and I’ll go freshen up. Can we have breakfast on the balcony?”
“I don’t see why not,” Dzhokar said as he ran his fingers over the cabin’s touchscreen, scrolling through the menu options and adding items to the order. His ears flicked as he heard the shower start, and he sat back down on the bed.
The Sublime Argosy was a passenger liner with a spotless reputation for service and safety, with a well-paid, well-trained, and attentive crew for the thousand furs who had bought tickets. The vessel had several swimming pools, two gyms, a running track, and a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and amusements. Their cabin was midway down the port side of the ship, a location that promised some spectacular views.
The steward, an officious mink with a ready smile, helped the tiger bring the coffee service and meals out onto the balcony. He left as Sanura stepped out of the bathroom, wearing a robe and vigorously rubbing a towel against her headfur. “Breakfast?” she asked.
She grinned as Dzhokar gestured to her.
They dined on eggs Benedict, with extra bacon and scones with jam, washed down with freshly-ground coffee while the ruddy face of Mars swung into view from their balcony vantage point.
Sanura put her cup down and pointed. “That is beautiful.”
“Not half as beautiful as you.”
“Charmer.”
Dzhokar smiled, planning on proposing to the caracal when the Sublime Argosy reached Jupiter.
__________________________________
End.
Category Story / General Furry Art
Species Tiger
Size 120 x 120px
File Size 47.8 kB
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