A quote: “Love has its own instinct, finding the way to the heart, as the feeblest insect finds the way to its flower, with a will which nothing can dismay nor turn aside.” ~~ Honore de Balzac

After several years of 100-word stories, let’s start 2025 making the upper limit 200. I’ve so enjoyed many of the longer stories from you all, this is a good time to change and see what gets created with a larger yard to play in. No worries if you don’t make the 200 on the nose, just take it as the outer fence.

I’ll start with a story …

*******************************

Weariness and worry could not mask the elation in their faces. It was late when they checked in and hungry. I told them I was the only one on duty but I could make a hot meal for them.

They kept their voices low and stopped as I approached their table. I set the steaming, humble fare before them. They tucked into it speaking to each other in a language they must have felt I would not know.

They were wrong. I’m much, much older than I appear. And I already knew they were coming.

They argued over whether they owed their sponsor the information they gathered. Reluctantly, their pride overcame their instincts.

No matter. I knew what must be done and when they had retired, when the night was the darkest, I moved into their room and slipped into their dreams with a warning.

They had already witnessed one miracle. Now they would live to slip away and spread the word.

*******************************

Now, it’s your turn.
.
.
.
.
.
.featured image original graphic by Darleen Click using Adobe Firefly