Adjustment Period, Deconstruction Day
Head, Shoulders, Knees and...
Patricia tuned the transistor radio she'd found to an automated station, holding Dale's hand in hers. Unfortunately, it was no longer attached to Dale.
A mere shell of the man he once was, Dale tried to cheer her with his boyish grin, but only succeeded in dislocating one side of his jaw. Holding his tongue, he tucked it into what was left of his cheek, but it slipped. Keeping an eye out, he popped the other back in.
Silently, they watched the fading glow of the burning city on the horizon. Patricia giggled neurotically, pointing, “Look, Dale! The cat's got your tongue!”
***
Authors Note: This is an episode in a series. If you're confused, or simply for the best experience, please click here to start with the original microfiction story. Ready to move on? For the next episode, click here. You'll find links to subsequent episodes in the notes after each story. Also, as you read these stories, please take an extra minute to read the comments below them. This is the kind of support that Vocal creators give each other.
If you've caught up on the series, I hope you recognized a few tongue-in-cheek references in this episode, and please read on.
Author's (somewhat long) Note Part Deux: First things first. Roy Stevens gets an extra shoutout for his excellent theme song suggestion. (You DID play the video while reading, right?) For the eye-popping and tongue-in-cheek references, I need to thank Mark Gagnon for yet another clever comment.
I've had more fun than I can possibly express while writing this series. It never would have happened if not for the input in comments from my friends and fellow creators. I've credited the person that made the 'punspirational' comment in each of the previous episodes. PLEASE follow the links and read their stories. I'm surrounded by a plethora of creative genius on Vocal, and I'm deeply grateful for the inspiration that brought these stories to life. Thank you all - and I mean each of you that commented. This is OUR series.
I also have to thank my wonderful wife, Pam! Without her patience, grace and sense of humor, I'd be - well, dead or single. She's patiently let me bounce pretty much everything in this series off of her, and hasn't bounced anything off of me, yet!
So, is this the end for our "mixed" couple? I have some ideas bouncing around in my head. On the other hand, I don't want to repeat a good thing 'ad nauseum'. Maybe a new series with the same protagonists? I have a really catchy title in mind.
Let me know your thoughts! And thank you, thank you, thank you!
About the Creator
Dana Crandell
Dad, Stedpad, Grandpa, Husband, lover of Nature and dogs.
Poet, Writer, Editor, Photographer, Artist and Tech/Internet nerd. Content writer by trade. Vocal Creator by choice.
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Adjustment Period, Day 6
Dale was ecstatic. Patricia, devoted wife that she was, had decided to walk with him through the aftermath of the Zombie Apocalypse. If he still had a heart, it would be full. Still, there was a nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach. Something simply wasn't right.
By Dana Crandell11 months ago in Fiction
Sabotage
Lately I’ve been in a funk where everything can be going right. You know I’m in a happy place talking to who knows, I’m at peace and feel like everything is just going great you know. But once I start seeing that everything is going great for some reason I need to sabotage it. I need to sabotage my happiness and what I have going on in my life so no one else is able to do it for me. Does that make sense? Am I the only one who gets this way?
By Merjaunie Lenaa day ago in Journal
Comments (21)
You know I like the puns but these micros are good stories as well
These puns are far amusing for me! I'd love to add one but I'm a little tongue tied at the moment! 🤣
You're clearly having too much pun.
Oh man! This series is great! I wonder what will happen to the cat 🤔
Lmao Late to this party but I’m enjoying your writing and the exchange between the cast. 🥰😂
Love it! 😂 Would love 2 see more of them!!!! :)
These are just pure fun. I love the amount of fun we are all having and the amount of fun you are clearly having writing them. Your wife must be enjoying them too! Seriously great job, Dana! These are face-achingly good!
These are an absolute joy to read! I love the humor and play on words so much :) I'd love to see you keep going!!
The saga continues... what a joy to be on this ride. Thanks for continuing to be an inspiration, Dana. Also, really enjoyed your '(somewhat long) Author's Note'. Maybe I'm just a 🤓 but I find that sometimes to be one of the most fun parts of reading a piece. I love knowing the thought that went into it. Makes the piece more multi-dimensional to me. (Yep, definitely a 🤓 )
lol. That last line.
Great stuff, Dana. Love the music Roy suggested, it fits perfectly. These have been so fun to read!
Roll credits... 👏👏👏This was a fine piece of memorable work, Dana. I feel I got to know Dale even though he had one-foot in the grave...or maybe one stump that is. Thanks again for the lighthearted entertainment.
Oh, more, more, more please. For heaven's sake, don't stop now Dana! Patsy's still singing and I'm still sittin' here grinning...
‘The cat’s got your tongue’ - haha! This is the best one!
As rotten as it is to say goodbye, it’s obvious Dale just isn’t able to hold it together anymore. Fun series!
Haha, that last line😆❤️📝
'D' ~ As I 'Adjust' my artificial 'Knees' continuing to comfortably hang-out with you - "Period" - It's been my pleasure! 'J' Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California 'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Author Community -
I learned a new phrase, a pillar post. It is an after the fact post with links to all of the stories. I think, if you add some explanation of why/how you write these, it would be a good way to gather the series together, and an additional entry for Fiction.
Haha! I’m literally laughing out loud! Simply brilliant, and the song is perfect! Definitely could continue reading about this pair- I’m pretty attached to these characters!
How incredibly tasty! (At least the cat thinks so.) As far as the story is concerned, I'd say she's ready to stand pat--but while it appears she may manage to get over hill, it doesn't seem she'll ever get over Dale.
I hoped it would end with him always having Patricia's heart... but I guess a) you've already done a heart one, and b) why would you fridge Pat? 😁