Chortlecloud

Chortlecloud (noun) – The bubbly, contagious mood that spreads when laughter hangs in the air, leaving everyone grinning for no reason at all. Like a happy fog of giggles floating through a room.

---

Why Chortlecloud?

We’ve all felt it—that invisible wave of shared laughter that makes even the grumpiest person crack a smile. Chortlecloud gives this joyous phenomenon a name.

---

Microprose:

"Under the Chortlecloud"

It started with one giggle. A tiny hiccup of joy escaping Grandpa as he tried to retell an old story. The words came out wrong, his face scrunched in mock seriousness, and that’s when Dad snorted.

The sound was so unexpected, Mom doubled over, cackling like a bird. Then the kids joined in—first as polite chuckles, but soon full-blown belly laughs, as if the air itself had been tickled.

“Why are we even laughing?” someone wheezed between breaths.

Nobody could answer.

They were all caught under the chortlecloud, an invisible bubble of joy that refused to pop. For a few minutes, the world outside didn’t exist. There was no rush, no worry—only the sound of their laughter filling the room.

When it finally subsided, they sat in silence, catching their breath but still smiling. Grandpa adjusted his glasses and grinned.

“Well,” he said, “I didn’t even finish the story.”

The chortlecloud returned!

---------------------------------------------------------

Author's Note:

This is my first time participating in an unofficial challenge, and I couldn't be more excited to join in!

My inspiration came from Lana V Lynx's entry in this very challenge, which already earned Top Story recognition. Seeing her creativity come to life made me want to give it a try and share my own words with this incredible community.

Here's the WOA's unofficial challenge: