The Mary Tyler Moore Show featuring Rick Henry Christopher
The Vocal + Assist Lost in a Story Challenge
This story is part of the Vocal + Assist on Facebook Lost in a Story Challenge. You can learn more about it here:

"Yoo-hoo, Hiya Mare," Rhoda peeks in, "Why is your front door open?"
"Phyllis is stopping by with her nephew, little Ricky Henry. He's visiting from California."
"Look at you Mare. You're the only person I know who can make curlers and a baggy t-shirt look glamorous. I'm wearing my Sunday best and I still look like a secondhand leftover."
"You look great Rhoda. Don't be so hard on yourself."
"You're right Mary, I should embrace these jelly rolls around my waist. They taste so good going down. But look so jiggly hanging around the middle."
"Toodle doodles," Phyllis enters Mary's apartment, "I'm here."
She walks in giving Rhoda a smug look, "What's that stench?" She paused, "Uh, it's your plumber," she looks at Rhoda again with her nose scrunched, "Had I known he'd be here I would have worn one of Lars' face masks."
"A face mask would have been a big improvement over that rubber mask you're wearing now," Rhoda says, "Oh wait, that's your face not a rubber mask."
Mary quickly changed the subject, "Phyllis, where's Ricky?"
"He's packing. He and Lars had a fight and Lars kicked him out. He's coming to stay with you."
"Wait, Phyllis, nobody asked me."
"Mary, you're always so willing to help the needy. We wouldn't want Ricky to be homeless, would we?"
Ricky walks in with his bags.
Mary looks at Phyllis and whispers, "He's a grown man. He can't stay here."
"He's seventeen, Mary, he's still a child."
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Three hours later Mary comes back from dinner. She sees Rick sitting in a chair that faces away from the door.
As she walks in the apartment she notices that Rick is nude.
"Rick," she turns the other way, "what are you doing, cover yourself up"
"I'm a nudist, Mary. I didn't think you would mind."
Mary threw a blanket at him. "I mind. Now get out of here."
Rick grabbed the blanket and left in a huff.
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With Love, RHC
About the Creator
Rick Henry Christopher
Writing is a distraction for me. It takes me to places unknown that fulfill my need for intellectual stimulus, emotional release, and a soothing of the breaks and bruises of the day.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/vocalplusassist
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Comments (29)
I know of the show but haven’t watched it Rick. I enjoyed your fun twist!! 😁
This has to be one of my favorite works by you Rick! It's a very entertaining and funny read. I loved it.
This is so great! You really got the feel of this great sitcom I grew up with! You knew exactly what to do with each character, with not a word or action seeming out of character! Perhaps you wrote for 1970s sitcoms in a former life? Or you just have a really good ear for styles of dialogue and 1970s sitcom structure. Anyway, I was disappointed this ended so quickly! Funny and accurate!
Well Deserved 🎉👍💬😉Congratulations🎉👌
Congratulations on your Top Story,
I loved watching Mary Tyler Moore Show when I was growing up and it is even fun watching in now when I can find it. Great work putting yourself in the show.
Congratulations Rick!! Gkad for your hard work being recognized
Lol, welcome to the odd mind of Rick Henry Christopher! This is hilarious. Not really familiar with the Mary Tyler Moore show, but know a little about it and it feels like you nailed it! Just...yeah, funny stuff and well done on Top Story too!
Lol! This is very funny Rick, I really loved the ending. I could see the look on Mary's face at that moment. Congrats on Top Story.
I had to go watch the show before I could answer. Now I may be hooked on the show, LOL. Haha, Mary would have been appalled!!! Funny story💙Anneliese
Why, Rick, I never knew this about you! You think you know a guy, lol. MTM is one of those shows my wife & her sister still watch & talk about on the phone all the time. One of those classics & one of the best final episodes ever.
Haha. This is a hoot. Congratulations 🏅
Congrats on the Top Story, Little Ricky Henry!😁
Great
Fantastic! Congrats on top story!
Witty, funny and well deserved top story
Loved this! Hillariously funny, you crafted dialogue so perfectly! 🤍
Damn, Rick, er, I mean, little Ricky, you cut us off at the pass. Come on, man, I know Mary and little Ricky did more than have a blanket fight!
Hahahahahahhahahahaha omgggg I laughed so many times reading this! It was so freaking hilarious!
My favorite band, Husker Du, did a cover of the Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks0to2QuJtM
What a hoot. I loved this show.
That's really great work!!
This is hilarious! You captured the essence of those delightful characters and added more fun! Mary needs to lighten up! Go, Rick!
Haha nice!
Lmao 🤣🤣Great job👌