Each in 200 words or less…
Telepathy
Five continents and countless villages.
Millie was a seasoned Veterinarian Without Borders. She had helped save the lives of many animals caught in illegal snares, injured in fighting rings, and wounded by poachers. And those that lacked vaccinations, water, shelter, or proper nutrition. There were accidental injuries. And obvious abuse.
Millie cared about her patients. All over the world, they sensed she loved them. “Your ability to understand what they need is uncanny,” her colleagues agreed. Her friend’s 10-year-old son said she was like Doctor Dolittle.
“But I can’t talk to them,” she told him.
“Maybe you have a telepathic connection,” her friend remarked.
Millie brushed the suggestion aside. “Come on. We’re doctors, not faith healers.”
South African poachers were killing lions and stealing their cubs. Millie was outraged. She ventured into the preserve intent on stopping the poachers. ‘If only the lions could rise as one. Then the poachers might learn a lesson. I hope they know I’m on their side,’ she thought.
But Millie didn’t find the poachers. The poachers found her.
An entire pride of lions found the poachers. The men didn’t stand a chance.
The lions set Millie free. She played with their cubs.
Bring Your Daughter to Work Day
One of the chief engineers insisted on bringing his daughter to work on the orbital platform. It was the day the ISA would be launching the Lightspeed Probe, which would tour the solar system, visit Proxima Centauri, and return in ten years.
Eisley was curious about what was inside the probe. During the final check, she slipped through the open hatch. As luck would have it, her dad was handed a checklist at the same moment. One of his assistants closed the hatch. The countdown began. The warning buzzer drowned out Eisley’s attempts to be heard. The Lorentz Field formed, and it vanished. Eisley’s dad turned to ask what she thought and realized what happened.
“Don’t worry, dear,” time will pass more slowly on the probe. It will be ten years for us, but only half-a-day for Eisley.”
“Don’t worry! She’ll still be 11, and we’ll look like her grandparents! What if something goes wrong?”
In ten years, the probe reappeared. Eisley’s dad rushed to the hatch and opened it.
“I was trapped in there for hours! I need to pee.”
Then she looked at her mom and dad. “Mom? Dad? What happened?”
A Dog’s Best Friend
Gen-net-tech Labs. Nutrition with surprising results. Wendy’s uncle dropped off a few bags of dog food. “Don’t worry, it’s safe. Let’s see how Sasha likes it.”
Wendy made sure Sasha had food, water, and a nice walk every day. They played in the yard and went to the park, the ice-cream store, and to visit her friends. Sasha waited patiently when Wendy did her homework, helped her mom, or watched TikTok. Every night she curled up on Wendy’s bed. The two were inseparable.
Every morning and night, Wendy said, “I love you, Sasha.”
After a month, Wendy noticed something different. Sasha had aways been an obedient dog, but this went beyond “good girl” behavior. “Look mom,” she said. “Sasha, go get your toy, then run to the couch, then come back, then put your toy in the box, then sit by me.” Sasha followed multiple commands! And started helping Wendy without being asked.
A few weeks later, Wendy said, “I love you Sasha,” as she climbed into bed. Sasha looked at her and said, “I love you too, Wendy. Please stop watching TikTok so much. I’m afraid you will rot your brain.”
MurrayWorks 