Wandering Shop Stories 76

Prompt Word: Caravan Minervie and Chip 64 Peter and Chip lined up the soldiers on Peter’s bedroom floor between boxes. “They are walking together as a caravan through the forest,” suggested Chip. Peter put small toy cars on top of and between boxes, “Yes, and these monsters are waiting for their chance.” They were into it, until Mindy called, “Boys! Pancakes and scrambled eggs.” The boys abandoned their toys and went to wash their hands and faces, per Mindy’s rules....

26 Jan 2026 · 2 min · Gary Allen Vollink

Wandering Shop Stories 75

Prompt Word: Flannel Minervie and Chip 63 Morning arrived and Minervie went about a quiet morning routine. Coffee and a light breakfast, but also a good layering of flannel in case this auditor was here to inspect the Gathering Wood. As dawn fully broke, she felt the disturbance at the gate to the wood. She looked first out the front window and saw the the auditor wasn’t alone. Looks like he’d brought a lot of backup....

25 Jan 2026 · 2 min · Gary Allen Vollink

Wandering Shop Stories 74

Prompt Word: Marshal Minervie and Chip 62 “Boys? After dinner here, we’re spending the night at my place,” Mindy called into Chip’s bedroom. Minervie did a little chant, to cool off the six-pack of cola she’d forgotten to put in the refrigerator, and handed two to Mindy, “Please give them these, too.” Mindy was surprised, “In Chip’s room!?” “Yes, and Chip knows he’ll have to clean it up if they spill,” Minervie reassured....

24 Jan 2026 · 1 min · Gary Allen Vollink

Wandering Shop Stories 73

Prompt Word: Grounds Minervie and Chip 61 “Alright kids, one more stop,” Minervie said getting back into the driver’s seat. “Where to?” said Chip. “A drug store this time.” “Okay,” Chip was disappointed. Peter had settled himself back onto the seat, not sure what had happened. She started up her car, and drove a quarter mile up the road, and got into town, took a few turns, and street parked right in front of the Drug store....

23 Jan 2026 · 2 min · Gary Allen Vollink