Wandering Shop Stories 41

Prompt Word: Incline Penny Collins, Business Manager 5 Penny spiral unwrapped the figure eight of string off of the buttons of the interoffice envelope. The page inside was on the letterhead of the clog shop, and was cryptic. She recognized her own start date with the company, then there were three numbers, two of which were multiplied together. The note on the page simply said, “Your clogs are ready, please pay your due....

17 Dec 2025 · 3 min · Gary Allen Vollink

Wandering Shop Stories 40

Prompt Word: Quail Penny Collins, Business Manager 4 Twilight had cast across the city, as Penny made her way from the factory to a pub named Yakob’s five blocks away. She took a circuitous route, starting her journey in the direction of her own home, and then veering off toward the bar half way. When she arrived, she paused outside the door, and suddenly there was a hand on her shoulder....

16 Dec 2025 · 3 min · Gary Allen Vollink

Wandering Shop Stories 39

Prompt Word: Proceeds Penny Collins, Business Manager 3 Penny was not particularly happy, but was trying very hard to keep her cool, “So, you are telling me that Ms. Ismail is getting less than half of Mr. Zhang’s salary?” Bob Coke, in HR, did not suspect anything, “Oh, yes. As you know, Management is not eligible for union protection, and we’re using the proceeds for special bonuses, of which, you are eligible this year, in part because of this savings you created....

15 Dec 2025 · 2 min · Gary Allen Vollink

Wandering Shop Stories 38

Prompt Word: Pop Minervie and Chip 30 Seeing how completely bored Chip was, the third bridesmaid came over to Chip, “Hey, what’s your name?” Putting on the best of what he was taught, Chip replied nervously, “My namish Chip, nice to meethu.” “Why hello Chip, my name is Mina. Would you like to come dance with me?” “I don’t know how,” Chip shyly replied. “Haha, I don’t expect you too, come along,” Mina grabbed his little hand....

14 Dec 2025 · 2 min · Gary Allen Vollink