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

Wandering Shop Stories 72

Prompt Word: Coke Minervie and Chip 60 Leaving the grocer with Peter and Chip in tow, Minervie loaded the kids and her groceries into her 1950 Studebaker Champion, in Turquoise, and started to head away from home. She got caught up at a Rail Road crossing. Thirty hopper cars, all marked “Coke Express” lumbering by down the river tracks. With no end in sight, Minervie decided to drive up river to maybe find the end of the train....

21 Jan 2026 · 2 min · Gary Allen Vollink

Wandering Shop Stories 71

Prompt Word: Pâté Minervie and Chip 59 Minervie was at the village grocer with Chip and Peter in tow. Well, the children were at the spinning comic rack at the front of the store, busy debating about which titles they would try to get Minervie to buy for them. A heavily accented French voice called to Minervie, “Escuse, do you know, uh, is this any good?” He was holding a can with the label, “Pâté de Froi Gras”....

18 Jan 2026 · 2 min · Gary Allen Vollink