Stolen from a very smart person in These titles mean nothing.

The challenge is to write a complete short story in 5 sentences. The first words in each sentence are:

First, there was a
I didn’t realize it but
Then I discovered
I was so surprised when
And so I learned

First there was a scratch at the door. I didn’t realize it but I had been waiting to hear that sound. Then I discovered what was on the other side of the door. I was so surprised when it was Gracie my dead dog. And so I learned there is a form of life, even after death, even for dogs.

I apologize for using poor old dead Gracie as material.

I thank you all for the kinds words about Gracie. I heard from people I hadn’t heard from in a long time, people I don’t really know that well, and from my old good friends who have shared my life and Gracie’s for a long time. Thank you.

Last updated March 11, 2023