COLLECTED DRABBLES

2023 – 2026

by Paula

Winterfest Online 2023

Brigit, a piece of jewelry, a bookstore in Manhattan

Brigit thought about choosing a unique gift for Michael. She knew that the necklace he gave her came from the Crystal Cave, which was deep below. He told her about this special place and its inhabitants. She would like to meet them someday. Suddenly her gaze stopped at the bookstore windows. There were beautiful copies of poetry and poems, first editions. She thought Michael would appreciate such a gift. He told her that Vincent had instilled in them a love of poetry. It could not have been a better gift. She went into the bookstore to buy William Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Jamie, an old photograph, Winterfest

Winterfest was approaching. Jamie in her chamber reminded herself how beautiful and important this festival was to them. All together in the candlelight, music all around. Looking through chests of souvenirs in the library, she came across an old photograph of a beautiful woman. Jamie didn’t recognize who was in the photo. Curiosity led her to Father. She showed him the picture and he explained that the woman was Grace, Devin’s mother. She was good and kind and saved him in the darkest time of his life. Jamie thought, I’ll ask Mouse to set up a frame for this picture.

Catherine, an old trunk, an empty chamber Below

Catherine wanted to surprise Vincent and see him tonight. She quickly suppressed those feelings so he wouldn’t sense them in the bond. She went Below, but his chamber was empty. She walked calmly and looked at the things stored there. Suddenly, in the corner, she saw an old, open trunk. There were souvenirs from Vincent’s childhood, toys, books. Catherine began to sift through this trunk of memories.

Vincent found her there, kneeling, smiling and watching. He approached her softly and whispered, “Hello Dearest, how did you manage to keep this intention a secret?”

“I’m learning from the master, my baby.”

Olivia, a pair of shoes, the dining chamber

Catherine was invited to dinner Below. The day before, she received beautiful and comfortable shoes from her friend Jenny, but unfortunately not in her size. She thought maybe one of the women would use the shoes. When she entered the dining room, everyone was already at the table. Olivia was bustling around the table; Catherine looked at her feet and thought these shoes would be perfect for her. She showed her the shoes, Olivia tried them on and they were well fitting and comfortable as slippers, perfect for tunnels. Olivia thanked for the gift and Catherine hugged her very tight.

Joe, a wrapped sandwich, Catherine’s office desk

That morning, Catherine overslept, rushed to work, and only had a sip of strong coffee at home. She spent the evening with Vincent and it was so hard to part, the farewell dragged on forever, but it was worth it for a few moments with her beloved.

When she got to work she met Joe. He noticed her tired eyes, guessed that she had probably left without breakfast. As she sat at her desk in the office with a mug of coffee in her hand, he placed a wrapped sandwich next to her papers. Catherine’s look said Thank you, Joe.

Zach, a Halloween costume, a classroom chamber

In the classroom Below, there was a literature class led by Vincent. The children could not concentrate in class because Halloween was approaching. Everyone had their costumes ready except for Zach; he still couldn’t decide who to dress up as.

Vincent saw the boy’s sad face; he wanted to help him. He came up to him and said, “Zach, why don’t you dress up as Lancelot this year? He’s the bravest knight of all. Surely you would like to dress up as someone so dignified.”

“Vincent, it’s a fantastic idea. I’ll go to Mouse to help me prepare the armor.”

Mouse, a box of crayons, Father’s study/library

Mouse paced impatiently around Father’s library, thinking of a surprise for Samantha. He wanted to do something colorful for this cute little girl. He had a pad with him, found a box of crayons, 24 colors; maybe he’ll paint something, maybe a sunrise. Ok good, ok fine, he thought. He started looking through the books looking for an illustration he could paint for her. He found Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales with beautiful illustrations. He found the picture and started painting. It took him a long time; he put his whole heart into it. Samantha will appreciate Mouse’s gift.

Winterfest Online 2024

Father, the kitchen chamber, a complaint

In the kitchen chamber William and his helpers hurried to make it in time. There was no special occasion, but when Arthur ate most of the treats during the Valentine’s Day party, what could be saved was left only to the children. Father was disappointed. “If I could file a complaint against this animal!” He thundered throughout the evening…so the children were preparing a surprise for him. They proudly entered the Library carrying a tray of chocolate chip cookies and topped with croissants with raspberry and blueberry filling. He was touched and in thought thanked the little animal…

Rebecca,Staten Island, a candle

The wind blew her hair as she took the ferry from Staten Island, and a gentle smile adorned her face as she recalled the time she spent with James, a friend who lived Below for a while and was now a helper. His eyes sparkled as Rebecca handed him a candle at Winterfest…

He showed her the house. “Too big for one person,” he whispered in her ear. They strolled along the waterfront, visited the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, and saw the beautiful Chinese Scholar’s Garden…and his sweet, farewell kiss she could still feel on her reddened lips…

Pascal, a bright light, undergorund river

Pascal, I arrived safely. Vincent tapped out the message and busied himself observing his surroundings. He sat by the bank of the underground river; the sand was soft and the water was clear. It’s a good place for a picnic or camping with children. Maybe first a trip just the two of them…He closed his eyes and his thoughts went back to his beloved.
Suddenly he saw a bright light, and in it, as if in a fog, Catherine on a blanket was cuddling a small child and a little boy was wading in the water holding his hand…

Vincent, Central Park, snowstorm

He could feel her determination, excitement,amazement, and something else. He waited for Catherine near the Central Park entrance, concerned about her haste.

“Vincent!” She ran up to him and hid happily in his arms.

“Tell me,” he whispered in her ear.

“The snowstorm paralyzed the city. I abandoned the car halfway because I wanted to see you as soon as possible and say something important.”

“Yes, I felt it.” He looked at her with great curiosity.

“And maybe you feel something else?”  She looked at him and her eyes sparkled mysteriously…Then she put her hand on her stomach…

Joe, a gift, Catherine’s apartment building

Everything was going wonderfully…Joe had relieved her of an overabundance of issues earlier. He saw how she cared; so grateful for this opportunity Catherine ran out of work. It has been a long time since they had an evening just for themselves, so tonight was a gift. She hurried to her apartment, carrying a vanilla dessert with whipped cream in one bag and delicate lace lingerie in the other… It doesn’t matter if Vincent destroys the underwear or not; the sight of his beautiful eyes and seductive smile when he sees her in it will be the best reward…

Jamie, a flower, Father’s library

Whispers and quiet laughter could be heard between the regiments in Father’s Library.

“For Jamie, Mouse prepared himself.”

“It’s a beautiful rose. Where did you get it?” She asked, delighted with his gift.

“Vincent gave a crystal…from a trip to the Cave. Mouse carved a flower for Jamie.” He tilted his head shyly.

“It’s the most beautiful gift I’ve ever received. Thank you, I’ll treasure it.” She put her hands around his face..and he looked at her with his big eyes…The kiss she gave was what she’d been dreaming of for some time…

Winterfest Online 2025

Joe, his office, a phone message

“Radcliffe, remember the testimony in the Malinsky case and pick up the results of the forensic reports. We’ve been working on this for two months and everything needs to be buttoned up.” She rolled her eyes while listening to the voice message…
Later, they sat on the couch in his office, exhaustion and relief painted on their faces.
“We made it kiddo. I’ll be a good boss; I’m giving you a week’s vacation! Run away before I come to the desk for another file.”

The smell of her perfume remained. “Thanks, Joe,” he heard already from the hallway.

 William, Winterfest, a hat

“Who treated themselves to an apple cake at Winterfest?” A loud voice could be heard in the dining room and in the distant corridors. The cook propped himself up by his sides and watched around with a furrowed brow, breathing heavily.

Suddenly,a large hat, left by Mary, moved on the table near the wall. William blinked twice and rubbed his eyes, walked over quietly, and carefully picked it up with both hands. “Arthur!”

The surprised raccoon ran away abandoning the sweet snack.

“Why are you running away? Take what’s left. I have to make another cake anyway.”

 Catherine, Father’s library, a list

“Vincent!” she squealed as he suddenly snuggled into her neck, his lips wandering over her ear. “Father gave us a list of how we should organize these books.” She pointed with her hand to the piles lying next to them.

Reluctantly, he looked at the copies. “Hmm…”

She heard a sensual sound. “Let’s get to work, otherwise…” She gasped when she felt his hand under her sweater.

“Catherine, I agree with you, let’s get to work.” He clung to her;she was now leaning against the bookcase. “Let’s start with love literature.” He kissed her tenderly.

Devin, Vincent’s chamber, a coin

Devin lay on the bed by the stained glass window, his eyes wandering around the chamber. How much had changed here, and in his little brother’s life. In his hand he held a belated wedding gift for him. An 1893 Morgan silver coin that he had received from his former employer. He was his driver until he felt the call to explore a new place. The rich old man generously repaid him for his years of service. He could have sold it; however, he kept it, cherished it, and now, grateful for his special brother, will give it to him.

Vincent, the Great Falls, a broken lock

They were lying on a blanket in an alcove near Great Falls; their hands were entwined.

“The note was mysterious. Did you want to show me what happened here a moment ago?” she whispered.

He curved his unique lips in a smile. “Catherine, it was not planned, but very willingly accepted.” He sat down and reached for the box with the broken lock. “I broke in because I lost the key.”

She joined him. “What’s inside?”

“My letters to you, when I was still afraid to express what I feel. I want you to have them.”

Jamie, the children’s chamber, a piece of jewelry

Jamie was sitting in the children’s chamber. Her eyes went misty as she looked at the bracelet and necklace prepared for her by the children. The colorful crystals sparkled beautifully in the candlelight.

“Mouse polished them and helped us make the holes,” Samanta interjected cheerfully.

“Catherine gave the satin string,” added Jasmine.

“From the trip to the Crystal Cave we brought back crystals. We wanted to prepare something for you,” interjected Geoffrey shyly.

Zach looked proudly at the result of the work of many hands. “This is out of gratitude for taking us on the tour.”

Laura, her apartment, a journal

By the glow of a single candle, after a hard day’s work in the tunnels, Vincent wrote in his journal. So many thoughts to put on paper, so much information to preserve for future generations.

It seemed like yesterday when he was escorting Laura to the entrance to the world Above. He was filled with pride that she had managed to find her place there, that she had found love. They were decorating a new apartment with Jerry, and soon their family was going to grow, and when we would start ours? He sighed quietly, looking at the sleeping Catherine.

Cullen, his workshop, a cupcake

Cullen was busily working in his workshop, preparing a present for Catherine and Vincent’s wedding anniversary. On a plate beside him lay a bitten chocolate cupcake.
Other sweets were waiting in a box on the renovated dresser – an incentive from William to make the work nicer.

His gift was taking on familiar shapes. The figurine of Vincent reading a book was already finished, but the form of the adorably cuddled Catherine still needed tweaking. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and reached for another bite of the cupcake.

He smiled. Perhaps I will be carving a cradle for them soon?

Mary, the Chamber of the Winds, a map

Mary stopped, hearing a quiet cry coming from the Chamber of Winds. She headed that way and noticed a huddled figure on the spot; golden hair was in disarray. She knelt down.“What happened?”

“I found an old map with distant tunnels and I wanted to look for him. Maybe he needs help.”

“Who?” she asked, already knowing the answer.

“Devin.” He looked at her with reddened eyes. She stroked his face. “I was afraid to go alone.” He bowed his head…

“We’ll go together. Come on, we have to get ready.” She squeezed his hand.

Winterfest Online 2026 

Olivia, Father’s desk, a box

This desk was never organized. It stood tucked away in a corner, close to bookshelves, surrounded by piles of books and lit by candlelight. This workplace, witness to many conversations and momentous events, had today become the scene of a decision.

Father always knew his way around this deliberate mess. His trembling hand reached for a carved box covered with a thick layer of dust, small, hidden under a pile of maps, lonely, concealing a secret. A sad sigh echoed off the rocky walls. “The time has come to share with Olivia an important keepsake from her first husband.”

Vincent, Catherine’s apartment, a colander

Cooking together in her apartment was a new experience. Excited, honored,Vincent abandoned the idea that he shouldn’t enjoy her company in every way. He shook his head, feeling the warmth on his cheeks. Catherine, unaware of his heated thoughts, stirred the sauce; the air was filled with the smell of spices. He bit his lip as he drained the pasta…

He didn’t know if it was because his shirt was partially unbuttoned or because of the play of muscles on his body; the pasta still lay in the colander, and they enjoyed the freedom of love on the rug.

Laura, the Great Falls, a bracelet

They gazed at the cascade of water flowing down the rock face, shimmering with a magical play of light. Their hands were clasped in a gentle embrace, her head resting on his chest. Soothed, content.

“Was Laura happy with the gift?” She looked up at his beloved face, seeing the blue eyes focused on her.

“She was delighted. The crystal bracelet from our cave gives her a memory of home.”

She smiled, clasping her fingers around her necklace. “Mouse can work wonders.”

He hid a smile in her hair, remembering the miracle they were secretly preparing for her.

Catherine, Narcissa’s chamber, a letter

He couldn’t erase that image from his mind: a cave whose walls shimmered with the colors of the rainbow, the smell of minerals in the air, and a crystal-clear lake in the middle. A friendly visit to the shaman turned out to be the discovery of another miracle, at a suitable distance from her chamber. Vincent now stood trembling, uncertain, near Catherine’s apartment, clutching the invitation letter in his hand, not daring to hand it over in person. He felt a light breeze on his cheeks, a mysterious force pushing him toward his destiny; he just had to believe, trust…

Father, the dining chamber, a large crystal

Hot, cold, too bright… He sat in a daze among the diners, and every sound of conversation was like a jackhammer in his head. He sighed heavily, staring at his cooling tea, waiting for a stronger painkiller to be delivered.

“Father?” A gentle voice pulled him out of his despair.

“Vincent? Have you come to finish me off with news of some accident?”

His son gave him a sympathetic smile. “I came to help. Mouse found a geode with a large amethyst inside. The crystal soothes migraines, bringing relief.”

The words he heard were like balm on a wound…

Jamie, the Abyss, a scarf

The wind blew her hair, tickling her cheeks as she descended close to the place where the fall was the definitive end. The breath of cold air and the noises reaching her ears were like ominous whispers; a shiver ran through her body; she wrapped her scarf tighter around her neck and grabbed her crossbow. Her gaze wandered through the dark fog. She narrowed her eyes, focused on the sound of approaching footsteps. A sigh escaped her lips as a familiar figure stood in the entrance.

“You’re here.”

“You run. Can…” he hesitated, “we talk about us?”

Devin, Central Park, a feather

The night was warm, the stars barely visible. They both enjoyed walking through the park, a light breeze blowing on their faces. In the distance, the entrance to the tunnels loomed. She glanced at him. “What are you thinking about?”

He gave her a broad smile. “I’m remembering our fight; you were hitting me with a pillow and suddenly there were feathers flying everywhere.”

She bit her lip, blushing. “And then you started apologizing, using one; a light touch.”

He kissed her gently. “Our beginning; and now I’ll brag to my brother that I’ve found love..”

Paracelsus, the carousel, a flower

She hurriedly left the apartment, holding a note in her coat pocket. ‘Let’s meet by the carousel. It’s about Vincent.’ Her heartbeat drowned out the sounds of the city. Clouds obscured the stars. She read the words again, running her fingers over the dark drawing of a rose. Some bright thought was slipping away from her; reason had been trampled by the worst fears. The area had emptied, only a milky fog hung ominously over the surroundings. A cold shiver ran through her body; she opened her eyes wider, as a figure in a hat emerged from the shadows…

Mouse, main branch of New York Public Library, a deck of cards

She lazily shuffled the deck of cards, left behind by the children. He watched her movements, trying to guess her mysterious thoughts. He took her hands in both of his. “Tell me.”

A charming smile lit up the whole chamber. “I would like to take someone to one place Above.”

Immediately, a tightness gripped his heart.

She looked up at him and frowned. “You’ve gone pale.”

He took a breath. “Go on.”

“Mouse told me he would like to see something new, something different. I thought about the nearby branch of the Public Library.”

His circulation returned.

CABB’s September 25th Anniversary Challenge 2023

Mouse, an invitation, Greenwich Village

Beginning

Mouse raced through the tunnels toward Vincent’s chamber.

“Vincent – look! Jamie made invitation for Mouse! Meet her today at White Horse Tavern – Greenwich Village.”

“The invitation is beautiful, made from the heart. White Horse is a bar where Dylan Thomas, one of my favorite poets, used to go,” replied Vincent.

“Poet, romantic, this meeting is like a date! Mouse needs to get ready, okay! Flowers for Jamie! Mouse will now feel what it is like to have love.”

With these words, he ran out of the chamber as quickly as he had appeared, leaving a very dazed, but pleased, Vincent.

Catherine, sheet music, the dining chamber

Cocoon of Love

“Catherine.” His whisper, longing, demanding, reflected in her heart. “Can’t we really just stay here together?” Vincent said, gently brushing her ear.

“I promised Samantha to deliver the sheet music for tomorrow’s concert. You know how much she cares. Besides, everyone is waiting for us in the dining chamber. I don’t want Cullen and Kanin to have fun with us like last time.”

She heard a cute, sweet sound, his hands roamed along her back, blue eyes stared at her intensely, and she already knew that they would not make it to dinner. All that mattered was this wonderful time.

William, a subway car, a Nathan’s Hotdog Cart

Feelings

“William? I brought something.”

“Michael! What’s that?”

“I promised the children that next time I’d bring snacks. There was a Nathan’s hot dog cart on the way, so I took the opportunity…”

“Great! I don’t often serve hot dogs here.”

“I was riding the subway, and in one of the cars I met Sebastien. He told me he dreams of a quiet life Below.”

“I think it’s a dream about Sarah. He comes to her every day. They walk through the tunnels and whisper words to each other in corners.”

“William…they found love. Maybe there’s hope for you, too…”

Samantha, a loud sound, Father’s Library

Helper

In Father’s library, Samantha was looking for Shakespeare’s comedy “The Taming of the Shrew.” She wanted to put on a play for the tunnel community with the other children.

It’s so chaotic here. I’ll never find it, she thought.

Suddenly, she heard a murmur, and then a loud sound as if something powerful hit the floor. She ran toward the noise and saw Arthur roaming through the bookshelves, heavy volumes strewn beneath a cupboard.

“Father will not be pleased.” She went to the shelf and saw the book she was looking for. “Arthur, I didn’t expect you to help me!”

Devin, a lost wallet, the Brooklyn Bridge

Unexpected Date

They lay on a blanket, admiring the sunset over the Brooklyn Bridge. The sky sparkled with many colors; the view was truly amazing.

“Devin, we had a lovely afternoon…and to think if Zach hadn’t found that wallet, we wouldn’t have discovered how much we have in common.”  She looked at him with captivating eyes and smiled encouragingly.

“If there was any ID inside, then we wouldn’t take advantage of those inside tickets to the Brooklyn Museum…and thanks to all these things, it started something extremely interesting, Jenny,” he whispered, bringing his mouth closer in a very gentle kiss.

Father, a notebook, Chinatown

Surprise

Father sat in his chamber enjoying the silence. Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by an excited Kipper.

“Father, I was looking for stuff Above and I found a notebook! Inside they showed how to do new things, Aladdin’s lamp, a light saber. Mouse could make those things for Jacob and water candles for Catherine.”

Surprised, Father opened his mouth wide but no words came out.

Kipper coughed. “There’s also a message from Chinatown. Dr. Wong has a new calming herbal blend for you.”

“Light saber? Calming tea, that’s what I’ll need,” Father said, looking at the boy running out.

Vincent, a trinket box, the tunnel entrance in Central Park

Gift

 Vincent was finishing arranging things in their chamber. He’d had to make some changes since Catherine joined him, but they were pleasant changes. Their family was soon to grow. He started going through a box of trinkets; these are his keepsakes and each of them had a story.

Suddenly he felt anxiety from Catherine,  then fear, and began to run as fast as he could, guided by the bond. When he reached the drainage tunnel in Central Park, Catherine leaned against the tunnel wall.

“It’s time, Vincent.”

He took her in his arms. “Now it’s time for another miracle, Catherine.”

CABB’s April 12th Challenge 2024: Anniversary Gifts

Vincent, Dr. Wong’s Shop, an anniversary gift

“Vincent, what smells so good?”

“It’s a special tea, Catherine. I recently went to Dr. Wong’s store and received this aromatic gift for our anniversary.”

She took a sip and immediately felt warmth spreading through her stomach.
“Mmm … it’s excellent.”

“Yes.” He felt the fire flowing from his throat to his belly and lower …

Finishing another cup, they sighed at the same moment and looked at each other. Some uncontrollable force drew them closer; with a passionate kiss they began their dance …

The ripping of clothes could be heard, and then the hurried creaking of the bed filled the chamber …

Any Classic Character, any Location Above or Below, an anniversary gift

Creation

Upon entering their chamber, Catherine was greeted by the scent of roses. The entire room dripped in red flowers. A card with a quote from a Keats poem was waiting on the table.

“Happy Anniversary.” He appeared in just a bathrobe.

“Happy Anniversary.” She kissed him tenderly. “Under William’s supervision, I baked something for you.”

Vincent noticed a chocolate heart decorated with red sprinkles in the box.

“Mmm…. it’ll be a delight for both of us.”

“Today we start,” she said excitedly.

“Yes, I’m a little scared.”

She embraced him. “We must go with courage, and perhaps in nine months…”

CABB’s September 25th Challenge 2025: Famous First or Last Lines

Together

Life framed, dammed, reinforced; a face shrouded in melancholy; silent contemplation. Longing for a flash of delight and oblivion. Delicate gestures and constant uncertainty. Waiting for barriers to be abandoned, locks to be opened, for sweet, sensual relief…

Two fragments of life, no longer separated; one night, in a small corner of a magical world, in the crumpled sheets of a large bed; tenderly, with the touch of warm fingers, breath by breath, kisses, trembling, whispers on the lips… like waves in a passionate sway, the glow of candles fell on heated bodies.

There is a first time for everything.

CABB’s Winterfest Online Challenge 2026: Fun February Holidays

Quiet Day (February 25)

In Silence, Below

Tranquility, enjoying each other’s company without words, indulging in your passion; time to relax, communicating with gestures.

Even the pipes are resting today, only the sound of the subway disturbs this bliss. Reduced stress, friendly glances; every resident immersed in quiet reflection…

And behind the stained glass window in a private chamber…

Soulmates relish a moment of rest from their duties and the hurry; whispering meaningful words. A deep love burns within them, the rush of hands, a sweet thrill; invisible sparks. Sometimes a sigh escapes their lips, covered by a kiss. “Shh… let it remain a quiet day.”