“That things a voodoo doll.”
Lori kneeled down beside her sister.
“It is not.”
The duo peered into the room where Ms. Mack snored with her mouth agape towards the ceiling.
“Of course it is. Why do you think your stomach always hurts when we’re here?” Lori tapped the side of Jules head. “Think about it.”
“It’s a pin cushion you meathead.”
“No, a pin cushion looks like a tomato.” Lori nodded towards the coffee table where Ms. Mack’s sewing supplies spread over the edges and onto the floor. “Hers has little people on it. All the kids she watches.”

Word Count: 100
For Friday Fictioneers
I have that exact same pincushion.. in fact, I made a rather involved retablo that included it. If I can find the blog I did on it, I’ll include a link. A real surprise to see it in your blog.
LikeLike
Really?! I’ve seen all kinds of pin cushions but not one like this. If you find the link definitely share, I’d love to see.
LikeLike
Kelley, go here to see my reblog of your piece and the piece I wrote on my pincushion. It is a bit more beat up than your pristine beauty. https://judydykstrabrown.com/2019/10/24/our-lady-of-notions/
LikeLike
If you looked at this immediately, please look again as I found a better photo of the entire retablo that shows the second little guy in blue almost ready to escape. Is this the next step up from playing with dollhouses, do you think?
LikeLike
And thus are superstitions confirmed. You’ve painted the argument very well
LikeLike
Thank you Neil
LikeLike
Kelley, really good take on the prompt. That woman should, perhaps, NOT be a babysitter 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you! Yes, I agree. She’s probably not the best babysitter out there.
LikeLike
Ah ha! You looked at the photo and thought about effigies too! 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLike
Ha! I did! I haven’t read other stories yet but I imagine a few people did.
LikeLike
Not sure I would want Ms Mack looking after my kids!
LikeLike
Agreed, thanks Iain
LikeLike
Wonderfully done, Kelley.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Good one, out of the minds of children, indeed.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
That’s one way to keep the little rugrats in line, threaten to stick pins in their effigy! :::writing this down for later use::::
LikeLike
I think it’d work pretty well. Thank you
LikeLike
You’re welcome 🙂
LikeLike
Sinister sinister stuff! These pin cushions found are the world over, it’s an astonishing success tale, my story reveals the real truth. I’m glad it’s used for voodoo all the best ones are!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Ha… but maybe the stomach pains is more likely coming from Ms Mack’s inferior cooking.
LikeLike
Very possible. Thank you
LikeLike