Local Characters

Cloak of Normality (3 of 6): three categories. Humpbuckle Tales 139

Bruce Hooper, Psychiatric Hospital, The Pyschiatrist , , , , , , , , ,

“Every individual is different, but they fall roughly into three categories,” the psychiatrist says.

His voice is slow, measured, warm.

Hooper sits in a sumptuous chair, staring through the window at the sparkling lake.

He resists the hypnotic rhythm of the psychiatrist’s voice, struggling to keep his heavy eyes open

…

 Humpbuckle Tales on Hive

This is the one-hundred-and-thirty-ninth story in the series of Humpbuckle Tales. Each story is precisely 50 words long. They are meant to be independent stories, but if you read them all you will find each one adds another piece to the puzzle – there is a bigger story that is being told.

This story was first published on my Hive blog (@felt.buzz) and you can find all the stories on the @humbuckletales Hive account.

Hive is a blogging platform that rewards posts in a cryptocurrency (Hive).

You will find over 70 more Humpbuckle Tales on the @humbuckletales Hive blog (so this blog is about 6 weeks behind)

On Hive I publish 12 stories per week (Monday to Saturday one story per day and then six 50-word stories in one post on a Sunday).

On HumpbuckleTales.com I also publish 12 tales a week but at a different schedule (and about 6 weeks behind): 2 Tales every day, Monday-Friday and 1 Tale on Saturday and 1 Tale on Sunday.

…

Written by Bruce Arbuckle (@felt.buzz on Hive). Find the latest in the Humpbuckle Tales series on Hive

Cloak of Normality (2 of 6): findings. Humpbuckle Tales 138

Bruce Hooper, Psychiatric Hospital , , , , , , , , ,

“Don’t worry, sir,” the nurse says to Hooper’s father. “Why don’t you take a stroll around the lake? Have a pot of tea in the cafe? We’ll come and get you when the doctor is ready to discuss his findings.”

Hooper stares at his shoes as his father stalks away.

…

 Humpbuckle Tales on Hive

This is the one-hundred-and-thirty-eighth story in the series of Humpbuckle Tales. Each story is precisely 50 words long. They are meant to be independent stories, but if you read them all you will find each one adds another piece to the puzzle – there is a bigger story that is being told.

This story was first published on my Hive blog (@felt.buzz) and you can find all the stories on the @humbuckletales Hive account.

Hive is a blogging platform that rewards posts in a cryptocurrency (Hive).

You will find over 70 more Humpbuckle Tales on the @humbuckletales Hive blog (so this blog is about 6 weeks behind)

On Hive I publish 12 stories per week (Monday to Saturday one story per day and then six 50-word stories in one post on a Sunday).

On HumpbuckleTales.com I also publish 12 tales a week but at a different schedule (and about 6 weeks behind): 2 Tales every day, Monday-Friday and 1 Tale on Saturday and 1 Tale on Sunday.

…

Written by Bruce Arbuckle (@felt.buzz on Hive). Find the latest in the Humpbuckle Tales series on Hive

Cloak of Normality (1 of 6): why? Humpbuckle Tales 137

Bruce Hooper, Psychiatric Hospital , , , , , , , , ,

Hooper’s father drives him through the gates of the psychiatric hospital.

Hooper squirms in the back of the Lexus.

“I’m not mental,” he says, through gritted teeth.”

His father says nothing as he pulls into a parking space.

“We just want to understand, Hooper, why you did what you did.”

…

 Humpbuckle Tales on Hive

This is the one-hundred-and-thirty-seventh story in the series of Humpbuckle Tales. Each story is precisely 50 words long. They are meant to be independent stories, but if you read them all you will find each one adds another piece to the puzzle – there is a bigger story that is being told.

This story was first published on my Hive blog (@felt.buzz) and you can find all the stories on the @humbuckletales Hive account.

Hive is a blogging platform that rewards posts in a cryptocurrency (Hive).

You will find over 70 more Humpbuckle Tales on the @humbuckletales Hive blog (so this blog is about 6 weeks behind)

On Hive I publish 12 stories per week (Monday to Saturday one story per day and then six 50-word stories in one post on a Sunday).

On HumpbuckleTales.com I also publish 12 tales a week but at a different schedule (and about 6 weeks behind): 2 Tales every day, Monday-Friday and 1 Tale on Saturday and 1 Tale on Sunday.

…

Written by Bruce Arbuckle (@felt.buzz on Hive). Find the latest in the Humpbuckle Tales series on Hive

“internal”: a 50-word story. Humpbuckle Tales 136

Bruce Hooper , , , , , , , , ,

Hooper doesn’t have friends.

There are a few kids his age in the town but he doesn’t like them.

He doesn’t really like anyone.

He can’t speak to people.

He runs through conversations in his head and he is sharp, witty.

But in real life interactions he always clams up.

…

 Humpbuckle Tales on Hive

This is the one-hundred-and-thirty-sixth story in the series of Humpbuckle Tales. Each story is precisely 50 words long. They are meant to be independent stories, but if you read them all you will find each one adds another piece to the puzzle – there is a bigger story that is being told.

This story was first published on my Hive blog (@felt.buzz) and you can find all the stories on the @humbuckletales Hive account.

Hive is a blogging platform that rewards posts in a cryptocurrency (Hive).

You will find over 70 more Humpbuckle Tales on the @humbuckletales Hive blog (so this blog is about 6 weeks behind)

On Hive I publish 12 stories per week (Monday to Saturday one story per day and then six 50-word stories in one post on a Sunday).

On HumpbuckleTales.com I also publish 12 tales a week but at a different schedule (and about 6 weeks behind): 2 Tales every day, Monday-Friday and 1 Tale on Saturday and 1 Tale on Sunday.

…

Written by Bruce Arbuckle (@felt.buzz on Hive). Find the latest in the Humpbuckle Tales series on Hive

“try not to offend”: a fifty-word story. Humbuckle Tales 135

Bruce Brian, Margot , , , , , , , , ,

Margot spent the first ten years of her life trying not to offend anyone.

After The Blue Bicycle Incident, something snapped inside.

She discovered a certain pleasure in making others uncomfortable.

“I speak the truth,” she told Brian, once. “It isn’t my fault if people don’t like to hear it.”

…

 Humpbuckle Tales on Hive

This is the one-hundred-and-thirty-fifth story in the series of Humpbuckle Tales. Each story is precisely 50 words long. They are meant to be independent stories, but if you read them all you will find each one adds another piece to the puzzle – there is a bigger story that is being told.

This story was first published on my Hive blog (@felt.buzz) and you can find all the stories on the @humbuckletales Hive account.

Hive is a blogging platform that rewards posts in a cryptocurrency (Hive).

You will find over 70 more Humpbuckle Tales on the @humbuckletales Hive blog (so this blog is about 6 weeks behind)

On Hive I publish 12 stories per week (Monday to Saturday one story per day and then six 50-word stories in one post on a Sunday).

On HumpbuckleTales.com I also publish 12 tales a week but at a different schedule (and about 6 weeks behind): 2 Tales every day, Monday-Friday and 1 Tale on Saturday and 1 Tale on Sunday.

…

Written by Bruce Arbuckle (@felt.buzz on Hive). Find the latest in the Humpbuckle Tales series on Hive

“global struggle”: a fifty word story. Humpbuckle Tales 134

Bruce Hooper , , , , , , , , ,

Humpbuckle-on-sea is a town for the old and dying.

It’s not easy to be young here.

Even the sea limps up the beach without effort or enthusiasm.

Hooper wants to run away, join the global struggle against climate change.

Or something.

He needs to direct his anger somewhere.
…

 Humpbuckle Tales on Hive

This is the one-hundred-and-thirty-fourth story in the series of Humpbuckle Tales. Each story is precisely 50 words long. They are meant to be independent stories, but if you read them all you will find each one adds another piece to the puzzle – there is a bigger story that is being told.

This story was first published on my Hive blog (@felt.buzz) and you can find all the stories on the @humbuckletales Hive account.

Hive is a blogging platform that rewards posts in a cryptocurrency (Hive).

You will find over 70 more Humpbuckle Tales on the @humbuckletales Hive blog (so this blog is about 6 weeks behind)

On Hive I publish 12 stories per week (Monday to Saturday one story per day and then six 50-word stories in one post on a Sunday).

On HumpbuckleTales.com I also publish 12 tales a week but at a different schedule (and about 6 weeks behind): 2 Tales every day, Monday-Friday and 1 Tale on Saturday and 1 Tale on Sunday.

…

Written by Bruce Arbuckle (@felt.buzz on Hive). Find the latest in the Humpbuckle Tales series on Hive

“three categories”: a fifty word story. Humpbuckle Tales 133

Bruce Sebastian, The old Manor , , , , , , , ,

“There are three types of people in this world,” his father once told Sebastian. “Those who are naturally gifted, those who work hard to achieve their aims, and losers. You, my boy, fall into the latter category.”

Walking around his Manor, Sebastian almost regretted the old bastard wasn’t still alive.

…

 Humpbuckle Tales on Hive

This is the one-hundred-and-thirty-third story in the series of Humpbuckle Tales. Each story is precisely 50 words long. They are meant to be independent stories, but if you read them all you will find each one adds another piece to the puzzle – there is a bigger story that is being told.

This story was first published on my Hive blog (@felt.buzz) and you can find all the stories on the @humbuckletales Hive account.

Hive is a blogging platform that rewards posts in a cryptocurrency (Hive).

You will find over 70 more Humpbuckle Tales on the @humbuckletales Hive blog (so this blog is about 6 weeks behind)

On Hive I publish 12 stories per week (Monday to Saturday one story per day and then six 50-word stories in one post on a Sunday).

On HumpbuckleTales.com I also publish 12 tales a week but at a different schedule (and about 6 weeks behind): 2 Tales every day, Monday-Friday and 1 Tale on Saturday and 1 Tale on Sunday.

…

Written by Bruce Arbuckle (@felt.buzz on Hive). Find the latest in the Humpbuckle Tales series on Hive

“findings”: a 50-word story. Humpbuckle Tales 132

Bruce Arnold, police station, Sergeant Dean , , , , , , , , ,

“You have some findings for us?” Sergeant Dean smiles.

Findings are what Arnold calls things of value he discovers while wandering the streets.

“No. It’s Holbert I want.”

“He’s with the Mayor, just now. Sit down. I’ll fetch you a brew.”

Returning with the tea, Dean discovers Arnold has disappeared.

…

Humpbuckle Tales on Hive

This is the one-hundred-and-thirty-second story in the series of Humpbuckle Tales. Each story is precisely 50 words long. They are meant to be independent stories, but if you read them all you will find each one adds another piece to the puzzle – there is a bigger story that is being told.

This story was first published on my Hive blog (@felt.buzz) and you can find all the stories on the @humbuckletales Hive account.

Hive is a blogging platform that rewards posts in a cryptocurrency (Hive).

You will find over 70 more Humpbuckle Tales on the @humbuckletales Hive blog (so this blog is about 6 weeks behind)

On Hive I publish 12 stories per week (Monday to Saturday one story per day and then six 50-word stories in one post on a Sunday).

On HumpbuckleTales.com I also publish 12 tales a week but at a different schedule (and about 6 weeks behind): 2 Tales every day, Monday-Friday and 1 Tale on Saturday and 1 Tale on Sunday.

…

Written by Bruce Arbuckle (@felt.buzz on Hive). Find the latest in the Humpbuckle Tales series on Hive

The Arrangement 6 of 6: “ambassador”. Humpbuckle Tales 130

Bruce Anabel, Helen, Jeff, The old Manor

Helen spends school holidays in Humpbuckle-on-sea.

The Ambassador’s arrangement includes paying the fees for her private boarding school.

She hates the town, its residents, the Manor House and her parents in equal measure.

She starts seeing Jeff, one of the local boys, simply to wind up her mother.

…

 Humpbuckle Tales on Hive

This is the one-hundred-and-thirtieth story in the series of Humpbuckle Tales. Each story is precisely 50 words long. They are meant to be independent stories, but if you read them all you will find each one adds another piece to the puzzle – there is a bigger story that is being told.

This story was first published on my Hive blog (@felt.buzz) and you can find all the stories on the @humbuckletales Hive account.

Hive is a blogging platform that rewards posts in a cryptocurrency (Hive).

You will find over 70 more Humpbuckle Tales on the @humbuckletales Hive blog (so this blog is about 6 weeks behind)

On Hive I publish 12 stories per week (Monday to Saturday one story per day and then six 50-word stories in one post on a Sunday).

On HumpbuckleTales.com I also publish 12 tales a week but at a different schedule (and about 6 weeks behind): 2 Tales every day, Monday-Friday and 1 Tale on Saturday and 1 Tale on Sunday.

You can watch the author read the first 22 Humpbuckle Tales on YouTube or you can listen to it as a podcast.

…

Written by Bruce Arbuckle (@felt.buzz on Hive). Find the latest in the Humpbuckle Tales series on Hive

The Arrangement 5 of 6: “tell us a little bit about that”. Humpbuckle Tales 129

Bruce Helen, Jeff, The old Manor , , , , , , , , ,

The locals are ugly and stupid.

Helen hates them.

But she invites them to tea because it annoys her mother.

“You used to live in Paris,” an acne-faced boy called Jeff says. “Tell us a little bit about that.”

“We’d eat snails for breakfast,” Helen says.

Jeff’s eyes widen.

…

 Humpbuckle Tales on Hive

This is the one-hundred-and-twenty-nineth story in the series of Humpbuckle Tales. Each story is precisely 50 words long. They are meant to be independent stories, but if you read them all you will find each one adds another piece to the puzzle – there is a bigger story that is being told.

This story was first published on my Hive blog (@felt.buzz) and you can find all the stories on the @humbuckletales Hive account.

Hive is a blogging platform that rewards posts in a cryptocurrency (Hive).

You will find over 70 more Humpbuckle Tales on the @humbuckletales Hive blog (so this blog is about 6 weeks behind)

On Hive I publish 12 stories per week (Monday to Saturday one story per day and then six 50-word stories in one post on a Sunday).

On HumpbuckleTales.com I also publish 12 tales a week but at a different schedule (and about 6 weeks behind): 2 Tales every day, Monday-Friday and 1 Tale on Saturday and 1 Tale on Sunday.

You can watch the author read the first 22 Humpbuckle Tales on YouTube or you can listen to it as a podcast.

…

Written by Bruce Arbuckle (@felt.buzz on Hive). Find the latest in the Humpbuckle Tales series on Hive