Parenting Earworms
The Halls of Pandemonium - Day 11
The Halls of Pandemonium - Day 11
Prompt: We’ve lost video; only audio is coming through from the Viscount’s expedition. It sounds like…music? Write a story or poem inspired by a track of your choosing. Include a link, or embed the song into your story.
I’m taking part in the Halls of Pandemonium challenge, run by Bradley Ramsey and Lord Devereaux. I may not take part every day, like I did in Flash Fiction February, but I will have fun and see how I go!
I had a more ‘serious’ story idea, but then a chat about music from children’s TV, led me to a collection of stories based on some of the songs currently high on repeat in our house. Disclaimer: I am not responsible if you get these songs stuck in your head!
The same as last time, every like, comment and restack earns points towards the challenge, so if you enjoy what you read, please let me and others know!
And don’t forget to check out some of the other stories in the challenge!
Pup Pup Boogie
There were a lot of perks to being a pub dog. You knew all the regulars, there was always someone to scratch you behind the ears, and you could usually con someone into parting with a chip or three. And not to mention the never-ending parade of amazing smells!
But Friday night was Spot’s favourite. The place was crowded, and sometimes there were even kids to play with. But the best part was when the band started up.
Spot loved the music. As soon as it started, he was up and dancing. He didn’t mind if he was the only one. Feet in the air, tail twirling, sometimes he even sang along. The regulars knew he was part of the show. Occasionally, there would be a diva who didn’t like sharing the spotlight, but they usually didn’t come back. The bar patrons knew who they’d rather see. And most of the bands were happy for him to join in. The pub posters now advertised the Friday Night Band featuring Spot the Dancing Dog.
But Spot didn’t do it for the fame. He just loved to dance.
Inspired by Pup Pup Boogie from PAW Patrol.
Stick
Steven had always wanted more in life. His friends and family told him not to aim so high.
‘You are a twig,’ they told him. ‘Be patient, and you will grow into a big, strong branch, and then you will be home to many creatures.’
But Steven wanted to have adventures.
One day, there was a big storm, and Steven was torn from the tree and ended up on the ground.
‘Oh no,’ thought Steven sadly. Sticks weren’t meant to be on the ground. They were either run over by the mower or, even worse, left to rot slowly on the ground.
Suddenly, he felt himself being lifted in the air.
‘This is it,’ he thought. ‘This is the end.’
But instead, he was flung high in the air and caught by little hands.
‘Stick!’ yelled the boy excitedly.
Now Steven got all the adventures his heart desired. One day, he was a lightsaber, the next, he was conducting an orchestra. His favourite was when the boy would throw him for the dog to fetch. He got a little bit drooled on, but he’d never moved so fast in his life!
Mum even let him hop in the bath sometimes. He loved floating in the warm water, surrounded by bubbles. But she drew the line at sleeping in the bed. But Steven was okay with that. The boy always made him a little nest next to the bed with his favourite toys for company.
He now had all the adventures he dreamed of and a kid to play with every day.
Inspired by Stick Song from Hey Duggee.
Cat squad
The kittens leapt over each other, scrambling to get to the ball as it rolled down the hall. In their minds, it was the World Cup, and they were on opposite teams, competing in the final.
They parkoured off walls and down the stairs; there were only seconds left until full time.
At the bottom of the stairs, the ball paused until one of them batted it, and the game was on again. They looked around. There was the goal right in front of them.
One feinted to the left, tricking the others into a dive as they tackled the ball until it rolled under the couch. They cheered. Goal!
The woman looked up from her coffee and sighed.
‘If you kittens keep knocking your balls under the couch, you’ll run out of toys. And I’m not scooping them out, again.’
Inspired by Cat Squad from Bluey.
Burger dog
Bruno lay on the ground near the picnic table, tail thumping in the grass. He lay with his eyes closed, enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun.
His tail paused, and one ear pricked up. The kids were squabbling over where to sit. He opened one eye and saw the fresh burger teetering on the plate as the boys pushed each other for the best seat.
With a cry of dismay from the younger boy, the burger toppled off the plate and onto the grass.
Bruno leapt up and caught the burger on the first bounce. He wolfed it down in two bites. He snuffled around a little, looking for any final crumbs, before retreating to his sunbeam.
He sighed in contentment, licking his lips, as he closed his eyes. One ear remained on alert, just in case.
Dad laughed from the barbecue. ‘Faster than a speeding train, Burger-dog strikes again.’
Inspired by Burger Dog from Bluey.
Thank you for reading.
Which song is now stuck in your head? 😂
Disclaimer: I sometimes use AI as a sounding board during edits, but all writing is my own.
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oh my gosh, I'm scared to listen to these songs 😂😂
I absolutely love this! I still find myself humming along to the earworms my kids used to sing all the time. Haha.