I just picked up a book called Fast Fiction from Half-Price Books.  The basic idea is to use the story-seeds it provides to write little five-minute stories.

I've decided to do at least one a day until I get bored or find something else to do.  Since anything worth doing is worth doing in public so you can be humiliated if you fail, I've decided to post them here.

The first inspiration on the list is "tell a story about a lie."

The Lie
By David Goodner

“Come, Jimmy, it’s time to go,” said mother.

“To meet Daddy?” the boy asked.  Only just awakened, his eyes were cloudy and his voice still quiet.

"He’s waiting for us at the restaurant,” mother said.  “He gets angry when we're late.”

She helped the boy out of his bed, found his shoes from where he’d kicked them before his nap, took up his favorite bear, which had fallen aside while he slept.

He insisted upon tying his own shoes.  She tried not to fret, not to interfere.  The boy took such pride in these small accomplishments.

“Hurry, now,” she said.  “And get your jacket.”

The bear, Mr. Muffles, she stuffed into a knapsack.  It barely fit into the top.  While Jimmy found his jacket, she put the bag next to another, larger one by the door.  Both knapsacks rested against a larger suitcase.  She put her own coat on, turned up the collar, felt the large plastic sunglasses in the pocket.

Jimmy had trouble with his jacket sleeves, the jacket being a hand-me-down from a larger cousin.

“Here, let me help you,” his mother said.  She sorted out the too-large garment, and couldn’t resist hugging the boy tight.

“I love you, mommy,” he said.  “I love daddy, too.”

“... That’s good.  Now get your bag.  We’ll be late if we don’t hurry.”

“Why do I need my bag?”

“Just in case, baby.  You never know what can happen.  Now it’s time for us to get gone.”