Dr. Rufus promised me that the invisibility cap works for two hours before needing to be re-charged.
Of course, charging the cap is not an easy feat. Just as the professor taught me, I begin with 22 chants, then spread a special lavender-speckled shawl over it, then enact a strange spirit dance for 33 steps.
The first time I used the I.C. – Rufus’ nickname for the invisible cap – it worked wonders. I snuck into the professor’s class on “Mysticism and Magic” and tickled Joanie Mathew’s elbow, then blew in Tommy Thomas’s ear. Tommy started to smile softly, as if he was thinking of something sexy.
I hoped his thought didn’t include me, because as often as he’s asked me out, I’ve declined.
My love is beyond my possibilities.
Dr. Rufas didn’t ascertain that I was in his class either. He would have blinked if he did, and given invisible me a frown. But he continued his lecture, and I skipped out of his room.
I passed the I.C. test.
This morning I charge the cap again – a 44-minute process with the dance steps – and now am sitting on my favorite turquoise bench. It’s hard and cold, but I love having it all to myself. With the cap on, I can watch passers-by in front of the university, and they have no idea I’m there. I don’t even know why I brought a prop – a book titled Levitating on a Celestial Plane. I’m wearing my favorite black and white checkered skirt and black turtle neck. A white flannel scarf and long black gloves keep me from shivering in the spring air.
But despite my invisibility, students are shooting strange looks my way.
Tommy Thomas, studying for his Ph.D. in magical realism, just stopped in front of me as if puzzled…and shocked. He can’t see me. What’s he thinking about?
Ingrid Berenson, the Swedish wunderkind on psychic phenomenon, actually giggled when she passed, muttering, “Hocus Pocus, you’re a doofus.”
I hold on to my book like an anchor. Dr. Rufus is approaching this end of the quad. Great – another way to test the I.C.
But he begins to run right toward me, stops in front of my invisible self, and shouts, “You only charged I.C. half way. You must not have danced all 33 steps!”
I stick my tongue out at him. He doesn’t react, so he must not really see me.
“How do you know I’m here? “ I whisper.
“Oh dear God,” he responds. “I’ve always loved you in that skirt. Now, take I.C. off and go home. You’re embarrassing yourself.”
I hurl the cap off my head and pout.
But truly, I’m ecstatic.
The Professor loves me in this skirt!
I walk the rest of the way home with a visibly joyful grin.
Oh, that’s gorgeous, Pam. I love the photo. At first I thought it was just the book that was a give-away. How did you get the photo?
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I found the photo in Pinterest’s writing prompts. As soon as I saw it, I had to write her story! 🙂
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She’s a lady gal. So are your readers. 🙂
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Awww, thanks Norah. xoxo
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I’m certain I didn’t mean to write that comment. It makes no sense. How embarrassing! I think I must have meant “lucky gal”. 🙂
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Oh, that’s how I read it! I just now see that at first you wrote “lady” gal. You know what? I ‘know’ you well enough that I read exactly what you meant the first time. xo ❤
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That’s right, Pamela. We bring all that background knowledge to the topic. It’s what helps us make sense of what we’re reading (especially when it doesn’t make sense. :))
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Hi Pamela,
hocus pocus and there another great story from your magic kitchen.It reminds me of the film The Invisible Man. I love your picture, it is really magical 🙂
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Pinterest gets the credit for the phabulous photo of the invisible (well, not quite) woman. The photo inspired me to write her story. I better see the movie you and others mention: The Invisible Man…!
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Pamela, I love your story and how your magic turned out.
The photo is quite hilarious and pretty at the same time. And you found out that Dr Rufus loved you….in that skirt.😊🦋 .
Like Ben I followed with pleasure ” The Invisible Man”.
miriam
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I feel the same way about the photo (from Pinterest). As soon as I saw it, I had to write the (almost) invisible woman’s story. Now, I need to find that movie, The Invisible Man!
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Fun read. Happy Friday to you. Enjoy the long weekend with your I.C.!
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Ahh, Carrie, wouldn’t it be fun to have an I.C. with us everyday? Enjoy the weekend festivities and congrats on the graduation!
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Thank you. 😊
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What a clever and fun read Pamela. The photograph is brilliant too. Happy Friday.
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I know you could imagine the things you’d do with an I.C. of your own, Brigid. 🙂
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This was so much fun to read and the picture was hilariously perfect.
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Thanks, Bernadette. The picture came first – I found it on Pinterest. The story followed as naturally as …. Hocus Pocus. xo
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I’ll bet you had fun writing this one, Pam. Great story! Have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend. xo
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My pen scrawled across the page so fast I could barely keep up and I laughed out loud, following the antics of Dr. Rufus’ student. 🙂
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That’s the best!
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I enjoyed reading this early in the morning and the photos are great. Have a great Memorial Day weekend. I bet your grandchildren love this story.
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You were up early this morning, Gerlinde (unless you’re still on NY time). I love combining paintings and photographs with creative stories. One enhances the other. Happy Memorial Day weekend! xo
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I was still in New York but I am home now.
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Aha! I love traveling vicariously with you, Gerlinde. 🙂
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Wonderful story, Pam. It seems like it could be part of a larger work.
I chuckled at the Ph.D. in magical realism–a whole new meaning. 🙂
The art and that photo are perfect!
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Chuckling. Yes, I thought you’d appreciate this Ph.D. quest. Magical realism, indeed! 🙂
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🙂
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Strange, that’s exactly how I feel this morning …. not quite all there 😉
Cute story, Pam 🙂
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Haha. You’re right, Joanne. Perhaps in some way we’re all wearing that I.C. cap first thing in the morning. Not quite all there until our first cuppa . CHEERS!
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… unlike later in the day when I’m larger than life 😎
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And loads of fun…! 🙂
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Good fun!
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Thanks for enjoying the story of Dr. Rufus’ student, Arlene. She still has much to learn. ;-0
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“Hocus pocus your a doofus!” LOL!! Cute story.
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I know, that Swedish graduate student was pretty mean, wasn’t she? :-0 🙂
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Yes 🙂
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I do find myself holding my breath when reading your stories. Where in the world will they end? Couldn’t have predicted this one!
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I LOVE being unpredictable, Kathy. I suppose that’s why my stories are. But I must come clean – I had NO idea how this one was going to end until Dr. Rufus discovered his student’s, ummm, I.C. blunder. 🙂
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I need a fully-charged IC! The thought of having one is so much fun! Great story and great photo prompt. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
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I wish I could thank the person who produced that wonderful photo prompt. Spurred on my imagination, for sure. Happy Memorial Day weekend, Amy. Enjoy those NJ flowers that thrive by the sea. BTW, we plant a Mandeville this time every year also. Climbs up our garage trellis. Love ’em. ❤
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How inventive! Smiled all the way through your story❤️
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I’m glad you don’t have an I.C. cap, Jeanette. If you did, I’d miss your sparkling smile. xo
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Great story! ♥
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Thanks for enjoying my imaginative tale of the I.C., Billy Ray.
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♥♥♥
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Your stuff always makes me wanna say “You should write a whole book with this premise.”
So I’ll say it. You should write a whole book about this premise.
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I just might. I’m loving Ms. Chatwick, Dr. Rufus’ wacky and wonderful student. She has many adventures to come; the I.C. cap is just the beginning… 🙂
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Groovy!
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How fun! Invisibility = a chance to be a fly on the wall . . . without getting fly-swatted!
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Wouldn’t that be SO cool? My invisibility would not include the zzzzzzz winged sound of a fly, though. I think I’d need a lot of practice in how to tiptoe silently. 🙂
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Be very, very quiet!
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You always make me smile. xo
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LOL! I love this. So much fun. I was wondering if the book and her clothes would also be invisible,but then you answered the question (Yes, if she charged it up enough). Sweet story.
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Yes, I kind of made up the rules of the I.C. cap as I wrote along, Anneli. Hey, Professor Rufus has taught me a thing or two, believe me. 🙂
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Love those 33 steps you created Pam! Only creative minds can do wonders with a picture like that! Loved that magical IC…may remind of the Invisible Man but is so different and thrilling! 🙂
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Interestingly, Balroop. H.G. Wells (who wrote The Invisible Man) was my first author-love. In other words, I discovered H.G. Wells when I was in middle school and wanted to write JUST like him. Hmmm, perhaps his muse is showing up for me now when I write some of my stories. 🙂
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This was very entertaining, Pamela. Good job.
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Thanks for enjoying my I.C. tale, John!
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😀
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A cute story. Love the picture! Wouldn’t we all like to be invisible sometimes?
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Yes, Darlene, I can think of several times that being invisible would be a big help. 🙂
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What great personality this piece has, Pam. So fun to read. You have a flair for magic. 🙂
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Imagination IS magical, isn’t it Diana? I love being swept away with it. ❤
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😀
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Pam, I just didn’t want this to end! 😀 I was hooked from the start and had no idea where you were going with it. Full of gentle magic, hint of romance and I was smiling at the revelation she was only half invisible … and then discovered tha t Dr. Rufus did like her! Wonderful! The image is a dream of a prompt … Happy Writing, my friend! You’re inspired and inspiring with this! Xx
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Ohhh, thanks Annika. I didn’t want it to end either. I have a feeling Dr. Rufus’ student went straight home and practiced dancing all 33 steps some more. She’s going to get in a lot more trouble with that I.C. cap, is my guess. 🙂
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I totally agree!! 😀 Pam, your storires are so memorable … have you ever considered publishing them in a book format?
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You are certainly inspiring me with your successful short story publication, Annika.
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Awesome story… 🙂 Sharing!
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Glad you enjoyed my I.C. story!! Thanks for sharing, Bette. ❤
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A fun story!
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Glad you enjoyed my fantastical fantasy of invisibility. xo
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Very entertaining. I love the photo. You needed H.P.’s invisibility cloak.
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Harry wouldn’t lend me the cloak! ;-0 🙂
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What great fun! Love that picture… and what you did with it.
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Photo prompts can prompt the imagination to interesting places… 🙂
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Awesome story, Pam… and great pics!
Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!
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Glad you enjoyed the story of the IC cap. May you have a terrific Memorial Day weekend, Sharon.
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That photo was a real find. I love this story. My favorite line: The Professor loves me in this skirt!
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I guess it all boils down to …. love. ❤
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Oh how I wish I had and I C at times.. I have always said that would be the super power I would choose. Cute story! 🙂
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I think you and I are thinking the same thing, Courtney. An I.C. could come in mighty handy at times. All we have to do is learn those 33 dance steps!
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hahahahah. great photo for a prompt. and wonderful story. Lol
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I lucked out seeing that photo prompt. Brought me right to Dr. Rufus and his ornery student. 🙂
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I love this story! All the images you used only enhanced the wonderfully fun story.
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THANK you! I do enjoy finding just the right photographs (mine if possible) and art work (not mine, yikes) to match my stories. Thanks so much for enjoying.
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lmao – I do like this one. Very much! 😀
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You and I do enjoy our fantasy, don’t we? 🙂
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Yeah…but it’s always grounded in reality isn’t it? 😀
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Absolutely.
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I love how you come up with these stories from writing prompts. Is there a particular site on Pinterest you visit or do you simply type it in search?
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I’m still learning how to use Pinterest, Jennifer. On the site, I just search “writing prompts” and find some really good ones.
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Good to know. I’ll have a look!
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What a cool and magical story, Pam! Love it! The photo you picked is really awesome and I can see how triggered you into writing this story. Invisibility is one of those superpowers many seem to dream of, I for one envied Harry Potter for his cloak. 😉
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You and I both, Sarah. I think that part of the Potter story filled me with imagination the most – walking wherever I wanted with an invisibility cloak on. Perhaps that’s why this very imaginative prompt caught my attention, with the cloak (or in my story, cap) not working all the way. ;-0
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Love the IC, Pam. Creativity at work here. Adored these lines: “Tommy started to smile softly, as if he was thinking of something sexy. I hoped his thought didn’t include me, because as often as he’s asked me out, I’ve declined.” 🙂 🙂
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Haha. One of the wonderful perks of being a writer is donning the personality of another character and letting her speak for herself. The things she says….!!! 🙂
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The photo is so inspiring!! I would have been motivated to come up with an invisibility tale as well. Fun story Pam!
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Hi Kate. Thanks for enjoying my (partially) invisible character. These kinds of photos are so wonderful for us writers, aren’t they?
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That’s scrumptious. I love twists in a plot.
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I don’t know about you, Jacqui, but I can never plot out a twisty tale. I need to just write and let the twists come what may. I loved the ending of this invisibility story (and take no credit for it; Dr. Rufus’ student just led me there). ❤
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Oh my gosh, this was wonderful!! And the photo is absolutely perfect!
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Isn’t this an amazing photo/art work of a half invisible woman? When I saw it, I knew her story had to be told. Thanks, Elizabeth! xo
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I just loved that story Pam, and the perfect photo! What would we do to be a fly on the wall? LOL 🙂 x
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Thanks for enjoying my Invisibility tale, Debby. I think you and I could have GREAT fun, being that fly on a wall in some interesting scenarios….!!
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A fabulous story, Pam
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Hey Robbie – thanks for enjoying my story of the invisibility cap. I think you and I would have a good time with one of those. 🙂
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Your writing hooked me in immediately. The gorgeous photo was the icing on the cake. Awesome post!
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I’m going to write more about Dr. Rufus and his student – invisible and not. They are calling to me. 🙂
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What a tale and a photo to match this far out funny thriller. I really do not know what to call this type of writing but it is really entertaining.
I have not been getting any notices of any of the blogs that I follow. I finally realized that today, Now I need to try to determine what happened. I went to my notifications to find your blog name.
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I get so frustrated when this happens, Yvonne. Suddenly, a blog notice disappears. Several people have told me that they had to re-sign up for my blog. Glad you’re here now – always love hearing form you. And I don’t know what to call this invisibility story either, but I’ve never been one to care about genre categories. I just like a good story. ❤
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oh the places you take us, Pam!!! loved it!!!!
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I’m pretty surprised at the places my stories go, for sure Pat. I’m so glad you like going with me in my imagination!!!!
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A whimsical, wonderful story Pam!
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Thank you Andrea. So glad you enjoyed my story about Dr. Rufus and his rather irascible student. I think I’ll have to go back to them soon and see what other mischief they’re making. 🙂
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At first, I thought this was metaphorical for an afternoon in your own life, perhaps revisiting your own college campus and feeling invisible. NOPE!
And so, you’ve doubly achieved the goal of flash fiction. Kudos!
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Haha. I guess I’m lucky that I never felt invisible when in college, and in fact, by my senior year had beers with my professors at the local pub. On the other hand, there were times during those college years that I wished I DID own an invisibility cap, for sure. 🙂
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My experience was very similar. Even 25+ years later here, I’m still in touch with a couple of my professors from college. And yet, overall, I also wished I had an IC squirreled away.
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