Anything and Everything

Prompt: Initial

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Bernie stared at the large box on her desk as if it held ten pounds of live explosives. Marcus had finally managed to return her personal possessions, only two months after she’d moved out.

“Have I missed your birthday?” asked Serena, entering their office.

Bernie shook her head as she opened the box, praying that Marcus had packed the one thing that really mattered. There, right on top! Relieved, she picked up the leather-bound book and ran her fingers over the embossed initials, her eyes suspiciously moist.

“What’s that?” Serena asked. “Who’s EB?”

“That,” Bernie breathed, “is my great-grandmother’s diary.”

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DEATH ON THE NILE (1978)

WOW I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS MY FAVORITE TELEVISION SERIES OF ALL TIME (it's not out yet)

Prompt: Dine

Set several weeks after Primum Non Nocere

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Bernie sits at her desk wondering why on earth Fleur would send her an email. Well, you won’t know until you open it …

Wolfe,

For clarification: when you asked me to take care of Serena, did that include nighttime debauchery? ;-) I’m planning on wining and dining her tomorrow, so if you have any concerns, call me. (Don’t worry, I don’t have any amorous intentions, but she needs a distraction. Since you went back to Nairobi, she’s been looking like someone imposed a nationwide ban on Shiraz.)

Fleur

Bernie checks the time and calls Fleur, the British Airways website already open.

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Prompt: Smell

Set in Spain, about two or three weeks after Bernie’s arrival

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Serena wakes up to a small sound and the smell of a coffee being placed on her nightstand.

“Good morning,” Bernie says softly.

“Morning,” Serena yawns. “It’s been a long time since you’ve brought me coffee in bed.”

Bernie shrugs. “It’s not like I had the opportunity what with … you know …”

“Oh, God, I’m sorry … that’s not what … I’m not really awake yet.” Serena takes a sip of coffee. “To what do I owe this treat?”

Bernie smiles almost shyly. “To say thank you? For taking me in?“

“Bernie,” Serena interrupts gently. “I wouldn’t want you to be anywhere else.”

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Prompt: Hip

Set (with that prompt: of course) after the closing of the trauma unit

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Henrik answered his mobile with a sense of dread. “Hello, Serena. What can I do—?”

“Hip replacements, Henrik?!?” Serena asked, sounding incensed. “The most brilliant trauma surgeon in the country, and you offer her hip replacements?!?”

Henrik winced. He knew she was right but he hadn’t been able to keep the trauma unit. “You know we live in fiscally challenging ti—“

“Oh, spare me the bollocks,” Serena interrupted. “If anything happens to Bernie in Sudan, I’m blaming you!”

Henrik swallowed audibly. “Sudan?”

“Yes … and by the way, my sabbatical is now permanent. My resignation email should be in your inbox.”

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