Disappearing Act
“Did you know I’ve been translated into one hundred and seventy languages?” he bragged from his perch on the overhanging branch.
“Well, not just you. There’s the queen and the rabbit and that crazy hat maker and what’s her name …” I wanted to rein in his ego a little, but it was no use.
“People quote me, instantly recognize me – I’m famous! Here’s my best trick. Watch closely!”
“Farewell”
“Adios”
“Auf Wiedersehen”
“Adieu”
“Sayonara”
“Arrivederci”
With each new word his body became dimmer, his coloring less vibrant.
Finally, there was nothing left of him but that wide-toothed grin, transcending translation.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GooglePerhaps the most famous smile of all, made new for us. Deftly orchestrated hints here lead us to the appearance of our disappearing hero’s characteristic feature, “transcending translation.”

Well done, Julie for your imaginative story centred on that famous disappearing smile. I enjoyed your humour and use of languages.
Congratulations on your winning writing!
Very unique story. And the picture grabbed me right away! “Transcending translation.” I loved this. A smile can certainly do that! Well done.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you so much, Heather. I tried many words before “translation” before I finally hit upon “Transcending”, so I’m glad that phrase worked for you. The Cheshire Cat thanks you for being a great fan.
I do like this Julie, especially as it would be very typical of any cat to presume they are the star of any story, and definitely not what’s her name. ? nice one!
You are so right about any cat thinking she is the star of any story. I have two cats who compete daily for the Cleopatra Prize, posing and showing off. I wasn’t thinking about them directly when I wrote this story, but of course since they are the center of the universe, I’m always thinking about them. ?
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThis is quite a different take on the old classic, Julie! With their majestic appearance, cats easily get egocentric, especially when they have that ability of disappearance. Like Heather, I enjoyed the expression “transcending translation” and like Carrie, I liked that “what’s her name’s” name is kept out of the story. Very well done, Julie!
I had a lot of fun writing this one, Christer. No “Smile” prompt would be complete without what’s her name’s mentor/friend/enemy, the disappearing one. Thanks so much for your comments!
Congratulations! Julie. A worthy feat.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCongratulations on your win, Julie!
Hello, Julie. Wow! I love it. A huge congratulations. I’m so happy to be able to read your story. At least despite my absence from the voice club for a few days due to the loss of signal here, until the NGCP Tower in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, was bombed. Then came typhoon Paeng, which made it even harder for me because we lost signal and electricity again. And now I am… Read more »