The Fairy Ring: and Other Stories

By Richard Rouse

The Fairy Ring is a lovely story, somewhat reminiscent of The Princess Bride, particularly with Cait's feelings about mushy love stories.The interplay between Grandpa, Cait, and Chelsea is both fun and realistic, and many families are likely to see themselves in the interactions. This is a fun story, with most of the elements of a classic fairy tale, told with a few modern twists. Look forward to Grandpa's surprising secret at the end.

The Visitor presents a new twist on the traditional love story by transporting readers to a time in the distant future where aliens on other planets can travel to Earth. The author infuses the story with rich imagery that draws the reader into this fascinating world. Can one find love at the age of 93? Of course, and love can appear in many shapes and forms—including a beautiful being from another planet. This intergalactic love story will keep you turning page after page to discover where these new experiences will take William next. If you, as the reader, need to pause and take a break—good luck, because this story is that engrossing.. The author has written a wonderful tale with The Visitor, and no doubt it will be enjoyed by many… read it from beginning to end in one sitting. 

Angelica Lee in the Glory Loop tells the love story of Mark and Angelica. They meet and fall in love when they are in high school, and have one memorable and loving summer together before their senior year. However, this love story takes an unlikely twist. Angelica is lost when swimming in a river, presumed to have drowned. …well-developed characters and their interactions. Their love for each other is apparent to the readers. Settings are beautifully described, such that the readers feel as if they are at the riverbank with the pair. The angst surrounding Angelica's disappearance and the subsequent search for her ten years later is also well-written, and grasps the reader's interest and attention.… a well-written, smart, and captivating story that grabs the reader from the first page. Enjoy the budding romance, and then follow along anxiously as Mark searches for Angelica ten years later. Their story is appealing to readers of all ages.
The Curse of the Pewter Candlesticks is a short piece of (presumably) fiction regarding a pair of candlesticks, each bequeathed to one of two sisters, and the curse their grandfather placed upon them should they fail to come together once a year.

The Reluctant Gunfighter and the Hellfire Woman is a short story of the western genre, following the later years of a quick-draw gunslinger as he attempts to retire with the woman he loves.
What a fun story! This really was a fun read, leaving the reader wishing there was more to the story. The dialect impresses upon the reader the when and where the story is set, bypassing the need to get into lengthy descriptions. The character growth is subtle but wonderful and the ending inspired happy-crying. 



When the May Flowers Bloomed is a brief memory of the author's tradition of celebrating May Day with his family, schoolmates, and friends, both young and old. The author does a good job of bringing the story to life, sharing the story of making his various friends around town smile with his gifts of flowers—and candy for the right person. The brief glimpse into how some of the grownups earned his affection provides further reminders of a time that lives only in the stories and memories of the people who lived it. This piece provides insight into a way of life that is gone, and may provide precious memories for descendants of those who grew up in this town or this time period.


Just a Little Trip Downtown, a funny story about a man's English sports car, is a well-told, light story that exposes the author's blind spot about his MG. The story is both self-deprecating and matter-of-fact. The author clearly has a sense of humor about the situation with his car, and does not take himself too seriously when his dignity gets a bit bruised. The aut

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jan 1, 1900
• ISBN: 9798350916553

Book preview

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Accolades for The Fairy Ring

Discover here the joyful, authentic, artistry and seasoned insight from a gentle Renaissance man. Author Richard Rouse has survived and thrived over nine decades with his clear-eyed optimism and generosity of spirit. Some memoir, some fiction—all infused with Obi-wan-Kenobi wisdom, Zane Grey romantic justice, and Dave Berry humor. Enjoy and grow with each short story.

Sometimes flamboyant, often suspenseful, yet never predictable, Richard Rouse’s stories are newly-minted folk treasures from the hills of Virginia.

- Paul Salstrom, author, Appalachia’s Alternative to Mainstream America: A Personal Education

Engaging characters, playful prose, and insightful reflections left me filled with a sense of ‘what if’ about the world around me. Rouse’s stories stimulate the imagination while touching the heart.

- Stephan Martin, author Cosmic Conversations

This author’s got his feet on the ground and his heart wide open to the beauty and humour of life. He writes of dear hearts and gentle people living an earthy life that makes you turn the page wanting more. But when you do, oh the enchanting twists you find. At the end, you feel warmed and hopeful for the human family.

- Rev. Carol Kilby, author Evolutionary Dancer

I just finished reading The Curse of the Pewter Candlesticks. What a great idea for a story and a wonderful tradition, ritual, and legacy!

- Lisa Verni, LCSW Psychotherapist,

Writer, and Deeptime Leader

When I read a new story from Richard Rouse, for me it’s like going camping in my mind. I can sit by the campfire, watch the last daylight fade to dark, and follow a master storyteller to those many vivid places, past and present, the world of adults and the world of children, where Richard can take you. Aren’t we lucky to know Richard and his stories!

- Frank Levering, founder, Cherry Orchard Theater

"When I read the title story of Richard Rouse’s first book of short stories, The Welcome Home Door, I was moved beyond words. I read the rest of the book in two days, and I sent many friends and family members their own copies. Now we have his much anticipated second book of stories. Richard is a gifted writer, perceptive of human nature, inventive in his themes and particularly astute of human dialog. Elizabeth Barlow, a beloved high school English teacher in Ashe County, NC, often urged her students to remember, Short Stories are an opportunity for meaningful instant vacations.Richard Rouse’s stories more than fulfill those expectations.

Note: I need to acknowledge that I occur as a minor character, in first name only, in The Fairy Ring story. I readily gave my approval. It’s a wonderful story."

- Kim Baughman, tender of the famed Fairy Ring,

Just like Old Man River my dad just keeps rollin’ along…having the interest, drive and capability of writing a second entertaining book at age 93 is pretty amazing. The Reluctant Gunfighter takes me back to our working the farm dressed like cowboys. Don’t deny it, Dad, I have pictures! Thank you for sharing these great stories!

- Steve Rouse, author and Farming Comedian

The Fairy Ring and Other Stories

by Richard Rouse

copyright©Richard Rouse 2023

First Edition

Published by Rouse House Media

Rouse House LLC

PO Box 450

Independence, VA 24348

richardrouseauthor.com

rousehousemedia.com

July 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

ISBN 979-8-35091-654-6 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-35091-655-3 (ebook)

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover photo by Kim Baughman

Also by Richard Rouse

The Welcome Home Door and Other Stories: Tales of Appalachia and Beyond

Print, ebook and audiobook

Dedication

To Joyce Kathleen Johnson Rouse, my wife, partner and best friend.

If it weren’t for you my printed books would never have seen the light of day. I love you.

Now there’s a marriage—

Storyteller and songwriter—

For the ages!

—From our friend and poet, Charlie Finn

Contents

The Fairy Ring: Grandpa’s Secret

Just a Little Trip Downtown

Angelica Lee in the Glory Loop

When the May Flowers Bloomed

The Visitor

The Treasure of the Year

The Curse of the Pewter Candlesticks

Uncle John’s Letter

The Reluctant Gunfighter and the Hellfire Woman

Gratitudes

Let’s be, for a while, true optimists, and operate on the assumption that human beings are not grossly defective. Let’s assume we’re capable of acting together to do remarkable things.

Bill McKibben

The Fairy Ring:

Grandpa’s Secret

Once upon a time, there was an old man who lived in a small village called Forever, located in the Appalachian Mountains. He had been a very successful lawyer, but now, since he was older, he lived with his daughter Laurel and her husband, Barry, at their request.

He loved living with them because it gave him a chance to spend a little more time with their two daughters, Chelsea, who is five, and Cait, who is eight.

On one particular evening, he was asked by Laurel if he would please see to the girls’ bedtime routine, which he was more than happy to do. She also said, Don’t forget your tooth, Chelsea.

Chelsea replied, I’ve got it here in my treasure bag.

That night, just a little earlier than usual, Grandpa said to the girls. Okay, ladies, how about we get ready for bed?

As they walked down the hall to their bedroom, Chelsea asked, Are you going to tell us a story tonight, Grandpa?

Of course I am. Tonight I am going to tell you the most wonderful love story that ever happened. I believe you are both old enough for it now.

Cait said with a frown, I suppose there will be kissing and mush like that.

Grandpa replied, Not much, but it is a love story. So get your teeth brushed and your jams on, and I will be right back.

When he returned with a glass of water, Chelsea was under the covers on her bed, sitting up, pillow at her back, tucking a large doll in beside her and smoothing the covers over it and her legs.

Cait, on the other hand, lay on her stomach, her head raised on her somewhat messy bed. Finally, she said, Okay, let’s get it over with.

Chelsea said, I suppose you have that old, dirty, smelly bear under there somewhere.

You had better take that back, Cait replied.

Grandpa, as he pulled a rocker to the foot of the two beds and then up between them, said, Ladies, ladies, please. He leaned forward and placed his glass of water on the stand between the beds.

Chelsea held up the bag with her tooth, saying, Oh, Grandpa, do you think she will come?

Of course she will, he replied. He couldn’t help but smile when he noticed that Chelsea’s treasure bag was shiny and purple. The manufacturer had done a masterful job of taking cheap nylon and making it look like silk. But what set it off were the words Barbie’s Beads printed on the side in glittery letters.

Cait, shaking her head, muttered, Dumb.

Chelsea untied the strings on her bag, opened it, and extracted the tooth. Here it is, she said, holding it up so Grandpa could see.

The tooth was so tiny that the old man had to lean forward to get a look at it. Sure is a big one, ought to be worth at least a half a buck.

Oh, Grandpa, I only got twenty-five cents for the last one. Should I put it under my pillow like last time? The tooth fairy found it okay last time, Chelsea replied with a laugh.

Sounds good to me, he assured her.

Chelsea laid the gaudy bag on the table. She carefully placed the tooth under her pillow as if it were a diamond and said, Now, let’s have the love story.

Do we have to have a mushy story? Cait moaned. Why not tell us about the time you and Grandma went fishing and you fell in?

Grandpa, Chelsea spoke up quickly.

Yes.

What’s the difference between love and like? the little girl asked.

Cait rolled onto her back, flung her arms wide, and said, Oh, for crying out loud.

Grandpa furrowed his brow and said, That’s a hard question, but I will give it a try. Hmmm … I guess love is when you just can’t stop hugging someone, and like is when you can hug ’em or not.

How much do you love me? was Chelsea’s next question.

Grandpa hesitated, then spoke, Well, let’s see. I guess I would say I love you as much as the Sand Man loves the Tooth Fairy.

Cait, with a sigh, mumbled, Well, here we go.

I didn’t know they even knew each other, said Chelsea.

Of course they know each other, but that’s part of the story. Be patient, Grandpa said, then leaned back in his chair and placed his hands together on his stomach. He stretched his legs out and crossed them at the ankles.

Chelsea continued, How long have they known each other, Grandpa?

Oh, I don’t know, but a long time. Maybe a hundred years.

Come on, Grandpa, a hundred years? Cait scoffed.

Well, we are dealing with magic here.

Still seems like a long time to me, Cait responded.

Grandpa?

Yes, Chelsea?

You’re really smart, aren’t you?

Well, I don’t know about that.

Are all lawyers as smart as you?

They pretend to be.

Okay, tell me more about the Sandman and the Tooth Fairy.

Yay, Cait interrupted, rolling her eyes. I can’t wait.

Well. It was on a night just like this one.

As Grandpa started the story, Chelsea again asked, Was there a little girl in her bed?

Yes, Grandpa replied patiently.

Chelsea continued her version of the story. And her tooth had fell out just like mine, and she put it under her pillow.

Cait, with a big grin, added, Then these old people show up.

Cait, be serious! Chelsea ordered. Now go on, Grandpa.

Well, only one fairy, the Sand Man, showed up, as the excited little girl hadn’t fallen asleep.

Being magical, he came through the window and was invisible, just a spot of faint amber light. When he realized the little girl was not sleeping, he sprinkled some fairy sand on her, which looked like shimmering, colorful dust. She immediately fell fast asleep.

He turned away, ready to leave, but then he stopped, and, being invisible, settled on the end of her bed for a moment to rest and make sure that she was asleep. He was also hoping that his true love might show up, and at that very moment, he saw a slight amber-colored blur come thru the window where he had entered, Grandpa continued.

The blur flew up over the little girl to see if she was asleep, swooped around, and stopped in mid-air. Then, having seen a blur sitting at the foot of the bed, she used her magic and, in a little burst of colored fairy dust, the blur became the Tooth Fairy.

Looking down, she asked, ‘Is that you, Sandy?’ Grandpa’s voice changed when he recounted the Tooth Fairy’s question, a little bit higher and lighter than his usual deep voice.

Is it all right if I call him that, girls? Grandpa asked in his usual voice.

Chelsea said, Oh, I love this. Yes, it’s okay, Grandpa. Is the Tooth Fairy beautiful?

Grandpa continued. Yes, she is. But to continue my story

In a little burst of fairy dust, the blur at the foot of the bed became the Sandman, and he excitedly said, ‘I was hoping you would be here. I have missed seeing you lately.’ Now Grandpa’s voice was even deeper than usual.

The Tooth Fairy slowly floated down next to the Sand Man, settled close to him, and softly said, ‘I have missed you so much.’ Then, as they came together, their wings opened and folded over each other as they kissed. Sorry about that, Cait, Grandpa added, turning slightly toward the older girl.

Cait sighed. Its okay. I knew it would start eventually. Go ahead.

Okay. So Sandy told the Tooth Fairy they had loved each other so long that it felt like forever. But it seemed that they were hardly together because they constantly flitted around.

The beautiful Tooth Fairy agreed, Grandpa continued.

At this point, Chelsea interrupted, But the Tooth Fairy is not as beautiful as me, but probably more beautiful than Cait, right?

Wait a minute, Cait exclaimed. That’s not what Grandpa said.

Oh, I was only kiddin’, the younger girl replied.

Tell her, Grandpa, Cait insisted.

Grandpa did his job. She was beautiful, but not as beautiful as Cait.

I told you so. Now go ahead, Grandpa.

Chelsea turned back to Grandpa and said, Okay. What did happen?

Grandpa started the story again, Right. So, Sandy’s point was that he felt they should get married. His exact words were, ‘I can’t stand being apart from you. I love you so much my wings hurt, so will you marry me, please?’ And the Tooth Fairy replied, ‘Yes, yes, I will marry you. But you realize that we must get permission from my mother? She is our High Supreme Fairy Queen, and she’s also my mother.’

Sandy replied, ‘I never thought of that. But, yes, we will have to get Queen Maude’s permission. After all, she is our boss, too.’

Wait a minute, Chelsea exclaimed. If she is the Queen, then she is married to the King. So, the Tooth Fairy’s dad and mother are the King and Queen. No, no, Grandpa. She can’t be named Maude. Queens are never named Maude, for Lord’ sake.

Grandpa yawned noisily and said, Well, maybe her name was something else. I don’t remember.

Chelsea continued, I think it must have been something like. Well, like ah, oh, Heather! Yeah, that’s it! Heather! I have a friend named Heather. You remember her, Grandpa.

Grandpa said, You mean that little—

She didn’t mean to do it Chelsea interrupted.

She wrecked my big night-blooming cereus plant when it was in full bloom! Grandpa replied, still annoyed.

Chelsea said, Oh, you have hundreds of those plants! She just wanted one flower.

Keep her away from all hundred, please! Now, where was I?

Cait quickly said, They were going to talk to the boss, the Tooth Fairy’s mom.

Grandpa replied. That’s correct. Sandy said, ‘Let’s go and talk with the Queen this weekend and see if she is okay with us getting married.’"

"The Tooth Fairy said that she thought the Queen might