Master of Q #AtoZChallenge #ShortStory Crossword Clue 4 Across

Master of Q #AtoZChallenge #ShortStory Crossword Clue 4 Across

"Killers are coming, killers are coming," Wren Noel chants as I turn on the next horror film. 

We do love horror films from the 80's. What is it about a high school prom that inspires so many horror sets and books? Did many writers not enjoy that dance? 

Oh. I didn't enjoy it. My mother insisted I go. She came to my school and bought tickets. My vampire friend went with me. He didn't drain anyone. That would have made the night better. We left early and ended up hiding out in the woods until the moon was high in the sky. 

After the movie, we move on to BBQ Brawl, a Food Network show that's on Hulu. There's a contestant with a humorous pronunciation of Worcestershire sauce. Or, maybe not. 

"Wash your sister sauce," Wren Noel repeats with a laugh.

"You're not hitting the accent. Worsh."

"But Liv, he means wash. Like he'd bathe his sister in this sauce for meat."

I shrug, force a straight face, and look at Wren Noel as I say, "I think family cannibalism is bigly great."

A moment later, we both burst out laughing. 

4 Across - Kim, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, held this royal-sounding title as a candidate for Prom court 👸

"Master of Q" BBQ Brawl Pepper Belly Pete's Worshyoursister Sauce

https://amzn.to/3PD2VkU 

The crossword clue will contain the LETTER of the day, though it might not be the *first* letter in the word. 

My April 2026 Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme is a slice-of-life short story with two characters binge-watching shows and movies while creating a crossword puzzle. Read and play along!

Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

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Political Language

Taken from Facebook. Credit to OP

Please #AtoZChallenge #ShortStory Crossword Clue 15 Across #horror

Please #AtoZChallenge #ShortStory Crossword Clue 15 Across

"Is it Friday the Thirteenth!" Wren Noel asks when I bring in breakfast.

"Not even close," I laugh.

"We could pretend," Wren Noel says with a smile and eyebrow wiggle.

"Camp Crystal Lake it is. Are we traveling to New Jersey or just watching a movie?"

"Movie, please," Wren Noel says before taking a bite of oatmeal from the spoon I'm holding up. 

I flip on the first movie. 

"Oh, the one where Jason isn't the real killer!" Wren Noel lights up.

"Well, one of them. There is another Friday the 13th movie where he's also being framed. But the real villain in the first one is funny to me."

"Agree." 

Crystal Lake, New Jersey

15 Across —  Friday the 13th Camp Crystal Lake real killer

The crossword clue will contain the LETTER of the day, though it might not be the *first* letter in the word. 

My April 2026 Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme is a slice-of-life short story with two characters binge-watching shows and movies while creating a crossword puzzle. Read and play along!

Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

JDORNER1460A   🛒 💰✨ Get $10 off Instacart. Use my code JDORNER1460A at checkout or follow this link. Terms apply. https://inst.cr/t/493b819c5

Okay #AtoZChallenge #ShortStory #Blogging Crossword Clue 8 Down

Okay #AtoZChallenge #ShortStory #Blogging Crossword Clue 8 Down

"Did you ever have a blog?" I ask Wren Noel as we finish up lunch. 

"It was bad, and I took it down, but yes."

"Why was it bad? Typos? You didn't get comments? What?"

Wren Noel frowns. "I got comments. Mean, hateful, trolls who encouraged me to stop living. That's why I deleted it." 

"Wow. I'm sorry you had that experience."

"Yeah. It's a grab bag like that. Some people find their tribe, a support system, and kindness. But others find the bottom of the barrel. Leave it to me to find the scum. How about you?"

"I, umm, well now I feel bad. Yes, I had one. And it helped me prepare for my business. I actually had the opposite experience, made quite a few friends, associates, and connections. I probably should have made more of an effort to go viral or something. Then again, hearing your experience, maybe my smaller audience was for the best."

"Yeah. There's a movie about a girl with a blog who is deeply invested in going viral and stuff. Like, she doesn't really live in the moment unless she's posting about it. Then decides to have a whole fake experience, and it blows up in her face. It stars Zoey Deutch."

"Wow. Sounds good. Shall we watch it?"

Wren Noel laughs. "It's not actually good. But yes, get the popcorn and extra cheese." 🍿🧀

8 Down —  Not ____ is a satire about a woman who fakes a trip to Paris on her blog for social media fame

The crossword clue will contain the LETTER of the day, though it might not be the *first* letter in the word. 

My April 2026 Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme is a slice-of-life short story with two characters binge-watching shows and movies while creating a crossword puzzle. Read and play along!

Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

JDORNER1460A   🛒 💰✨ Get $10 off Instacart. Use my code JDORNER1460A at checkout or follow this link. Terms apply. https://inst.cr/t/493b819c5

Netflix Controversial Cartoon 🏳️‍⚧️ #AtoZChallenge #ShortStory Crossword Clue 3 Across

Netflix Controversial Cartoon 🏳️‍⚧️ #AtoZChallenge #ShortStory Crossword Clue 3 Across 

"I know the show ended a few years ago, but since it pisses the MAGA crew off," I say with a laugh and smile as the Netflix tudum sound fills the room, "how about a cartoon?"

"Oh, a controversial cartoon, love it!" Wren Noel wriggles, sitting up straighter in anticipation. 

"Dead End: Paranormal Park, have you seen it?"

"Yes. Love it. Play any episode, I've binged this several times. So good."

I flip on an episode, "The Nightmare Before Christmas in July," where they're on the fictional Hox's Castle demon gameshow. It's one of my favorites. 

3 Across - An autistic character whose friends support her on Dead End: Paranormal Park

The crossword clue will contain the LETTER of the day, though it might not be the *first* letter in the word. 

My April 2026 Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme is a slice-of-life short story with two characters binge-watching shows and movies while creating a crossword puzzle. Read and play along!

Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

JDORNER1460A   🛒 💰✨ Get $10 off Instacart. Use my code JDORNER1460A at checkout or follow this link. Terms apply. https://inst.cr/t/493b819c5

Making Food and Laughs #AtoZChallenge #ShortStory Crossword Clue 11 Down

Making Food and Laughs #AtoZChallenge #ShortStory Crossword Clue 11 Down

We break from binge-watching to spend some time in the sun. It's the first nice day at a decent temperature in weeks, so when the physical therapist offers to help, we gladly accept the opportunity to relax on the porch for a bit. 

"We're just trying to keep circulation going," the therapist says while leading Wren Noel in movements. I like this therapist more than the previous one. More importantly, so does Wren Noel, who asked me to fix their hair this morning. Those thick black locks take to a braid so well. My own light brown hair is so thin that it'd sooner knot than become a pretty braid. 

"Try to squeeze the ball and simultaneously shrug your shoulders," the therapist has brought a small, foam ball for Wren Noel. 

We retire back to the living room at the end of the home therapy appointment. I give the therapist a discount card for GOOD PSYCHIC COMMUNICATIONS. 

"You never know when you may feel an urge to reach out beyond. Thanks for coming."

"My pleasure, and my job, but I really do love my job. You two take care. I'll see you again in a few days." The therapist heads off. 

I flip on a streaming service, which suggests a show I might like. 

"Oh, the old Cutthroat Kitchen is streaming on this again," I say in response.

"Outwit and outlast the others," Wren Noel says in a deep mock-announcer voice. "Let's binge some classic Daddy Alton."

We both laugh at the nickname. Some of the sabotage items the chefs use in this game show are clearly from a kink sex toy shop. My roommate Isola would be so proud. 

Cuthroat Kitchen season 4 episode 3 ("Anything but a Cake Walk"). An Italian named Chef Enzo misunderstands what Alton says this round's cook is meant to be. It's obvious as he grabs the wrong items from the pantry. 

"Brisket and gravy," Chef Enzo says. 🥩

"Biscuits. Biscuits and gravy," Alton repeats. 🍞

Wren Noel shakes their head. "You'd think someone would write it down. I mean, are biscuits and gravy even a thing in other cultures?" 

I shrug. "Pretty sure that was created in the South, here in the United States. I don't imagine Sawmill Gravy existing in Europe." 🌎

"They'd probably try to add wine instead of pan drippings," Wren Noel notes.

"Healthier hearts," I mumble in agreement.

While the contestants usually can't explain to the judge why their dish is so unique, in this instance, Chef Enzo does tell today's judge, Simon, that it was a language barrier situation.  

"It's easy to misunderstand what Yanks are saying," says Judge Simon. Wren Noel and I crack up. 

"Absolutely love him," Wren Noel says of Judge Simon. 

"Thank goodness he was the judge for this episode. I have two of his books. Alton wrote the foreword for one of them." I wheel over to the bookcase and pull them out. After the episode, I flip through them so Wren Noel can see. 

https://amzn.to/4bmYEdM   https://amzn.to/4uN4kp5  -- Books by the judge (you're a click away from spelling his last name correctly)

11 Down  - Judge Simon ___ in the episode of Cutthroat Kitchen

The crossword clue will contain the LETTER of the day, though it might not be the *first* letter in the word. 

My April 2026 Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme is a slice-of-life short story with two characters binge-watching shows and movies while creating a crossword puzzle. Read and play along!

Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

JDORNER1460A   🛒 💰✨ Get $10 off Instacart. Use my code JDORNER1460A at checkout or follow this link. Terms apply. https://inst.cr/t/493b819c5

Luxurious Nails #AtoZChallenge #ShortStory Crossword Clue 16 Across 💅

Luxurious Nails #AtoZChallenge #ShortStory Crossword Clue 16 Across 💅

I wheel in on Wren Noel in tears.

"Hey, what's going on?" I ask as I bring a box of tissues closer.

"Liv, I can't stand it. I can't scratch the itches. I can't use my own arms. I barely hobble around. I'm so useless. And I've trapped you into caring for me! I'm the worst," Wren Noel wails.

I place my hand on Wren Noel's uninjured leg. "You are healing. All of this will pass. And I am not trapped, I am your friend, and I am here to support you."

"You should leave me. Shove me out to the curb. I'm ugly and useless." Wren Noel coughs, choking on tears. I hold up a tissue and demand a nose blowing.

"What triggered this?"

Wren Noel holds up their fingers. "My nails look horrible. They'd probably feel great running over my dry, unmoisturized skin, tearing the dead cells off, casting the itchiness away. They've got the texture of a pumice stone right now."

I gently touch each fingertip. The exaggeration is, frankly, pretty accurate. "What if I give you a manicure?"

"I can't ask that. You're already doing far too much for me. I should be the one giving you such a treatment. Hey, that's an idea!" Wren Noel finally brightens. "I need my phone."

Two hours later, the mobile nail technician knocks at my door, here to pamper us with non-toxic manicures and pedicures. 

To add extra cheer to Wren Noel's mood, we're binging episodes of How I Met Your Mother. It's the end of the third season, and Barney has hired Marshall (who's temporarily an unemployed lawyer) to find a loophole in the Bro Code after hooking up with Robin, the ex of their best friend Ted. 

"That's the dream. To be pretty enough for Barney to hit on me. Or hot enough for Neil Patrick Harris to look twice," Wren Noel whispers to me.

"NPH is married. They've adopted kids."

"I didn't say anything would happen! Just, you know, a glance, and then a quick second look with an approving smile. That's it." 

I chuckle. "All based on looks. I'd like a bit more of a connection."

"Rigghhhttt," Wren Noel drags the word out. "And your celebrity crush, Jesse Williams, that's not based on looks at all?"

My cheeks burn as I look away. Wren Noel laughs. 

https://amzn.to/40An3Gt -- Yes, The Bro Code is an actual book. 😅

16 across - The Bro Code is a book of fake ____ written by Barney

The crossword clue will contain the LETTER of the day, though it might not be the *first* letter in the word. 

My April 2026 Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme is a slice-of-life short story with two characters binge-watching shows and movies while creating a crossword puzzle. Read and play along!

Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

JDORNER1460A   🛒 💰✨ Get $10 off Instacart. Use my code JDORNER1460A at checkout or follow this link. Terms apply. https://inst.cr/t/493b819c5