Pen to the Paper 15

Nick ran around the dressing room, ensuring that all of his props that he had carefully placed were in their proper positions. A chicken head attached to a string that stretched to the platform that led up to the stage was dangling haphazardly above the "UP" button. 

Breathing out a shaky breath, Nick said to himself, "Two minutes. Two minutes before the box of diapers falls off the shelf, knocks into the wheel of live snakes which will roll into a catapult that will launch a restrained Furball the cat at the mouse cage which will send the mouse running through the tubing that leads to the down button, where he will be rapidly intercepted by a hungry, annoyed, and newly freed Furball."

Nick kept a close eye on his watch as the platform moved upward. 

Smoke rolled off of the stage, lights danced throughout the arena. When Nick emerged, everyone looked down at him with shock. The room fell silent. 

"Hi there. I'm Nick, I'll be taking your order--I mean--I'm here in place of Caleb for today. As few of you know, he is currently out hunting. I told him to stay, but he wouldn't listen. Guess he would rather shoot Bambi than be here. Someone needs to reevaluate his priorities."

Nick looked down at his watch. "Shoot. It's happening," he said. "Well, guys. You all know what you're here for. Pen to the Paper is back for the November 2021 round! I know, a little late this month, but, trust me, if you wanted to see Caleb, this was the only way. And who doesn't want to see Caleb? He's pretty cool, I'd say. And awesome. What are these notes he sent me?" Nick shuffled through the rest of the deck. "He sent me thirteen pages on how awesome he is."

The floor beneath Nick shook slightly. "Ope, would ya look at the time?" he said as the platform began to lower itself. "We're looking forward to your entries this week! Stay safe, and have fun!"