Illustration by Ana Hinojosa.

Today as I (Stephanie) walked around, I saw what seemed to be an abnormal number of balloons. There was a lonely yellow balloon marooned on someone’s front lawn. There was a bunch of white balloons, all wrinkled and popped in front of an apartment complex. A crushed mylar “I Love You” balloon was in the middle the street. Another silver mylar balloon that I couldn’t make out (Was it a cartoon character? Did it have a message?) was tangled in a tree.

What is the story with all these balloons, Rookies? We are hoping you can tell us! Did they come from the same place? Did the yellow balloon float away from a backyard birthday party? A family reunion or barbecue in the park? Did the white balloons get popped out of excitement or rage? And what about that “I Love You” balloon? Who gave it to whom, and what does it mean that it was crushed on the street? And what was that mystery balloon up in the tree?

Illustrate or tell us the story of one or all of these balloons. It can be realistic or fantastical. You can use prose, poetry, drawings, collage—you know the drill! Send those balloon tales—along with your first name, last initial, age, and location—to [email protected] with the subject line “Creative Prompt” by Monday, July 25 at 6 PM EST. We can’t wait to see where your brains float away to.

Last week, we asked you to craft an origin story—your own, or someone else’s. Here’s what happened in the beginning…