How did I come to be here? Doctor, perhaps I can make you understand.
Do you know logic puzzles? You’re provided a series of written clues. Every clue narrows the field, until you’re left with a correct answer, just one.
I found this particular puzzle published in an old periodical. And I worked it by the usual methods—they’re pretty well-established, and trivially easy for any puzzle enthusiast.
Except this one. I worked it obsessively, doggedly—hundreds of times and could not solve it. Maddening.
***
The next issue included an apology. The editor had mistakenly omitted a necessary clue.
Written in response to the month’s 100 Word Challenge from velvetverbosity.com. Prompt: “Library.” I actually had more inspiration from that post’s title, “Gently Mad.”
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ParkInkSpot 
A maddening situation indeed – for someone addicted to logic puzzles. So disturbing as to render him/her needing medical help. Oh deary me … Nicely done in 100 words.
Madness leads to an entirely different doctor…so does hard word limits.
I like your above comment almost as much as this piece. Nicely done!
Well, a little bit of mad is always fun.
I think that would probably drive me a little mad too! I love logic puzzles and I hate not being able to work out an answer. I’ll keep going on a puzzle long after everyone else gives up! 🙂
Been there! Got the t-shirt.
I did exactly the same thing as you. I wrote a story that included “Gently Mad”. I have never entered this challenge and I thought that “Gently Mad” were the Prompt Words.
I did not enter post. I only realised today that the Prompt Word was Library.
I will suggest to Velvet Verbosity that she replaces the Title of her story with the Prompt Word.
Cheers
johnbrennanlive