Category: Flash Fiction

Backfired

Words 100

I can still hear the rush of feet, echoes of laughter, the soft whispers and warm sighs.

My vision blurs.

I loved him.

He loved me.

What went wrong?

He turns away.

“How have you been?” I call out.

“Why do you care?” His voice is harsh.

“I just do.”

“If you did, you wouldn’t have left.”

“Why didn’t you stop me?”

“You wanted to leave. Be free.”

“But you didn’t care enough to stop me?”

“Wasn’t that your grievance? That I imposed my dictates on you?”

“But…”

“That’s why I backed off, to let you do as you wanted.”

***

Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the irresistible challenge and J. Hardy Carroll for the beautiful photo. To read the other stories inspired by this post, click here.

Thanks also to those whose commented on this story which triggered this post 🙂

Taking a Stand

 Words 199

She woke with a jerk.

3.42 a.m.

Heart thudding, she slipped into the spare room to double check everything.

Done.

There was time to share one last cup of tea.

Her heart faltered as she looked around the kitchen.

Could she?

Should she?

What about him?

“What’s going on?”

“I am moving out.”

He laughed. “Who’d want a useless old hag?”

“I’ll manage.”

“How? You are too old for the brothel.” He sneered.

“Thank you for making it easier to leave.”

“Selfish to the core. What about the children?”

“They will understand. I hope.”

“After wrecking my life, you’re going to suck their blood?”

“I am going to live alone.”

“What about money? Going to beg?”

“I have a job.”

“Job! What can you do? Except spend money?”

“I am a chef for a home catering service.”

“A cook! Women of this house don’t to do menial jobs.”

“Outside the house you mean?”

“You’ll earn peanuts.”

“Enough for my needs.”

“What about your responsibilities, your vows?”

“Are they just mine?”

“What if I allow you to work?”

“Allow?”

“Let…”

“Let?”

“What could you possibly hope to gain? What don’t you have?”

“Respect.” She shut the door on his face.

***

Written for the Sunday Photo Fiction – a story in 200 words or less. Thanks to Alistair for hosting the challenge and Dawn for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.

 

 

 

To see this image on Google maps, click here

The Slave

 Words 150

The monsoon was impending and the heat sweltering. But that didn’t dampen the festivities. Attracted by the sound of ululation and conch shells, a gaggle of giggling girls rushed in.

Pushing and shoving, they jostled to catch a glimpse of the lucky bride as she entered her new home.

Unknown, grasping hands pulled at the enshrouded bride’s veil trying to see her face. Others reached out to weigh her gold chain.

“At least she can work in the paddy fields.”

“And bear many sons.” They tittered and nudged the groom.

“Come for a swim,” his friends called.

“Leave the poor boy alone. Gone are his carefree days. He’s his queen’s slave.” Raucous laughter resounded.

Sweating, he took off the wilting garland from around his neck. He pulled at his long scarf knotted with the edge of her sari and dumped them in her lap.

He ran to join his friends.

***

This is my entry to the flash fiction challenge What Pegman Saw inspired by any view of a given location on Google maps. The challenge is to write a story in 150 words or less. Thanks to K. Rawson for hosting this challenge. This week’s location is Amazon, Brazil. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here

Thanks for reading – dont just think, share your thoughts. Have a super weekend.

I have just returned from a vacation and the photo below says it all 😉

But nonetheless, here goes:

 

The Blow

Words 86

“You look lovely.” Su hugged me.

“Thanks.” I smiled.

“Yes,” said Ana. “I remember telling you that this color really suits you.”

“Thanks.” I flushed and paled.

I tottered away.

“What’s the matter?” The Husband asked.

“That Ana…” I gritted my teeth.

“But she just complimented you.” He frowned.

“Compliment my foot. She just dished me a swift upper cut.”

“Are you crazy?”

“Oh God!” I moaned, “why didn’t you warn me?”

“About what?”

“That I wore the same sari at the last wedding we attended.”

***

Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the challenge and Liz for the photo prompt. To read more stories inspired by this prompt click here

Thanks for reading – look forward to reading your reactions.