Category: Flash Fiction

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

after now

Tina Stewart Brakebill

The view looked like some kind of soulless painting. Beautiful but no signs of life. She used to know the names for artistic stuff like that. Photorealistic, maybe? Hell. It was all apocalyptic now. Unexpectedly, tears blurred her vision. She thought her grief had run its course but seeing those empty chairs. So expectant. So normal. Just waiting for someone with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

Closing her eyes, she shut down those thoughts. She was rooftop for recon. Not useless nostalgia. Before was done. It’s after now.

img_20200227_120426_hdr

PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot

Thanks for the inspiration. Visit Rochelle’s Friday Fictioner for details about joining in the fun. Plus while you’re there, you can read lots of wonderful stories.

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

No! Mad!

Tina Stewart Brakebill
tent on shore
Photo by Teemu R on Pexels.com

Smoke. Strong coffee. The sweet grassy smell of evaporating dew. Birds singing as the sun rose. That delicious sense of freedom. And quiet. Not knowing where she’d be tomorrow. Relishing her role as momma’s “little nomad.”  

A tiny but furious voice interrupted her reverie. “No! Mad!”

Shaking off the past, she turned to now. The queen of the “terrible twos” demanded attention. Memory lane would have to wait.

Terrible-Twos

Thanks to Sammi for her prompt (nomad) and the challenge to write a 68 word story. Click here for rules and other takes on the challenge.

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

Whatever Gets You Through the Night. It’s Alright.

Tina Stewart Brakebill

Frustrated, Jane muted the tv and glared at her roommates.

Returning Jane’s glare, Peter lit up a joint and took a deep hit before blowing the smoke directly into her face.

“Damn it! Pete. You know I’ve got a Zoom meeting.”

“Not my problem. Shield your face. Wear one of those damn masks you keep sewing.”

Ignoring Pete, she returned to the muted tv. But watching the orange faced idiot gesticulate wildly just made it worse. Feeling the rage building, she closed her eyes and surrendered. Humming “whatever gets you through the night” she whispered, “Pass me that joint.”

selective focus photography of man lighting cigarette
Photo by Kam Pratt on Pexels.com

Thanks to Linda for giving us the word “joint” for her SoCS challenge.

PSA: I live in a weed-legal state so I’m not advocating breaking the law! 😉

Combining joint with the Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction challenge to write a story about telling someone to “shield your face” resulted in this (thinly veiled) comment on our times. It basically popped into my head almost fully formed, so I only had to delete a couple of words to get it down to the required 99 words. (Meaning, I feel like I also adhered to the spirit of the SoCS rules.) Check out each of their sites for more info and more writing.

Plus thanks for making me think of this fabulous Lennon tune.

Whatever Gets You Through the Night

 

Flash Fiction, Random Rants, tutto e niente

dressing for success

Tina Stewart Brakebill

Seeking continuity during this crisis, Sue was determined to continue to “dress for success.” This madness lasted only until she discovered the true joy of not wearing a bra. Now, success has a new meaning.  

546a0fc037042

Thanks to  Sammi’s Scribbles for the challenge to write about “continuity” in 35 words.

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

Day Three

Tina Stewart Brakebill

“That’s effing awesome!”  

“Language.”

“But ma. The diner car is up in the air.”

Resisting the temptation to go easy, she suppressed a smile. “Don’t ‘but ma’ me young man. I’m tired and you know your dad doesn’t have any patience for your stories. Get your book. It’s math time.”

“But ma!”

“No buts! Get your math book.” My Lord, it was only day three. How were they ever going to do this for months! And where was Don.? He went out for T.P. hours ago.

“I’m home! And you’re never gonna believe what someone did to the diner car!”

pastedgraphic

PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll

This 100 word story was inspired by the fun photo provided by Rochelle’s Friday Fictioners challenge. Visit her site for details!