Category: Flash Fiction

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

second thoughts

Tina Stewart Brakebill

Waiting for my cue, I practice my smile. It feels wrong. Too forced. Too white against the gray pallor of my skin.

I try to shake off my doubts. I am the heir apparent. It is my heritage.

But some nights it’s too much. It’s like a giant squid has me wrapped in its tentacles. It squeezes and squeezes and whispers “birthright” in my ear, but I don’t feel lucky. I feel like it’s trying to drown me.

But it’s too late for second thoughts. The crowd chants my name as I once again claim my birthright.

(97 Words)

Photo by Anthony Obunadike on Pexels.com

 Thanks for the inspiration.

Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge – Grey
Weekend Writing Prompt #440 – Heritage
Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

YOUR SERVE

Tina Stewart Brakebill

YOUR SERVE.

The umpire’s ruling rang in my ears as it triggers an endless overlapping loop in my mind: I am in control, this is why I practice, treasure this moment, unless you blow it, I won’t, you might, I can’t, gratitude, I need to channel gratitude, this is my chance, someday I’ll tell stories about this moment, I’ve got to shoot my shot, I won’t blow it, I will not blow it.

The whistle blows time and I swallow my last chug of Gatorade.

It tastes slightly medicinal or maybe that’s just the bitter edge of my nerves as I step onto the court and take my shot.

Boy oh boy, that serve had some extra spice on it folks, but was it in or out?

YOUR SERVE.  

Photo by Julia Kuzenkov on Pexels.com

 

Thanks to FOWC (RANG), Sunday’ Six Sentence Story (SPICE), and the Sunday Whirl (SEE BELOW) for some great words that inspired me to show off my lack of tennis (or pickle ball?) knowledge.

FOWC With Fandango — Rang
Wordle 728
Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt!

 

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

double dog dare

Tina Stewart Brakebill

What’s that splotch on your forehead?

I won. That’s what matters.

You won? What?

Cash money!

NO! How? What did you do?

So Jimmy and me was in the park by the river.

Were.

Were what?

You and Jimmy WERE in the park.

I know. I just said.

Forget it. Go on.

Well… there’s this tree.

Yes?

And it’s got these knobs and a big bendy branch.

And?

Jimmy dared me to climb to the top and shimmy down the bendy part. Bet me ten bucks.

You didn’t.

Did. Head first. WINNER!

Except for your head.

Totally worth it!

(100 words)

PHOTO PROMPT © Lisa Fox

The joy of childhood splotches! Thanks for the inspiration to Friday Fictioners’ photo, RDP’s word (SPLOTCH, and Esther’s Weekly Writing Prompt (MONEY). Twas fun!

17 October 2025
RDP Wednesday: SPLOTCH
Writing Prompts
Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

probably …

Tina Stewart Brakebill

“The opportunity of a lifetime passed before him as he tried to decide between a cone or a cup.” The thought should probably terrify him.

 The woman waiting to scoop his mint chocolate chip (or possibly pistachio) ice cream had actually said “it’s not the opportunity of a lifetime. Pick one.”

 She had laughed as she said it, but he could feel life passing him by as he dithered, yet again.

 If he was keeping score (which he was) this was the 17th time today he had agonized over an arguably simple decision.  Eventually he decided by not deciding. Instead, he walked away empty handed.

 He knew why he was spinning in circles: he needed to make what was probably the biggest decision of his life.

 As he slid the key into the lock, he made a promise to himself: “I will decide today. Or maybe tomorrow. Tomorrow might be better. But definitely this week. Probably.”  

Photo by Michaela St on Pexels.com

 Thanks for the inspiration to Fandango’s word of the day (LOCK) and the Writers Workshop prompts of SCORE and the opening line. 

FOWC With Fandango — Lock
This Week’s Writer’s Workshop Prompts: October 2, 2025

 

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

always a bridesmaid

Tina Stewart Brakebill

As Jenny took in her reflection, she made a noise that sounded like a cross between a growl and a barking seal. How could she! The haphazard array of polka dots made her look like a giant allergic reaction. This was absolutely the last time she’d ever agree to be a bridesmaid!    

Esther asked us to tell a story in 52 words using the following words in it somewhere:

  • SEAL
  • GROWL
  • ALLERGIC
  • HAPHAZARD
  • POLKA
Can You Tell A Story In…