Category: Flash Fiction

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

DRINK ME

Tina Stewart Brakebill

Drink Me was her—admittedly, completely unoriginal—first thought.  But really what else does one think when one sees a tiny door. If reading had taught her anything it was that tiny doors lead to magical places full of lovely flowers and great adventures. Intent on finding the beautiful bottle that she knew MUST be nearby, she didn’t see the bark begin to ripple. Sadly, little Allie had forgotten another important lesson about magical doors: they often have guards. Before she could even think “what a curious feeling,” she felt its arms around her. Now it’s her turn to wait.  

fleur-trunk

PHOTO PROMPT © Fleur Lind

26 April 2024

 

 

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

Next Door Neighbors

Tina Stewart Brakebill

“Why do you always think the worst of people? Maybe she had some leftover plants and she thought you might like them. Just a generous neighborly gesture.”

Are you really that stupid? Did you not see the pristine white water can? Or read her Next Door “suggestions” about how some people are not doing their part to “beautify” the neighborhood? It’s clearly a declaration of war.

But instead of saying any of those things, I agreed, “Of course, I’m sure you’re right dear. I’ll be sure to thank her.”

Nothing says thank you like a three-ton delivery of manure.  

rowena-curtin-back-door

PHOTO PROMPT © Rowena Curtin

Thanks to Rochelle for another great Friday Fictioneers Prompt. 

8 March 2024
Flash Fiction, Haiku & Other Poetry, tutto e niente

Every day I pass this place …

Tina Stewart Brakebill

Every day I pass this place and wonder.

Are you watching over me?

Did your passing change your face?

Does your smile ever reach your eyes?

Did your shattered fragments become whole?

Or are you still laughing as I stumble?

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Not sure exactly what this is–poetry or flash or a weird combo, but thanks for the inspiration to girlie on the edge’s Six Sentence Story Challenge and Crimson’s Creative Challenge.

Flash Fiction, Haiku & Other Poetry, tutto e niente

intolerable

Tina Stewart Brakebill

the curtain rises

born with intuitive grace

we bask in the show

then tears build a wall

and days unfurl into years

the party grows old

till a new moon shines

nothing left (or right) to chance

toss the dice once more 

in the hush we feign

betting on the hand of fate

to change destiny

but stripped to the bone

the curtain of darkness falls

a shroud for the shame

still the day begins

a trick of light and shadow

burning umber sky   

an unwary smile

a mask we still wear each day

hiding our true face  

intolerable

Weekly-Challenge19

Thanks to Carrot Ranch 99 Word Story Challenge for the inspiration to try something a bit different for me- a narrative poem of sorts.

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

letting go

Tina Stewart Brakebill

“Well, that’s that,” Joe said as he reached for my hand. Staying silent, I let the distance between us widen.

Trying again, Joe confidently declared: “It’s the best thing for him.”

“Don’t spew that party line crap at me! This isn’t how things were supposed to go.”

“For heaven’s sake, Lisa, it’s a day cruise for singles! You’re not launching him onto an ice float to die!”

“I’ll be sure to remind you of that when it’s your mum’s turn.”

“What … no … she … hrmph.”

Magnanimous in victory, I grabbed his hand. “I know. Letting go is hard.”

boardwalk-peter-abbeyPHOTO PROMPT © Peter Abbey

Thanks for the photo inspiration to Rochelle’s Friday Fictioners