Tag: Flash Fiction

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

Karen v. Karen

Tina Stewart Brakebill

“If only there were more.”

“More what Aunt Karen?”

Glaring out the window, she pressed record before declaring “More people like me. Patriotic citizens. People who care about what’s happening to this country.”

“He’s just cleaning the windows. Why are you recording him?” I hadn’t seen her in years but I steeled myself for the nonsense that I imagined was about to come out of her mouth.

“I’m not. I’m recording that women hassling him. Now be a good boy and open the window so I can tell her to go to hell before I post this.”

the-view

Thanks to Putting My Feet in the Dirt for a great opening line (if only there were more) and to Rochelle’s Friday Fictioners for the photo inspiration.

“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.” – Mahatma Gandhi

BE A GOOD KAREN NOT A BAD KAREN!

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

Up Up & Away

Tina Stewart Brakebill

“Five hundred bucks! You can’t spend that much money on a balloon! It’s crazy.”  

“It’s our anniversary babe. No expense spared. Plus I had some money put back. Don’t worry. We’re golden.” It had only been a month but she’d see. It would be perfect! Then she’d say yes. We’d be together forever. I was sure of it. Ignoring the look in her eyes, I stroked the velvet box in my pocket and imagined our future. Her words barely penetrated my reverie.

“We need to talk. I’m sorry … I can’t …. Maybe you can still get your money back.”  

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PHOTO PROMPT © Ronda Del Boccio

Thanks to Rochelle for her fabulous Friday Fictioners challenge and to Kristian for the WOTD-golden.

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.

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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

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.  

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