Category Archives: Under 300 Words

History Repeating


“Let me see your happy faces,”the artist was clearly frustrated with his subjects. Never had he met such disagreeable children.

Behind him their mother sat in the corner of the parlor sipping tea, her pinkie finger raised perfectly. She was clearly apathetic to the artist’s plight, sighing incessantly from boredom.

When her tea grew cold she bloviated, “Come now children, smile for mommy. Chocolates for each of you when we finish.” The two sulked, barely complying.

Hours later, when the artist presented the mother with the portrait, she tossed his fee on the table without even the courtesy of a “thank you”.

Decades later, these children grew up to become dreadful adults. The girl is now a self-absorbed shrew who spends her time on perpetual holiday amongst the elite, and the boy? Well, I heard that he is running for president.

~kat – 25 June 2016
(142 Words)

For Jane Dougherty’s Microfiction Challenge #1. I am afraid that life and work limited my writing time last week. But this half written story begged a finish, even if it is a bit late to the party. There is already another wonderful prompt waiting to inspire. Be sure to visit Jane’s Blog for a good read or to enter one of her challenges! 


Survivor’s Reception

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Photo by Al Forbes

Danielle gazed at the overgrown green mounds where she and her family had lived in until it was safe. She had vowed never to return, but relented when she heard that so many others would be at the reception.

Before that day no one would have believed that their sleepy little town mattered to international terrorists. Greenvale was a farming community. Most people worked simple jobs, shopped at the Piggly Wiggly and spent Friday evenings at the Dairy Queen after high school ballgames. They didn’t even have their own airport or bus station. To access these amenities they had to drive two hours to the city. And yet, they were ground zero for the first chemical attack on US soil.

Each surviving family had received official invitations with promises of funding for those who wished to rebuild and resettle in Greenvale. The old high school gym was full of chatter, laughter and memories of those that were lost. Danielle reconnected with several school chums and neighbors. When it was time for the program to begin, everyone was asked to take a seat.

As the room grew silent, several armed soldiers entered the building, bolting the doors from the inside.

kat ~ 8 June 2016
(198 Words)

A Story for Sunday’s Photo Fiction Challenge based on the photo by Al Forbes above.


The Bracelet

statue“Who would do such a thing?!” Mae Brown asked the Officer when he arrived.

“When did you first notice the broken statue Mrs. Brown?

“This morning. They must have done it last night.”

“Have you noticed anything else out of place?”

“No. Except, do you see the bracelet on the left wrist? That’s new.”

Mae thought about it for a moment. It looked like the bracelets she had sent to the neighborhood girls recently. There were the Monroe twins across the street, and Sue next door and Amanda on the corner. Amanda! Oh dear, Mae thought, such a sweet girl. What was I thinking giving a bracelet to a girl who lost both hands in a fire!

“Did you think of something Mrs. Brown? Anything you remember will help us get to the bottom of this.”

“No officer. Thank you for coming.”

“Well, if you think of anything, let us know.”

Mae wouldn’t be calling the officer anytime soon. But she would be planning a visit to a certain little girl to ask her forgiveness.

kat ~ 8 June 2016
(175 Words)

A story for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) prompted by the photo by Phylor that you see above.


Fear of Falling

156-05-may-15th-2016“Will you PLEASE get off the floor Sarah!?”

“I’m good. Really! How much longer?”

“We’re almost there. But you’re missing the view. If you could just slide up onto the seat…”

“Nope! I told you, I’m good. Take pictures.”

It was not going the way Nick envisioned it. The banner was coming into view on the hillside. Everyone could see it. Everyone, that is, but Sarah, whose fear of heights had sent her into a panic.

Frustrated, Nick took a photo on his phone, then dropped to the floor where Sarah sat with her arms wrapped around her knees.

He held the phone for her to see.

“Will you Marry Me, Sarah?” the banner said.

Sarah looked at the phone, at Nick, and then at the other passengers, whose faces were beaming with anticipation. When she looked back at Nick, he was holding a ring in his other hand.

She shook her head. “I hate you, you know! But yes…YES! I will marry you!” Everyone cheered!

Nick smiled, holding her close as he leaned in whispering, “I guess this means my idea to exchange our vows in a hot air balloon is a bust…”

kat  ~ 18 May 2016
(194 Words)

Flash Fiction for Sunday’s Photo Fiction Challenge prompted by the photo above. To read more click HERE.


The Abduction

swritings

Photo Credit: S Writings

Deb had only looked away for a second. Frantically, she scanned the clusters of children clamoring for candy tossed from the parade float.

“Sarah! Sarah!” she called, but the ‘boom, boom, boom’ of the marching band’s drum section was deafening.

Deb’s heart was racing. She retraced their steps, through the crowds toward the town square. The last people she wanted to involve was the police, but she was desperate.

“Sir,” Deb pleaded to the officer, “I’ve lost my 5 year-old. Her name is Sarah. I’ve looked everywhere. I can’t find her!”

“You said her name was Sarah?”

“Yes, Sarah…she’s 5. She has a pink t-shirt…and blue jeans.”

“Well that might explain this note.  We found it attached to one of the painted display cows.”

The officer watched Deb intently as she read, “I have Sarah, Deb. You know she belongs with me. The courts awarded me custody. Jon”

“Is the note true, ma’am?”

“Yes…” Deb mumbled in defeat.

“I think you better come with me. Jon is pressing charges.”

kat ~ 29 March 2016
(173 Words)

A story for FFfAW (Flash Fiction for the Aspiring Writer) Photo Prompt. Thanks to PJ (Priceless Joy) for hosting. Read other stories HERE.