Here’s Suzanne Burke’s ‘Fiction in a Flash Challenge 2021’ #41.
This week I decided to write a very short story where I used 99-words. No more, no less.
WAITING
I stood every night on the edge of the precipice. My tears had stopped flowing, but the valley hadn’t stopped burning. Everything I’d known was gone. Only my father heeded the signs and prepared our escape. Unfortunately, he could only take my baby brother and sisters. He sent mother and me to the mountain, promising to return. Mother never left the cave but kept our fire going. I caught fish and lugged our water from the icy stream. She insisted we were the only ones alive, but I believed. Tonight, my dreams were answered as my father’s balloon appeared.
What a hopeful piece. I enjoyed it, Denise.
Thank you, Jacqui 🙂
Loved this, Denise. I’m so glad the father came back.
Thanks, John, me too!
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Nice, I’m glad your dad came back, Denise.
xox
eden
Thank you, Eden;) I was happy he returned.
Dreams are our deepest longing and the fire of hope refuse to give us. Wonderful flash, Denise!
I agree about dreams and the flame of hope, Miriam:) Thank you.
You’re welcome, Denise!
I was rooting for them. So glad to see the balloon at the end!
I was rooting for the father’s return too:) Thanks, Staci!
Alexander Pope wrote’ Hope springs eternal in the human breast” You have captured that so perfectly in your micro-flash piece. I have just had the pleasure of sharing this post. Thanks so much for joining in the fun. 😊
Grwat quote and it’s so true, Soooz. Thanks again for providing the inspiration! Xo
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Now that is a challenge! And nicely done as well. A message of hope.
It is, Joan. A fun one though, thanks:)
What a fantastic story, Denise! I love the beautiful ending!
Thank you, Jan:) I admit I love when the story takes me to that happy ending!
I can’t help but to be curious, as to what happened to make them flee their home. So much packed in just a few words. Well done!
It was really hard to squeeze a story into 99 words…lol. My theory is they found a beautiful place to start over and had a wonderful life.
You did it well. 🙂