Categotry Archives: Fiction
In the Spirit of the Moment
“Hey Sven, how many hours we been plowing snow today?” “Twenty two, I reckon.” “Any sign of blacktop yet?” “Nope. Not a bit. And we’re running out of places to put the snow, too.” “Hey, wait. Isn’t that the councilman’s car? The one who cut our overtime?” “Yep. I believe it is.” “Hee, hee, hee.” The challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to write a story in exactly 55 words. Flash Fiction 55 is hosted by the G-man, […]
Suzie’s House 347 : Hardly Credible
Why had she done it? Suzie shoved a tray of chocolate chip cookie dough into the oven. In eight minutes they should come out. Surely in that time she could get over her own stupidity. Why had she tried to prove to an interviewer offering a job she didn’t even want that she could use the new version of Quickbooks? More to the point, why couldn’t she? Why had she fumbled so badly through a program she used to know […]
Rear View
“Look in front of you!” He pounded the dashboard. “I AM. I AM, Dad. Why are you always getting on my case,” the young man said. “All right, then. What do you see in front of you?” “Road.” “And?” “Um… mountains. Snow. Clouds. What? What do you want me to say?” “How about ‘Truck’ for starters.” The challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to write a story in exactly 55 words. Flash Fiction 55 is hosted by the […]
Suzie’s House 346: The Forgotten Man
Vin had steak in mind when he walked into the kitchen. That or maybe he’d grill up some ribs. He was pretty sure one or the other would the thawed because it was his turn to cook and everyone in the house knew he didn’t aspire to any French cooking. So the complete disaster that confronted him wasn’t particularly welcome.
The Reply
“I can’t believe he would do that right here in the office. I mean, isn’t dating against the rules? I mean, really.” She huffed as she looked around the break room. “So? What did you say,” her friends asked. “I said ‘no’, of course. “And then I changed my mind and said ‘yes.’ You only live once.” The challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to write a story in exactly 55 words. Flash Fiction 55 is hosted by […]
Suzie’s House 345 : Drew Comes To on State Street
Shreds of golden sunlight splashed on the glass and brick fronts of the historic buildings on State Street. Maybe a few dozen people per block wandered along it. Stores were closing here and there while the day trade gave way to night. Drew guessed he had been out of it for a couple of hours. He had no idea what made the hallucinations pass, only that once he could actually see out of his eyes, he found Trent sitting on […]
Single’s Awareness Day
“Hey there beautiful. Know what day it is?” He stood over her desk with his hands behind his back and a smile on his lips. “Yeah. Single’s awareness day.” She stamped the invoice extra hard. “Not anymore.” He handed her a jeweler’s box. “Not unless you want it to be.” The challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to write a story in exactly 55 words. Flash Fiction 55 is hosted by the G-man, a host with the most.
Suzie’s House 344 : The Ghastly Results of an Unkempt Life
Trent liked it here. Some of the people got uncomfortable when you lent them a hand, but a lot were fine with it. Much better than places like New York City where he’d be treated like a total lunatic. But still not as nice as Missoula where folks might well lend you a hand in any kind of harmless tom foolery.
The Difference
. Guide: As you can see, we don’t have very many older worshipers in this monastery. That is because we have only been around for a few years. Tourist: What about the monk sitting over there? He looks pretty old. Guide: The one in back? He is not actually a member of this monastery. He came in from Tibet at the request of the head master. Tourist: You mean… Guide: Yep. He’s imported. The challenge, should you choose to accept […]
Suzie’s House 343 : The Accelerated Program
“We’ve had so many people who passed those computer tests down at Job Service but couldn’t do anything once we hired them. That’s why we’re going to have to ask you to show us you know how to be an accountant.” The interviewer smiled oh-so-sweetly while standing over the chair she wanted Suzie to sit in. “Right. It’s got nothing to do with free labor.” Suzie smiled back before glancing at the open door to her right. Was there really […]
Freedom! Wheeee!
Mom: This way. Hurry up. We’ll be late. Big Brother: Oh, shiny! Wheeeee. Little Brother: Mooooom. Brother’s going off on his own again. Mom: Ignore him. He’ll come running once he sees we’ve gone. We don’t have time to wait for him. Little Brother: But Mom, he’s having more fun! The challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to write a story in exactly 55 words. Flash Fiction 55 is hosted by the G-man, a host with the most.
Suzie’s House 342 : Affable As Always
By the time they’d crossed the long bridge across the Mississippi which marked the change from Minnesota to Wisconsin, Drew was feeling good about this trip. They passed through the lush green hills, under the increasingly frequent underpasses, and off the interstate on the North side of town while Trent cracked jokes.
The Wrestlers
Tourist: You say wrestling is one of Mongolia’s greatest sports, right after horse racing and archery, but so far we haven’t seen any wrestlers. Guide: Then you must not have been looking. We’re about to drive by a couple of kids practicing now. Check it out. There’s their trainer at the side of the road. Tourist: Oh. So that’s what they were doing. The challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to write a story in exactly 55 words. […]
Suzie’s House 341 : The Latest Interview Technique
Suzie had always found people with a certain hang-dog expression repulsive. The droopy eyes, heavy jowls and general air of depression annoyed her. She knew better than to take it seriously, but still found it hard muster a smile at her next potential employer.
The Cry
He didn’t believe in the gods. The others talked of the need to appease, but he ignored them. He trusted his hunting skills, the quality of his arrowheads, and the help of his wife. But when his wife died and the children coughed he walked to the sacred lake, and raised his hands high. “Please. Please. Please.” The challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to write a story in exactly 55 words. Flash Fiction 55 is hosted by […]
