Domestic emergency necessitating a 200+ mile trip to daughter in hospital meant posting this was late and a lack of time to read and judge, but especial thanks to Holly for contributing twice. Plus, of course, I omitted to update the dates!
So, words for
the coming week: blind puddle wire
Entries by midnight Thursday September 8th new words hopefully posted Friday 9th
Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all three words above in the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialised fiction is, as always, welcome. All variants and uses of the words and stems are fine. Feel free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever
After the Storm
ReplyDeleteThe downed electrical wire sizzled in the sidewalk puddle. The storm had passed, but tree limbs and debris littered the town. Blind Annie was confused. She pushed her metal cart and tried in vain to avoid the chaos. She just wanted to get to the shelter and rest.
Nick the Snake watched as Blind Annie approached the puddle. Hot times were soon to come. He waited a few beats and sauntered toward her.
“Going my way, Beautiful?” he said, steering her toward the shelter.
“Oh, Nicky, I’m so relieved. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t say that. But I do what I can.”
It is good that Annie ran into Nick! Initially I thought it might take a dangerous turn when he waited several moments before speaking.
DeleteYes, I thought this was heading in a nasty direction, but Nicky lived up to his name.
Deletejust got here, so sorry to read about your anxious dash to get to your daughter. Really hope all goes well and she is returned to home and you soonest. Meantime I will go work on the rats... later today. I am sitting in a 95% empty shop and it's not much fun...
ReplyDeletethinking of you
Thanks, Antonia. Daughter (who occasionally posts here as Practice makes perfect') now home again and nigh on as good as new, thank you.
ReplyDeleteGlad your daughter is doing well!
DeleteSounds like it was a busy week all around. My whole family was home due to colds.
Any Old Iron
ReplyDeleteThe rogue robotic came clanking blindly along the dirt path. Clank-clank-clank went its towering multi-jointed legs. Behind it red flakes of rust fluttered in the haze of the midday heat. It tripped perfectly on the trip wire they’d set. Sparks crackled and flew as it fell into the gouged puddle and impaled itself on their spikes.
The filthy kids descended on it like vultures, voraciously stripping it of wiring and circuitry, squabbling over their silicone bounty.
Deep in the bush the swagman waited with his cart, tainted coins exuding a coppery tang in his sweaty palms.
A memorable scene that makes me very curious about this world, especially the 'tainted' coins.
DeleteAntonia saying, another good story, David, so effortless in its flow. More stories please.
DeleteA rust-tinted Dickensian tale, much brightened by the sparkling rust flakes.
DeleteHead Over Heels [29]
ReplyDeleteThe show begins with a flash of blinding light as Merigold ascends the stage. She’s a vision, her presence commanding a level of attention I usually reserve for assassins and accountants. I watch her hands, enraptured, lean forward to catch every resonant word that leaves her lips. I know my rapt attention is wrong somehow, but my concerns puddle forgotten in the back of my mind.
A serpentine creature of painted paper swoops past our balcony, held aloft on silver wires, and as it curves towards Merigold, I leap over the railing and fall.
Hells, I’ve never felt more surprised.
Antonia saying - hi to Holly and thanks for yet more vivid pictures in the mind!!
DeleteSurprising, and thoroughly intriguing, leaving a desre to know more.
DeleteAntonia-
ReplyDeleteUsing what's there, come dead or alive:
Not sure if I published last week, probably not, so - this is the ongoing saga of two laboratory rats who escape... is is the 6th Sept instalment:
Using what’s there – come dead or alive
The first rat collapsed in a puddle and stayed in the warm water, finding it eased the pain in his chest a little. When he felt a bit stronger he shouted across the floor to rat two. “Come on, Stinky, you’re fitter than me, I ain’t heard you coughing like your guts wanted freedom. Well? What d’ya think?
“Leave out the rude bits, I done used the drinking water to wash last night. Wash, I tell you! Wire me into my britches, you unbeliever!
Rat Two shook his head and looked at the ill-tempered rat. I think, he whispered, I’d be better off on my own, go blindly on my own way. Here goes…
Intrepid, and clean!
Delete