A flash fiction piece I recently submitted – word limit of 150 and had to use the word paper. Short and sweet – the perfect two minute read for a busy Saturday!
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“…migraine. I can’t drive.”
“Look it’s terrible timing. We’ve got to present to the client on Friday and…”
“Just a day. If I sleep it off I’ll be fine tomorrow. You know I’ll make up the work.”
“Yeah. I know. OK. Get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I set the phone back on its dock and zip up my jacket. Beanie. Gloves. It’ll be cold down by the river and my chest isn’t great these days.
I park the car near the footbridge. There’s a bench set back from the water underneath an old crack willow. I can watch the car while I work.
I take the first sheet from my bag and fold it in half. Nine more folds, then on to the next.
A flotilla of paper boats sail away under the bridge.
Danny would have loved them.
Awww – such emotion in such a teeny weeny word count
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Thanks Diane. I really enjoy the challenge of finding a way to pack a bit of depth into a very short piece – happy that it worked on this occasion!
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Good job, Nik. I agree with Diane; Awww.
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Thanks Tobbe – this was one of those one-shot happy accidents that flow from my virtual pen occasionally!
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Your pen should visit the Nile, the Amazon or the Mississippi river for inspiration regarding flowing. No, but keep wielding the mighty pen, would you kind sir?
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You’ve got yourself a deal Tobbe 🙂
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Brilliantly done! So much in so few words. That’s masterful 🙂
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Thanks Belinda – appreciate you stopping by and commenting! Not sure I’ve had masterful thrown at me before so I might just frame that 🙂 I really enjoy the challenge of small word counts in terms of trying to stimulate interest for the reader – really pleased it worked for you.
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It always amazes me when small counts have such an impact. Its so well done. 🙂
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Just breaks my heart.
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Will try to make sure my next piece has got some laughs in it to glue your heart back together D 🙂 It’s a great comment – thank you – my goal was to stir up emotion and it seems like it worked for you.
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