Week 717 of #ThursThreads was a success, a remarkable feat for 13 solid years. Thank you to everyone who writes each week. You are why we’re still doing this. I’m truly grateful for all y’all!
If you’ve just found us, welcome to the crew! May you come back again and write more great flash. Follow Siobhan Muir on Bluesky or check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction server on Discord or the #ThursThreads group on Facebook to keep up with news, etc.
Entries:
- Bill Engleson
- Siobhan Muir
- Sheilagh Lee
- Silver James
- David A. Ludwig
- Louisa Bacio
- K.R. Van Horn
- Eric Martell
Honorable Mentions
David A. Ludwig | Website
Siobhan says: I suspect Yoshimi doesn’t know the story of Faust, and the deal he made with the devil. I found myself shaking my head and saying, “Don’t do it. Don’t do it…” Great tale.
Sheilagh Lee | Website
Siobhan says: While this tale could use some tightening of the punctuation, the dark humor and determination of the characters made for an interesting tale of mafia-style business-as-usual. Fun tale.
winner announcement
Week 717 Winner
Siobhan says: Oooh, talk about thinking you’re saved, and finding out that might not be the case. The Little Mermaid style of this tale gave a perfect false sense of hope, and then you find out the true nature of the maid in the water. Great tale.
Screams rendered the air. The ship heaved to and fro in so much chaos, no one paid much attention to one man going over the side. As he plunged into the waters, she waited.
He dunked into the depths, flailing as he sank. He fought against the inevitable as the storm churned the waves. Astral flicked her tail and swooped closer, letting her arms close around him. She lifted him, swimming toward the surface. They broke through the barrier, and he gasped for air before taking in her magnificence.
“I’ve got you,” she said.
His blue eyes widened and his brow creased. He’d obviously heard what she said, but recognition didn’t hit home.
“How? Who?” he sputtered.
Lightning cracked through the darkening sky, striking the boat’s main mast and setting the topmost sail ablaze. Another set of waves drew upon them. Automatically, he looped his arms around her neck.
The gods were angry. She hoped to appease them with her offering.
“I’m Astral, Mistress of the Sea.”
The wave took them further away and he gazed back from whence he came. “My ship …”
“Will probably go down,” she said. “It’s no place for you.”
“Mermaid? Siren?”
She didn’t mind his confusion. Astral whipped her tail around, showcasing its cobalt and cerulean scales. It reflected the hues of the dark and stormy sea. “Whatever name makes you feel better.”
Meeting his gaze, she grinned, letting her sharp, pointed teeth sparkle.
“Let’s go for a swim,” she said, and dove deep.
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Thirteen Time Winner Louisa, and Honorable Mentions Mark, Silver, and Bill! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!
Pass on the great news on Facebook, Discord, Bluesky, Mastodon, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂
