Week 375 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale as we start our eighth year. If you’ve been doing it a while, thank you. If you’ve just found us, welcome! May you come back again and write more great flash. Thousand thanks to Angela Roe for judging this week. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook or the #ThursThreads Group on MeWe to keep up with news, etc.
Entries:
- Katheryn J. Avila | @katheryn_avila
- Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
- Mark A. Morris
- Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
- Jo Hawk | @JoHawktheWriter
- Silver James | @SilverJames_
- Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles
- David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
- Daelyn Morgana | @DaelynMorgana
- Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
- Torn MacAlester | @Torn_MacAlester
- Ever Addams | @everaddams
- Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
Honorable Mentions
Silver James | @SilverJames_
Angela says: Hasn’t every single woman felt both invisible and too big at the same time? She’s written a real gem here, and it’s powerful with both pain and hope. So very well done.
Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
Angela says: I love that she was so able to convey both excitement and a certain shyness in such a sweet scene.
Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles
Angela says: Those major milestones are painful and sending our babies to Kindergarten is a truly painful moment. I think we’ve all shed tears as our babies left toddlerhood and entered grade school. Teresa showed us those complex emotions perfectly.
winner announcement
Week 374 Winner
Angela says: This story evokes both the fear and shrinking behavior of someone who has been abused, and the strength and courage it takes to free oneself from such a relationship. To convey so many emotions in such few words is talent, indeed.
Touching the scar on my elbow, I let my finger trace the line.
The diner reeks of nostalgia, the linoleum is worn, but the coffee in the battered cream-colored cup is hot and strong. I sip, watching the two uniforms place their order and adjust their stools at the counter.
The glass door opens, the bell tinkles merrily, and he walks toward me, pausing, he towers over me, but I stand my ground. He sits in the booth. The table separated us, and he leans forward, reaching for my hands. I pull back, plaster my spine against the vinyl seat, ramrod straight, and drop my fists into my lap. But I won’t look away.
I had forgotten his eyes were blue. If I could forget that, perhaps I can leave behind the rest. Memories flash, slashing red and deep. Tear-stained faces, broken promises, and outright lies will forever live encased by walls.
He says he loves me, and he needs me. He can’t go on without me. The begging begins with words so often repeated that I no longer require the script. I have heard it all before.
“I don’t hate you, it’s just… I don’t need you anymore,” my voice sounds distant, flat and cold.
He speaks from far away, and my ears grow deaf.
“There’s nothing left to say. I won’t go back.”
My bill is paid, the time is now, and I rise. The uniforms nod as I stroll by, and I step through the open door.
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Winner Jo, and Honorable Mentions Silver, Cara, and Teresa! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!
Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, MeWe, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂
