Week 411 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale as we close in on the end of 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 Daelyn Morgana 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:
- Terry Brewer | @Stories2121
- Mark A. Morris
- Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
- Silver James | @SilverJames_
- Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
- Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
- Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
- Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles
- Mark Ethridge | @mysoulstears
- David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
- Joel Sandersen | @jsandersen76
- M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
- Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
- Daelyn Morgana | @DaelynMorgana
- Tina Glasneck | @TinaGlasneck
Honorable Mentions
David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
Daelyn says: What can I say? I am a sucker for “the enemy of my enemy is my frenemy” kind of plot twists. Especially when considering a pair up with someone labeled as The Butcher of Valle Rossa. I must say he’s quite well dressed for a Butcher, too. Love the imagery of him. I also must agree, other humans can be so annoying. I think I’d prefer giants over humans as well.
Kelly Heinen | @Aighball
Daelyn says: This tale left me with so many questions. All good, I assure. It has that magick air to it that just draws me in. I am beyond curious to know what this main characters job really is, and why they are so worried about this woman potentially being a clairvoyant. I also love the idea of them not being real, and Death being involved in giving people powers. It’s such an entertaining idea to mull over, ripe with possibilities for plot. I need answers, lots of answers to this tale. Basically I need more.
Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
Daelyn says: I smell secrets and backstabbing and hidden plots. All things I love. Everyone loves a good royal plot to ascend to the throne, too. I quite wonder what it took for the seventeenth in line to get to that throne though. Why there are two sides to the guards and who is leading the not-so-good guys? So many questions, again, so much intrigue. Another tale I would love to see more of. Lastly, I love Noah’s reaction to being called “Highness.” If I was that far down the line I think I’d have the same reaction, and certainly be looking for more shadows detaching from walls.
winner announcement
Week 411 Winner
Daelyn says: I found this tale a little all too relatable. A powerful sum up of how just one person can turn your world upside down, and not always in a good way. The inner monologue reactions were spot on for such an accidental meeting. I found the alternative cussing to be both refreshing and giggle worthy, too. And this line, “I wasn’t that guy anymore. I’d never be that guy again.” I feel that. Overall a very powerful story in a very easy going presentation. Well done.
I recognized her the moment my eyes spotted her. How could I ever forget her? She had triggered the greatest set of changes in my life. I had been normal. Thirty years of a career, depended on, recognized for my talents. Life was calm and quiet. Then she showed up, and it all came apart.
“Sweet Jesus!” was my first thought, followed by “I should not have come here.”
I noticed a hint of recognition on her face when she spotted me. At that point, I knew it was time to deal with the last vestiges of what had been. To finally end her story in my life.
It had been ten years. I’d had to start life over in so many ways. New job, new friends, new everything. Years of psychotherapy and multiple day panic attacks, wondering if I’d ever recover, if I’d ever become functional in life again.
She had known me before all that, when I was the guy with the 30 year career, and a knack for fixing problems in everyone else’s programs.
I wasn’t that guy anymore. I’d never be that guy again.
Eventually she made her way over, “Do I know you?”
“Yes, Robin, you do.”
“Steve?”
I nodded, “You knew who I was 10 years ago. You don’t know me now.”
She smiled that smile that had wrecked so much havoc in my life. “Perhaps, finally, it’s time to meet you again.”
All I could think was, “Frack…”
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Seven Time Winner Mark, and Honorable Mentions David, Kelly, and Cara! 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! 🙂
