Week 356 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale as we complete our seventh 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 Silver James 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:
- Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
- Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
- Nellie Batz | @solimond
- Joe Hesch | @JAHesch
- Jo Hawk
- Mark A. Morris
- Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
- David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
- Mark Ethridge | @mysoulstears
- Daelyn Morgana | @DaelynMorgana
- Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles
Silver says: If I could give honorable mentions to everyone, I would! Since I can’t, here are my picks and reasons. Thanks again.
Honorable Mentions
David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
Silver says: The spirit of this story is a 180 from the winner. This one also had well-developed characters, even the “cameo” by the daycare dude. I want to know more about the girls and the black cat. It’s a fun and interesting scene cut from the whole but is still a complete story in and of itself.
Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
Silver says: The turn of phrase, the word play (are those the same thing?), and that last line all create an interesting story with a punch…line. It made me smile. I wouldn’t mind sitting down with the two characters over a cup of coffee (or a beer), and listening to them talk.
winner announcement
Week 356 Winner
Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles
Silver says: This tale turned creepy-crawly with a simple change of POV. It starts out a bit mundane and sweet, and then goes all the way to Stephen King levels. The characters are well-developed, the ending twist raised goosebumps, it’s a complete story–all in 250 words. Well done!
“You should look at Bea and Thomas, “ Brittani speaks to her husband as she watches their elderly neighbors walking home holding hands. Bea’s short white hair blows up against her husband’s face as he leans down to gently kiss the top of her head.
“Justin! Look at them. They are so sweet. Do you think we’ll be like them when we’re that age?”
Justin glances out in time to see the couple’s exchange, “I don’t know, Brittani. Maybe.”
“Maybe we should plan more things together. I mean, Bea and Thomas . . . they do everything together,” Brittani says.
“Remember, Beatrice, the neighbors are watching,” Thomas says quietly against the top of Bea’s head.
Bea feels the rub of metal against her wrist, “Why do I have to be handcuffed to you, Thomas? After all these years, you should know I won’t go anywhere.”
“I can’t trust you, Beatrice. You remember what happened last time we went out without them?”
“You made sure I wouldn’t forget, but that was years ago.”
“Beatrice, we’re almost to the door. Once we’re inside and the door’s locked, the cuffs can come off. As usual.”
“Yes, Thomas,” Bea sighs resignedly.
Brittani closes the curtain and turns back to Justin, “Let’s promise we’ll try to be more like them, okay?”
Reaching into his pocket, Justin feels the cold metal pressing against his fingers, “Sure, Brittani. I promise.”
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Winner Teresa, and Honorable Mentions David, and Bill! 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! 🙂
