Week 373 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 Katheryn J. Avila 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
- Terry Brewer | @Stories2121
- Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
- Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
- Mark A. Morris
- Nikki Prince | @AuthorNPrince
- Jo Hawk | @JoHawktheWriter
- David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
- Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles
- Mark Ethridge | @mysoulstears
- Kel J. Heinen | @Aightball
- M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
Honorable Mentions
David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
Katheryn says: This one feels like a piece in a larger high fantasy story. Despite how brief it is, though, there was enough for me to know exactly what’s happening, and to become invested in the characters. Looking forward to reading more!
Jo Hawk | @JoHawkTheWriter
Katheryn says: There’s an intensity to this one that begs for more information. Why are they on that mission? What’s the endgame? It reads like some of my favorite action movies, and I’m intrigued by the dynamic between the two characters. Well done!
Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles
Katheryn says: I really enjoyed this one – poor Lucy. It feels like the universe was conspiring against her, maybe trying to keep her from her trip. Begs the question – what terrible thing is going to happen to her in New Orleans? This piece feels like the set up to a great paranormal story!
winner announcement
Week 373 Winner
Katheryn says: I love a good urban fantasy and this piece makes me want to dive right into this world. The writing is tight, the description of the nymph, though brief, is very vivid. The tension and mystery behind their conversation definitely left me wanting more. Can’t wait to see where it goes!
The woman staring me down was almost certainly not human. Bark brown skin, summer-leaf green hair, solid as an NFL lineman—those didn’t necessarily give her away, but the roots abruptly spreading across the flooring did.
Nymph.
The tile cracked.
Okay, angry nymph.
Steadfast.
Immovable.
Between me and the nearest exit.
“Detective Davis?”
“That’s me.” Damn it.
“You didn’t believe Pandora.”
“Pandora?”
“You know so many of them?”
A switch flipped in some dark corner of my brain, as the nymph’s presence and words formed an uncomfortable realization.
“The woman claiming to be an Oracle?”
Oracles hid away from society. Frequently in forests. Forests filled with nymphs. Nymphs who aggressively sheltered the Oracles.
“Human brains are so slow.” She made a vee and pointed at her eyes. “I’m actually watching you piece this together. What did you do to her?”
“No—nothing.” My voice trailed away. What I did do and what I didn’t do were pretty much the same in this case. “Not everyone who walks in with a story is a truth-sayer. We need—”
“Confirmation? Validation? Fine.” She sighed, the sound of whispering leaves. The roots retreated into her. “But don’t come looking for her when you get it.”
“Nymphs and Oracles,” I said. “Why didn’t she bring you along in the first place?”
“Like a magic act?”
“I would have believed.”
“Don’t worry, Detective, she’ll make a believer of you on her own.” She turned away with a wry smile. “Then again, maybe you should worry.”
~~~~~~~
Congratulations THIRTY TIME WINNER Cara, and Honorable Mentions David, Jo, 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! 🙂
