Week 381 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. 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
- Mark A. Morris
- Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
- Silver James | @SilverJames_
- Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon
- Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
- Terry Brewer | @Stories2121
- Charlene Mertz | @rrats1231
- Eric Martell | @drmag00
- Nellie Batz | @solimond
- Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles
- David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
- Jo Hawk | @JoHawktheWriter
- Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
- Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
Honorable Mentions
Silver James | @SilverJames_
Siobhan says: I loved the initial terror and confusion of the person getting her burner phone number. Then his appearance, which can’t bode well, and then the promise of freedom. Ooooh, delicious chills. Loved it.
Mark A. Morris
Siobhan says: I’m a huge Indiana Jones fan – must be the paleontologist in me. But the chills at the ending of the tale shivered down my back while sitting comfortably at my desk. Well done.
Charlene Mertz | @rrats1231
Siobhan says: I loved that she took the prompt in an unusual direction. And the instructions of how to get to her destination were to find where they were not. Aliens. Awesome.
winner announcement
Week 381 Winner
Katheryn J. Avila | @katheryn_avila
Siobhan says: I loved the the emotional sweetness of this tale. Death is always portrayed as a cold, impassive being. But this connection (and I’ve seen it develop over several #ThursThreads challenges) shows his growth as a being and as a character. And I’m a sucker for romance, especially with an element of relief. Well done.
“Enid!”
Though Arius has always been calm and steady – even when he’s upset – the panicked voice is impossible to mistake. And even if it didn’t resonate deep in my chest, the bracelet grows warm. A moment later, it’s tugging me back toward the forest.
Trusting my intuition and the bracelet’s magic, I break into a run. I ignore the shimmering beings, block out the screams, and just concentrate on going where the bracelet wants. The heat slowly increases, until it’s a barely bearable burn, like skin on sand in the middle of the summer. Just when I think I can’t take it anymore, and my legs can’t carry me another step, I see him. Arius’ eyes catch mine, and we bolt toward each other. As his arms come around me, a rush of wind forces me to close my eyes and the ground falls away beneath us.
When everything finally settles, the first thing I notice is his reluctance to let go. The ground is steady again, the bracelet no longer burns, and when I look up I realize we’re back in the ruins.
“I’m sorry – there was no way out, and I couldn’t-”
“Are you hurt?” He pulls back, but his hands cup my face, eyes intense.
“I’m-I’m okay.” I offer a shaky smile, unsure if he’ll believe me.
In an act of unprecedented intimacy (the kiss doesn’t count), he rests his forehead against mine. “I’m so sorry I dragged you into this…”
I wasn’t expecting Death to apologize.
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Seven Time Winner Katheryn, and Honorable Mentions Silver, Mark, and Charlene! 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! 🙂
