Week 417 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale as we start our ninth year. If you’ve been doing it a while, thank you for sticking with us. If you’ve just found us, welcome! May you come back again and write more great flash. Thousand thanks to Teresa Eccles 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:
- Charles W. Jones | @ChuckWesJ
- Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
- Mark A. Morris
- David Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
- Rose Sharon Sogioka | @SSogioka
- Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
- Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
- Lizzie Bella | @Chattmor
- M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
- Katheryn J. Avila | @katheryn_avila
- Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
Honorable Mentions
Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
Teresa says: His story made me smile. I kept picturing 2 old coots figuring out the answers to the world’s problems and trying to keep each other in line.
David Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
Teresa says: His prose brought the story to life for me and left me wanting more.
winner announcement
Week 417 Winner
Katheryn J. Avila | @katheryn_avila
Teresa says: Her story grabbed my attention from the first line – I wanted to know why the kiss was short-lived and why did he pull away. The tension between the mother and son is palpable, leaving me with more questions there as well. In all, this story made me want to know more about what was going on and what would happen next. Good job!
The kiss is short-lived, and I don’t get a chance to respond before he pulls away. Oriza is back, and he turns to face her, moving to stand between us.
“Just give us a couple of hours, and we’ll be gone.” Valmong’s voice is firm, leaving little room for argument although he’s clearly prepared to fight if he has to.
His mother’s eyes move between us, lingering on me in a way that feels familiar – a battle of wills I’ve had with Valmong in the past. I can feel her assessing me, trying to come to a conclusion. She must see something she doesn’t hate, because her face softens slightly, the scowl losing its edge.
“Take whatever time you need.” She finally looks away from me and back to her son. “But remember what I told you, Valmong.”
She’s not your problem. Does she know I overheard them?
Valmong nods, the gesture a dismissal before he turns to lead me back into the smaller room.
When he closes the door, his entire body sags against it.
“You don’t have to do this. I can go. The last thing I want is to cause you trouble with your family.”
“Whatever issues I have with my mother, know that you have nothing to do with them. To be honest, you can’t make them any worse.” He pushes off the door and moves to the bed.
“Still…”
With a sigh, he lies down. “Like I said, just a few hours and we’re gone.”
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Eight Time Winner Katheryn, and Honorable Mentions Bill and David! 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! 🙂
