Week 449 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale as we head toward the end of 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 Bokerah Brumley 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:
- Mark A. Morris
- Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
- Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
- Silver James | @SilverJames_
- Angora Shade | @AngoraShade
- Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
- David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
- Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
- Kaylee Haynes
- Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio
- Katheryn J. Avila | @katheryn_avila
- M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
Honorable Mentions
M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
Bokerah says: She had a gritty Constantine vibe that I liked. The line “most people didn’t until they had no choice” really struck me, too… hints at an awesome, dangerous world.
Angora Shade | @AngoraShade
Bokerah says: Loved the goo. It stuck out in my mind. The surprise humor of the bubblegum fart made me grin, too, which was also nice in the middle of the serious.
Mark A. Morris
Bokerah says: It also piqued my interest in a different way. I really want to know the surrounding story. Twins? And demons. I wanted know what was going on with these characters.
winner announcement
Week 449 Winner
Katheryn J. Avila | @katheryn_avila
Bokerah says: I really liked the badass woman. Though, some find this cliched, waking up/coming to didn’t bother me. I like the glowing tattoo at the end, too. Really piqued my curiosity.
When I come to, the first thing I register is a pounding headache. My eyes burn, like I’m seeing daylight for the first time in months. Dawn peeks out above the trees, and I’m struck by the memory of the previous night.
The hooded figures, the ceremonial dagger. My status as Vessel. I sit up, trying to remember. I’m no longer on the raised stone dais, but lying in the grass beside it. Around me, the clearing is a bloodbath. All that’s left of the men who took me is torn cloaks, splatters of blood, and bits of flesh. I’m drenched in grime, the once white dress beyond saving.
“Goddammit.”
“God had nothing to do with it.” I recognize the voice immediately. The shadows nearby, though diminishing in the rising sun, take on a humanoid shape. I follow the shadow and realize I’m the one casting it.
“It wasn’t a bad dream.” To escape one demon, I invited another. My heart twists with fear – he may be worse than the one I’d been intended for.
“Afraid not.” The shadow shifts, and gaps form where his mouth and eyes would be.
“What happens now? You get my soul, or something?”
“Of course there is always payment, but that’s not it.” He pulls away from the ground, coming to loom over me. I do my best to stand my ground, be defiant. “No – our arrangement will be a partnership.”
The edge to his voice tells me this isn’t what he wanted, either.
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Ten Time Winner Katheryn, and Honorable Mentions M.T., Angora, and Mark! 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! 🙂
