Week 582 of #ThursThreads, and y’all never disappoint. We’ve made it 11 years! Well done and thank you to everyone who writes each week. You made this happen. If you’ve just found us, welcome to the crew! You’re in good company. May you come back again and write more great flash. A thousand thanks to David A. Ludwig 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
- Sheilagh Lee
- Mark A. Morris
- Silver James
- Siobhan Muir
- Alex Minns
- Mark Ethridge
- Em Van Moore
- M.T. Decker
- Kelly Heinen
David says: Getting the prompt right within the word count is easy to mess up, especially after editing. I’m very glad to have read all the stories this week and grateful for everyone who participated. I enjoyed each entry but ultimately had to pick a winner and an honorable mention.
Honorable Mention
Mark A. Morris | Website
David says: A well evoked, immersive scenario made all the stronger by the twist at the end. The idea of a vampire monarch being difficult even before being vain and looking for an excuse to punish Claris gave excellent impact to the scene.
winner announcement
Week 582 Winner
David says: The flow and energy of this scene kept me particularly engaged and put this one over the top for me. I loved the interplay between the trainer and the trainee, as well as the trainee being unnecessarily intimidating. The details you work in to make crossing souls over feel like another job that can be a grind for those who do it are exquisite. This just made me happy.
I’ve watched my brothers struggle with their student loan payments. The young lady training with me tonight decided selling her soul to The One True Death was the easy way out.
“So what do I do next?”
“Check your list.”
She consults the tablet in her hand, as our horses land outside the small town nursing home.
“Okay. He’s 102, widowed, and in room seventeen.”
Easy enough. We walk inside, completely invisible to everyone except Mr. Peterson. He’s in his recliner. Oof. It’s less fun for the staff when they pass sitting up.
“Okay. Introduce yourself, and a quick upward swing will sever his soul and should initiate the reunion with Mrs. Peterson.”
She smiles and holds her scythe in front of her.
“Try not to look so threatening,” I tell her, easing the scythe back a bit.
“I’m Sadie and I’m here to take your soul!”
Mr. Peterson’s eyes widen in alarm. I put a hand on her shoulder.
“She’s a trainee,” I say. “We’re here to escort you to your afterlife, Mr. Peterson.”
“Oh thank god.” He puts a hand on his heart. “I thought maybe I was headed—down below,” he whispers.
Sadie swipes, and a door opens. His wife nearly knocks him down. They walk across together and I turn to Sadie.
“Not bad. Less threatening and fewer horror movie lines, more kindness,” I say.
“Sorry. Big fan of Stephen King.”
We both burst out laughing, heading back to our horses and onto the next crossover.
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Nineteen Time Winner Kelly, and Honorable Mention Mark! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!
Pass on the great news on Facebook, MeWe, Bluesky, Mastodon, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂
