Week 586 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 Sabrina York 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
- Silver James
- Cara Michaels
- Casket
- Siobhan Muir
- David A. Ludwig
- Mark A. Morris
- Kelly Heinen
- M.T. Decker
Honorable Mentions
Cara Michaels | Website
Sabrina says: Clever and crisp writing that draws you in.
David A. Ludwig | Website
Sabrina says: Magic and sacrifice really made the story.
Mark A. Morris | Website
Sabrina says: Gives a whole new meaning to gladiatorial.
winner announcement
The woman before him was ethereal, even shrouded in the stage’s shadow. It made sense- for it had been her stage once. Red fabric clung to her striking figure, so loud with its glittering sequins and embroidered jewels but somehow soundless in its movement.
Her hand’s hold on his face was a promise, blackened nails with red French tips digging just deep enough to threaten crescent imprints.
The message was clear; don’t mess this up.
His eyes burned in turn, too dry contacts pulling with each blink. It was hard to focus in the dim back stage light surrounded by a cacophony of sounds that only grew louder with each passing beat.
Was that the bass or his own heart? It was getting harder to tell them apart.
His lips parted, jaw aching with unspoken words.
Her gaze sharpened, “There will be no questions.”
Sharp like shards of glass the words cut through his throat, bubbling past his lips weakly. “But-“
Something on his face must’ve broken through her steely demeanor because her grip loosened, moving up to tuck a loose curl behind his ear with an unusual tenderness. “You’ll be fine. We’ve practiced more than enough.”
It was true; they had.
Steady hands guided him to the curtain, the stage just out of reach.
“Dance for me.”
And he always would.
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Winner Casket, and Honorable Mentions Cara, David, and 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! 🙂
