Week 678 of #ThursThreads was a success, a remarkable feat for 13 solid years. Thank you to everyone who writes each week. You are why we’re still doing this. I’m truly grateful for all y’all!
If you’ve just found us, welcome to the crew! May you come back again and write more great flash. A thousand thanks to George Varhalmi for judging this week. Follow Siobhan Muir on Bluesky or check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook or the #ThursThreads Group on MeWe to keep up with news, etc.
Entries:
- Bill Engleson
- Joseph P. Garland
- David A. Ludwig
- Sheilagh Lee
- Silver James
- Siobhan Muir
George says: Thank you for allowing me to be your judge this week. With five judgable tales I have decided to do something different. I liked each tale for different reasons and thought I would share them with each author. I will pick one winner at the end of this but all of the others are honorable mentions this time around.
Mentions
Joseph P. Garland | Website
George says: This was a sweet tale that was a mix of bittersweet and promising new beginning. I feel sad for Dad and in someway I can understand his reluctance. It is a pain he does not want to revisit. Yet, in the end he does just that to see what is in store for tomorrow. The introduction of the new Elizabeth was heartfelt and well done. Thank you for this beautiful short story.
David A. Ludwig
George says: This was a creative short that was in the moment of what needed to be done. So, Kinetica pushed herself a little more than she expected with some unexpected changes and that shock of seeing how far she pushed herself was well done. Add to the mix that she was a bit surprised that the other bikers were werewolves was a nice twist. This was a fun story, thanks David.
Sheilagh Lee
George says: This was a compelling tale; I found some unique strength in the main character. One thing that caught me off-guard was the sense that the main character is a little over-protective, almost stalker-ish, that could lead to trouble down the road. What happens to her if Tina revolts against the news or worse. The story was well done and created a deep bound between sisters. Thank you for the story, Sheilagh, it was enjoyable to read.
Silver James
George says: Two friends having an almost playful conversation with some excellent interaction. Carla is a hoot; I was drawn to her strength and snark. Aisling’s quiet strength yet almost shy-like response of keeping things private was great. This was a well rounded and strong tale of two women. I like it, thank you Silver for writing this.
Siobhan Muir
George says: While you may be ineligible to win, your tale was fun. Makes me want to find this bookstore and locate this hideaway reading spot. The imagery of the sunroom came to life and it felt like I was in the room with them. This is a beautifully written opening to a potentially interesting relationship. Thank you, Siobhan.
winner announcement
Week 678 Winner
George says: Fun tale of the private secret that created a lasting relationship and loving marriage. I liked the intimacy of the tale and in the end, someone is going to lose. It ain’t going to be Clarice or Harry so I guess that secret stays safe for another year. This was a great tale and the banter between the characters was smooth. Thank you for the tale, Bill.
Clary
“Go on, tell us…how did you guys get together?”
“Yeah, tell us Harry.”
“Hey, you know Clarice…more private than a no trespassing sign…its her story…if she want’s to tell it, I’m good with that.”
I’m thinking, it’s a great story but kind of embarrassing for me. I have little doubt that Clary will regale them with that fateful day. Embarrassing maybe but it was memorable.
“Ah, come on Harry, its your twentieth anniversary…that’s why we’re here…give us your love story. Bet it was magical…”
So I’m now thinking, more maniacal than magical. Come on Clary my love, I’m also thinking, come back inside the tavern. My hearty beloved has stepped outside for a smoke. Can’t give up the weed. Gotta smoke, smoke, smoke that cigarette…like the old song said. So here we are, twenty years of marital blast, blessed bliss, brassy love, my buttercup, It has had its rough spots. She’s a terror but I’ve adjusted.
And here she is, stepping back in the Gilded Goose Tavern, smoke swirling about her fine-featured head like a London fog.
The lady of the hour,” someone yells. “Clary, this bozo of yours won’t spill his marital guts. HOW DID YOUSE MEET?”
I see Clary grin wider than the Missouri river. Here it comes. Me, the South Fork arm wrestling champ. Taking on all comers. Never expected a woman to challenge me. Never seen it done before.
That horse got out of the barn.
A real Billie Jean King moment.
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Congratulations THIRTY-NINE TIME WINNER Bill. Don’t forget to claim your badge and display it 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! 🙂
