Week 704 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 K.R. Van Horn for judging this week. Follow Siobhan Muir on Bluesky or check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction server on Discord or the #ThursThreads group on Facebook to keep up with news, etc.
Entries:
- Bill Engleson
- Siobhan Muir
- Silver James
- David A. Ludwig
- Mark Ethridge
- Sheilagh Lee
- Eric Martell
Honorable Mention
Eric Martell | Website
George says: I loved the energy of the tale. It made me feel like I was watching the whole tale unfold as I joined the protagonist following the “hidden” man. There was a quiet stillness throughout. Thank you for the wonderful tale.
Bill Engleson | Website
George says: This was a great tale with awesome humor. The jaywalking (both literally and figuratively) will not be the same in my mind. Oh, well Mr. Fellow’s eventual date with destiny on the Crossy Road of life. Thank you, this was a pleasure to read.
winner announcement
Week 704 Winner
George says: I loved the suspense and panic that Aisling brought to the tale. Who cares about what’s worse than rats, that was it time to pack the bags and go back. I loved it. The emotion was excellent and made me feel like I was standing next to them. Thank you, this was a joy to read.
Aisling stared down the long, dark tunnel, waiting for her eyes to adjust. She glanced at the man standing beside her. “Are you sure about this?”
“Just pay attention. Watch your step. And…” Ariel’s voice trailed off.
“And what?” Pleased her voice didn’t quaver, she gave him a pointed stare.
“And whatever you do, don’t freak.”At her glare, he added, “How do you feel about rats?”
Choking on the saliva suddenly filled her mouth, she managed to squeak, “Rats?”
“Yes. These tunnels are part of Rochester’s sewer system. There’s no telling what actually lives down here.”
“Rats?” Aisling asked again, her voice stronger and far more strident.
“Yes. Rats. Plus other things.” He paused. “That might be worse.”
Eyes wide, she took two steps back putting more space between them. “What’s worse than rats?” She all but screamed and her last word echoed into the distance. As the sound faded away, other noise took it’s place—the skittering of tiny claws and high-pitched squeals.
“No-no-no-no,” she chanted, then she turned and fled.
Ariel dropped his chin to his chest and sighed. He’d known this excursion was a bad idea but Aisling insisted on being included. Then he heard her scream. Sprinting, he arrived at the entrance just in time to duck. “It’s me, Caleb,” he snarled then glowered at the woman next to Aisling.
Aisling looked panicked. “You know them?”
Sade beat him to the introductions. “Agents Sade Marquis and Caleb Jones, FBI. And you are?”
“Aisling Goodnight. Librarian.”
~~~~~~~
Congratulations EIGHTY-FOUR TIME WINNER Silver, and Honorable Mentions Eric, and Bill! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!
Pass on the great news on Facebook, Discord, MeWe, Bluesky, Mastodon, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂
Awwww. Thank you so much, George! And thanks for overlooking the grammar/typos. I REALLY need to edit better. 😆 Congrats to Eric and Bill. As always, there was still competition this week. Many thanks, Siobhan for keeping this fun challenge alive and going all these years!!!