Paper peonies and polyester pansies look out of place in the cut crystal vase centered on the nicked and stained butcher block table. For the third time, she waves dust from the sunbeam piercing the filmy, dining room window.
She straightens her hem across her lap, wondering why she cannot wear a wristwatch. Her watch is in the pillbox purse on the table in the foyer with her matching hat and gloves. Her mother would skin her alive if she knew there was a pinhole burnt in the middle finger of the left one.
She looks out the white chintz curtain, unseeingly. The doorbell ringing startles her.
She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, hand on the doorknob. She swings the door open, spreads a sugary smile and welcomes the guests inside. As always, the company is for her mother. Lucky for her, this is the last time.
300620120320
(c) Red Dwyer
~~~~~~~~~~
Welcome to the newest M3 feature:ย Flash in the Pan. Over the course of the next few months, I will be assembling a book of flash fiction. For the month of July, the limit will be 150 words. The end of each post will give you the featured word if you would like to play along.
Tonight’s word isย company…if you would like to join in the fun.
Why is the company there? Why is it the last time? Does flash fiction remind you of the Reader’s Digest?
Valentine Logar
/ July 2, 2012Dammit! Your love button isn’t working again, is it you or me?
This one is dark, just the way I like it, love it.
Valentine Logar recently posted..Growing up Texas-My Fathers Story
Red
/ July 2, 2012I will be interested to see how many people see it as dark. You know me, so probably know my line of thinking. I think I am finally getting the hang of this short fiction thing.
Bearman
/ July 2, 2012Do you use flash cards for flash fiction?
Does Flash Gordon make an appearance?
Bearman recently posted..Democrats and Justice Roberts
Red
/ July 2, 2012Cards, yes. Gordon, not so much. I admit I had zero knowledge of superheroes until well into my twenties.
spilledinkguy
/ July 2, 2012‘Flashes’ of brilliance, Red!
๐
spilledinkguy recently posted..Water Lily
Red
/ July 2, 2012Glad you liked this. I am still in the water-wings stages of flash fiction.
Christy Birmingham
/ July 2, 2012Oooh how ominous is the last line – I imagine hearing an evil laugh soon after! Flash fiction is so much fun ๐
Christy Birmingham recently posted..Canada Day Gets Its Own Poem
Red
/ July 2, 2012That is one more vote for dark! Great to see you today. I hope you had a lovely Canada Day. {HUGZ} Red.
Lorre
/ July 2, 2012Are there no limits for you woman!
Well done. By the time I get my work to you…let’s assume that will happen….you will have completed 85 books and will be too famous to give a crap.
Lorre recently posted..Based on a true story. Or is it?
Red
/ July 2, 2012Lol! Not that many. I always care. Great to see you, Lorre.
Lizzie Cracked
/ July 3, 2012Ohhh I say dark too! yes dark dark.. kind of a happy dark though.. huh? I like it – great idea for a series ๐
Always with Loves
Lizzie
Lizzie Cracked recently posted..Gratitude is Not That Hard, Mid-Afternoon Mental Moment
Red
/ July 3, 2012I think everyone is tapping into their inner darkness for this one ๐ Sweet. <3 Much love, Lizzie. xxx
LScott
/ July 4, 2012I’m not a fiction writer, Red, so admire those who can write fiction…this is wonderful and I loved the ending! I’ll look forward to reading more! ๐
LScott recently posted..HAPPY BIRTHDAY, USA! (Double Haiku)
Red
/ July 7, 2012I did not discover I could even write fiction until two years ago. Flash fiction has always been tough for me…terminal verbosity. I am hoping this takes off! xxx
Soma Mukherjee
/ July 6, 2012oh man i could see her closing the door with a sly smile…wow i always admire people who can weave stories in few words…loved it
Soma Mukherjee recently posted..My Friend Deb ( Debbie Adams)
Red
/ July 7, 2012Hey! Me, too! It is a lot tougher than most imagine. I am determined to get a few winners out of the deal, though ๐ Glad you liked this one, Soma. xxx
Cat Forsley
/ July 8, 2012Hi Love – i am just learning this Flash Fiction thing ๐
i see this as light …..
i dunno why
or why i don’t see it as dark ?
i just see it as really great ….:)
Love and more love xoxoxoxoxo
Cat
Cat Forsley recently posted..What Iโve learned from my favourite artists . Cat Forsley ยฉ
Red
/ July 8, 2012This one was just enough enigma to be either light or dark based on your frame of mind. For me flash is very much like poetry, just without the meter. You have a small space to ignite the story idea in your reader’s head. While my poetry has a tendency to be so explicit as to leave little wiggle room, this is really broad brush strokes with enough detail to trigger word association. I rather like it. It needs some practice because I am very new too it…compliments of my talented friend, Wendy Reid. {HUGZ} Red. xxx