Flash Fiction

Grounding Roots

Michael said to Tessa, “When you left college for marriage, did you ever think about moving home one day?”

“No. I thought my marriage would last and couldn’t see that far ahead. I didn’t know about people growing apart.”

Michael replied. “I had no intentions of returning before I lost my legs. A counselor suggested my mother needed me to and then I heard you were getting divorced. That took care of any indecision.”

Tessa’s eyes watered. “I longed for the hills and colorful seasons. But it’s you and the other vets who ground me because of our experiences.”

Author’s Note: Michael and Tessa were high school sweethearts. She married an Army Officer, and he was enlisted Army. He lost his legs above the knee in an IED bomb in Iraq. They both moved back to their hometown and are now married to each other. The series is three years old.

Written in response to Charli Mills August 8, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about roots like a mountain. Feel free to play with both concepts of roots and mountains. How can you create a story from the combination? What character (or traits) come to mind? Where and when does the story take place? Go where the prompt leads!

08/14/2023 3

Michael’s Secret Collection

Seeing Michael get a box out of the van when he got home, Tessa opened the door. “What do you have?”

“It’s the best collection ever that I kept secret while in grade school so I didn’t get teased.” He set the box down and opened it.

Tessa looked inside. “Rubber Ducks?”

“I loved these things. They’re all sizes, colors, and characters, yet still qualify as ducks. Now that we have two grandchildren, I figured it was time to share my passion.”

Tessa grinned. “You might have to convince Jester they aren’t his.”

“Dang. Didn’t think about the dog.”

Written in response to Charli Mills July 18, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a rubber duck. Where is this duck — somewhere typical like a tub or somewhere surprising like a roller derby. Who is with the duck? What is happening? Go where the prompt leads!

07/24/2023 2

The Teens Mature

Michael said to Tessa, “Remember Gaylan?”

“Of course. Back when, your father explained responsibility and rewards to him, and he became more trustworthy after that. Why?”

“He called and wants my input about his career path. I’m not sure how to respond when I still picture a reckless kid.”

Tessa chuckled. “It took me a while to look at Lexi as an adult, but when I realized she was acting and talking like a mother, it was easy to switch to dealing with a peer, not my child.”

“So, if I hear maturity, I’ll see maturity?”

“I believe so.”

Written in response to Charli Mills July 11, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a loving relationship with an adult child. What happens when a significant child in one’s life becomes an adult? Think beyond a son or daughter — a niece or nephew, a former student, a grandchild. How did the relationship shift? What is the importance of the new dynamic? Go where the prompt leads!

07/17/2023 0

Ruffled Feathers

Tessa said, “Yes, Mother.” She lay the cell down, exhaling a big sigh.
Michael looked at her. “Now, what has her feathers all ruffled?”
“She found out I went to Lexi’s and didn’t invite her. She says I’m excluding her on purpose. The truth is, when she’s there, Lexi and I can’t get a word in, and usually, she’s instructing Lexi how to care for Harrison.”
“Tough situation.”
“Yeah. Then I have to spend my time smoothing feathers instead of enjoying the fact we have four generations. Maybe I should call Mom Feathers.”
Michael laughed. “Not to her face.”

Written in response to Charli Mills July 4, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary. In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story as a message from a feather. Think about how the message is shared and from whom to whom. What kind of feather? How can you expand where feathers come from like boas and down ski jackets? Whatever tickles your muse this week. Go where the prompt leads!

NOTE: This episode of Michael’s Circle does not fit the prompt given, but it’s a good story.

07/10/2023 0

A Letter of Complaint – Part 1

Dear Owner,

I heard your establishment specializes in Irish music. I traveled a distance for the music and hoped to meet other Irish folks. What I heard were patriotic and beer-drinking country songs and, finally, TWO Irish songs. I was disgusted.

I tried to find out your name and was told, Mac. Do you not have a first and last name? And the name of your establishment, “No Thanks Needed.” Do you not expect your patrons to say thank you? Maybe I shouldn’t have left a tip either.

My meal was good, but I won’t be returning.

Disheartened Lady

A Letter of Complaint – Part 2

Mac read the complaint letter and shook his head. He scribbled his response to purge the angry feelings that were boiling.

Lady,

Do you have a name? How about an address? Are you real?

Did you not see the large informative poster behind the bar?

Have you ever met a veteran before? Maybe you should search for someone with a military branch hat on and ask them what they did for our country.

Most people don’t know my first name because I don’t like it, so none of my employees would dare share it.

Get a life. Elsewhere!

Mac

Written in response to Charli Mills June 27, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story as a response to “we’ve received your complaint.” Who has received the complaint and why? How was the complaint delivered — with grace, humor, vitriol? Go where the prompt leads!

07/03/2023 0

Sand Becomes an Enemy

When I'm a preschooler, I love my sandbox. 
Trucks go over dunes and airplanes crash into them.
Sand gets in my hair, clothes, and cracks.

As a blond teenager, I crave the sandy beach.
Suntanned girls and volleyballs. I can't get enough.

When I'm in Iraq. EVERYTHING is sand color except doors.
Dunes don't offer reliable protection. I learn to hate the heat.

Now I'm a veteran who hates the sand.
My daughter's name is Sandy. I call her by her middle name.
My head is shaved.
There will never be sand in my hair, clothes, or cracks again.

Note: The author is not a veteran but spends many hours with them. This could have been written by anyone who served in Iraq

Written in response to Chaarli Mills June 20, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about grains of sand. Where are these grains and what importance do they hold? How many ways can you think of to use sand? Who interacts with the sand and why? Go where the prompt leads!

06/26/2023 2