Thank you to all who entered
The WINNER of SELLING HOPE is:
Evelyn
CONGRATULATIONS!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Please email me your mailing address
yascribe(at)comcast(dot)net
AND NOW FOR THE FLASH FICTION CHALLENGE
AND NOW FOR THE FLASH FICTION CHALLENGE
The instructions:
Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: “the door swung shut.” (also included in the word count)
For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY! If you enjoy my piece below, be sure to head back to Rachael Harrie’s site and “Like” my piece (#240). Then, be sure to check out some of my fellow campaigners!
WARNING!
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED AT THE HANDS OF AN ABUSER
THE FOLLOWING PIECE MAY BE VERY DISTURBING
Gotcha!
The door swings open
Slams
I count to five
Five seconds until he appears
In my bedroom doorway
Five seconds
Until it starts
Nowhere to run
Too late to hide
Breathe in
Breathe out
Heavy footsteps
Down the hallway
Heart pounds
Feign sleep
Maybe he’ll be too tired
Or too drunk
Tonight
Breathe in
Breathe out
Whiskey fumes
Fill the room
Like noxious gas
Lights on
Wake up!
I clutch the sheet in my hands
Not tonight
Please
Not tonight
Breathe in
Breathe out
Where’s Mama?
Can’t she hear?
Doesn’t she know?
Breathe in
Breathe out
Lights out
Hot breath
On my neck
I reach up to the windowsill
Grasp the phone
Push the buttons
Breathe in
Breathe out
Darcy says I need evidence
Some kind of proof
So she loaned me
Her cell
Taught me
How to use it
Breathe in
Breathe out
You like this
Don’t you, Baby?
I utter no sound
Keep talkin’
I gotcha
This time
He keeps talkin’
Dirty talk
Doesn’t even notice
The dim square light
On the windowsill
Breathe in
Breathe out
Don’t think
Just breathe
In out
In out
He stands up
Zips up
For the last time
The door swings shut
