Category: Flash Fiction

Uncanny relationships

They hadn’t had a proper conversation since their farewell at college five years ago. Martha had pursued cookery and, as seen on television, did a fine job. Merlyn, on the other hand, realised her long-time ambition working in a farm. Not only did she graze with goats, eat goat cheese, and drink goat milk, but she preferred open valleys over open offices.

When Martha called the supplier of her last catering gig, she didn’t know it’d be Merlyn. They hadn’t had a proper conversation since they’d seen each other last—and discovered a love triangle with their best friend Jason.

Young and crazy

Late night parties bored Daniel. Not because he couldn’t socialise but because such parties seldom ended well.

The interns at work had invited him to a New Year’s Eve party once, and as they entered what appeared a refurbished garage, Daniel had groaned to himself. Disco lights had lined the ceiling, reflecting off the beer bottles in dancers’s hands.

Everything that night had spelled extravagant vanity—copious wine and cheese, barrels of beer, piles of nachos, grilled meat, biscuits and cakes—all shrouded beneath a layer of cigar smoke.

He’d left without a goodbye. He was no longer forever 21 material.

Evolution

The edges had waned with the years. Within, was her younger self laughing to a long-lost joke, her arm around his waist and his arm enveloping her shoulder. Behind them loomed their college cafeteria; just the sight reminded her of weak mornings and strong coffees.

Life—priorities and perceptions—had evolved with adulthood. Old ideals had drained as the monsoon gives way to dry weather.

Yet the photo remained. Jerry and Jo had been the thickest of friends and the slimmest of couples. Throughout college they’d kept everyone guessing their relationship.

Now, Jerry and Jo are just a cherished memory.

Love, misinterpreted

Karen tore her eyes away from the new couple. It was time for her to go home. She couldn’t move, though—acceptance was too difficult. They’d been friends since childhood. Together they’d built sand castles, gone camping, and even spent days at school evaluating boys. Life had been simple then.

Throughout college, Karen didn’t realise she and her friend had fallen for the same person. When at last Kevin reciprocated her best friend’s love instead of hers, Karen was crestfallen.

Though happy for Richard and Kevin, she couldn’t forgive herself for falling in love with a man who loved another man.

The perfect guide

Alisa was the cleverest in the family, and the brightest in class. If anyone could uphold his name, her father claimed, it’d be her. Of his four children, only she possessed the craftiness to carry on his legacy.

Mr. Farber had been a criminal lawyer for fifteen years. From political goons to local thugs, he’d bail anyone out as long as cheques cleared. He cared for process times, and never for process rights.

Growing up listening to arguments disproving facts, Alisa, too, followed suit. As her career spiked she became more like her father, lacking nothing but a moral compass.