Category: Flash Fiction

It’s a Fine Line

Her mother once told her, “Handcrafts are a girl’s best friend.”

She had always had a knack for weaving tight knots. She adored the complexity in the bonds and the scrutiny that it demanded.

It was like meditation for her; first in, then out, squirming through loopholes and around shady corners. Whenever she took a wrong turn, someone always showed up, armed with help. Every plan she wove became an adventure, and every day an action-packed, adrenaline-pumping endeavour.

And as the lawmakers came after her, they realised she was best friends with the crafty and not the handcrafts.

Once Upon a Time

“I love this place.” She declared as they sat down. Having reached their sales target for the month, her teammates had decided to celebrate in a lavish roof-top garden restaurant with live DJ. It was mid day but no one turned down free drinks and meat.

Kevin passed her the menu, his eyes sparkling. She smiled, trying to ignore the hammering in her chest. Her heart had come alive at his glance, but she told herself it was the scent of steak on their table. She sniffed it and it nauseated her.

Things meat-lovers do to sway vegans.

The Surprise

Ever since Jessica started bringing lunch from home, somehow, it would go missing. The first day, she laughed it off, amused that someone didn’t like her eating healthy. As days went by, though, it started to get on her nerves.

The person who kept stealing her lunch out of the office refrigerator was in for a big surprise today, she thought to herself rolling the rice-paper sandwich and securing it in place with a toothpick.

When the busboy who brought coffee sneaked into her lunch, as usual, he saw a second sandwich with a note: “Happy to share!”

Simple Matters

“I forgot, it was a simple oversight.”

“It’s not simple, Jason.” Karla was livid. “You should’ve paid attention.” She put her hands on her hips heaving in exasperation. “Look how much your stupidity cost us.”

She slumped on the couch and Jason rushed to her. “I’m sorry, Karl.” He crooned. “I’ll straighten things out, I promise.” He kissed her on the forehead and she smiled at his warm breath.

“Oh, okay. Now go,” she nudged him. “And don’t let the cookies burn again.” She called after him as he entered the kitchen of the bakery they had opened together.

Newsflash

snow

“It’s the biggest snow storm of the century.”

Rebecca sighed, switching off the television. It wasn’t new. The news hadn’t changed from last year. Or the year before.

Ever since she moved to Alaska, winters grew snowier every year. And every time, the state spent millions in damage control.

Now even at the slightest hint of snow, everyone felt the need to rush to the store. People expected to be caved in at their homes. Rebecca joined the thronging queue wondering if she’d get her favourite cereal.

At the parliament, a politician looked out the window wondering, “What climate change?”