Tag: flash fiction

To-dos

Leila double-checked the school’s brochures and website. She scanned through prospectuses and spoke to parents of old students. Not only did she determine to find the most qualified place, but also the safest for her child’s education.

She wanted a school with strict policies and regulations. “For the last time, Mrs Adrian, we don’t permit usage of weapons. This is a school, for godness’ sake!”

“Your school doesn’t, but—”

We should fix the gun laws in this country.

She couldn’t say what she knew too well. Last week’s news about a teenager opening fire at school had left her trembling.

Unaffection

Nothing could hinder her way anymore. She’d been patient, she’d done her time. With destiny awaiting, she was now all ready to unleash her soul.

Walking away from her home of four years, Karla shed her graduation robe while her classmates posed for another groupfie. They were welling up vouching they’d forever miss the good old days.

Karla never looked back. She neither teared nor cared. Their affection remained a puzzle to her—she knew the reality: people forget. While they celebrated their collective achievement, she set out to celebrate freedom.

“Finish your degree first,” her parents had challenged.

Reality check

“You should nurture me, not leave halfway.”

Penny ignored it. Although she tried to escape, guilt gnawed at her ribs. Life was in shambles—her wallpaper had lost its adhesiveness, her wallet its weight to repaint.

No matter. Leaving for good, she needn’t make the place habitable anymore. Paintings she’d once adored lay around, fading, frames falling apart, and in total disarray. She didn’t care. Not when no one else cared to appreciate her work.

She’d tried. And she’d failed. Unmanageable, strangling reality cast her into poverty.

Time to stifle the voice of her creativity instead.

Desk job repays debts.

Lovestruck

From the raging building emerged the silhouette of a muscular man. He strutted—flames licking his shoulders—unperturbed and unharmed, while muffled screams bellowed throughout what was, only hours before, the hospital Julie interned at.

Clutching a blanket — for shock they’d said — she watched the mysterious alpha go in several times, returning each time shrouding children in his arms.

Her eyes glued to the hero, she sighed cooing to herself, “Ah, love.”

“Don’t go fangirling him, kid. He’s a firefighter, it’s his job.” The commander’s gruff voice echoed from behind. “Urg, the movies nowadays, feeding teenagers all kinds of crap.”