Tag: flash fiction

Bits of paper

Approaching the counter at the same time, both men gestured the other to go ahead. After a brief hesitance, the shorter took the offer. Middle-aged and suited, he smiled with ease—unperturbed by jet lag. His shoes glossy, walk steady, and stance authoritative, he nodded to the woman who smiled, handing him his US passport.

The taller man was suited, too—a corporate passenger attending an event. He appeared younger than the other, but with shoes as shiny and a walk just as confident. With a curt smile, “Please scan your bag.” the woman said before returning his middle eastern passport.

Fine Dining

“Don’t be silly!” he lashed at Mary—in their sixth argument in two months.

Dave had just washed down a triple cheese burger with a large Coke. Mary, however, had imagined wine and scampi for their anniversary dinner. But when he showed up carrying a takeout meal, she couldn’t help but cry. “You’re a selfish jerk, Dave!” She had yelled.

They fumed in silence for half hour. Before he left, “We’ll go out tomorrow,” Dave promised stroking her hair.

Exhausted, Mary retired. She turned to her bed and noticed purple roses with a note, “Scampi is fine, but you’re finer.”

Life Without Meaning

Jason trudged home alone, head low, hands in his pockets. No one wondered where he was or where he went.

He wished he was slender as the others. Perhaps then he could match their pace as they paced in line. He was the biggest and oldest of fifteen children, and his parents hosted hundreds of relatives, seldom noticing his absence.

It was yet another of those days, and they had found sweet merriment without him. He went into his room and shut the door. He hated his existence. He wished he had been born human; being an ant seemed meaningless.

The High-School Effect

Jessica was the soul of a party. She’d hand out drinks, pick up empty paper cups, and would roared at Michael’s silly jokes.

At school, she’d strut around with friends, bullying juniors and tormenting the school cat.
But everyone loved her. Though she had joined in the middle of term, her classmates were quick to accept her. Tall and slender, and a shoulder-haired brunette, she was attractive and aloof — the perfect high-school heartthrob.

But each night facing her mirror, Jessica couldn’t accept her change. At least they liked her, she assured herself, unlike in the previous school.

Conflict of Interest

difference of opinion

“How could you support him?” She yelled, hands on hips, lips pursed in disapproval. Just as I thought she was done, “Him!” She yelled again. Unable to form any more words, she stared while I sipped my soda.

“What’s wrong with him?” He wasn’t the best but he was a good candidate. He created controversies, but also good arguments. And as his bushy hair soared, so did his popularity. I stood my ground, certain that responsibilities will alter attitudes.

“But he contested against me!” She wailed, her eyes welling up. “How could you not support me for class leader, Dad?”