Amber Alert - a Flash Fiction Challenge
This story is my first attempt at flash fiction, based on a challenge DzyMsLizzy posted in a forum. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story in which the following sentence must appear somewhere: "Analisa sat alone on the park bench, the scowl on her face as dark as the gathering thunderclouds."
I love writing fiction, but have never tried my hand at flash fiction. Here it is. Let me know what you think!
Amber Alert - Flash Fiction
The stench was overwhelming.
Analisa sat alone on the park bench, the scowl on her face as dark as the gathering thunderclouds.
No one was to be seen as she peered across what is normally a busy street, when she felt the need to take a breather and get some air. She hadn’t been on the bench for more than a minute. Or had she?
Earlier this morning, during the team meeting, it was business as usual: going over each ongoing project, what documents were needed from subcontractors, when new jobs were scheduled to begin, etc.
Same shit, different day and she was over it.
Change of Venue
Analisa wasn’t sure what propelled her from the conference room to the park a mile away that had always been a relief from the oppressive world of business. Here she often sought solitude within the natural setting. Live Oaks decorated with Spanish moss, Sandhill Cranes, White Ibis’ walking freely amongst the humans, turtles dancing about in the pond. Crane’s Roost provided comfort for the humans who appreciate nature.
It was upon one of the many benches along the flora- bejeweled walkway, that Analisa found herself, not remembering how she got there.
It was noon and the sky was dark. No signs of rain. Life had halted. The thunderclouds enveloped the atmosphere and descended, smothering all life below it.
I can’t breathe!
Analisa fought to catch her breath as she watched all wildlife become still and decay before her eyes. The stench enveloped her and she felt her skin crawl.
Within minutes, life – including hers – ceased to exist.
Her cell phone beeped with an Amber Alert, but she never heard it.
Questions & Answers
© 2019 Shauna L Bowling
Comments
Wow, just got into it and, wham! I love flash fiction. It takes you by the throat and makes you jump! lol!
Oh, Sha, I'm not usually attracted to flash fiction but after reading your story I'm becoming a fan! You're good! I want more. I haven't tried my hand at flash fiction, but heck, maybe I'll give it a go.
Really, Shauna? I do commend you of what you have at the back of your mind. Thanks for sharing.
Although this is a work of fiction, however, I am reading a true story. Thanks for sharing.
Well, that was a jolt at the end. I had settled in for nice peaceful day in the park, and wham, she's dead, and all the animals too. The prompt was neutral and you took it to the dark side...just like I would have haha. Good job. Welcome to the world of short short fiction.
Great first attempt, dear. You really were given a great start. Sharp ending. Great!
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Oh, that was chilling! I've gotta tell you, I'm generally not a fan of flash fiction because it's so abrupt and often leaves more questions than answers. But you've done an incredible job with your story here. Just perfect for the season, too.
I've only ever written one flash fiction piece and it turned out to be really dark, too, and was in response to a challenge here on HP. So we have that in common. LOL.
Sha......Your first try is amazing, girlfriend! BRAVO! Looks like you can go full-speed ahead with confidence for future Flash Fiction tales.
Once again, we learn what we're capable of, by taking that first leap.....You GO, girl. Great job! Love ya........P
WOW! Powerful stuff, and shades of Stephen King! ;)
This could go on to be a book! ;-)
Thanks for playing the challenge.
This is a wonderful piece. Nice anticlimactic move with such few words. I loved it.
That was great flash fiction, Shauna, very imaginative. I could just feel, and smell, the distress. I love writing flash fiction nearly as much as I do reading it. Keep it up so we can all enjoy yours.
Wow -- you did a wonderful job with this challenge, Shauna. And to think this was your first try with Flash Fiction that you wrote in ten minutes.... Kudos! So very well done!
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Wow, that was dark! First attempt? You done good sis. What's next?
For a first attempt I would say that was a complete success. Well done, you! I've never tried a flash fiction, and now that you raised the bar so high, perhaps I'll just pass on every trying one. :)
Poor thing. At least it was sudden and she didn’t suffer.
In a flash, Analisa went from stress to distress!
You rose to the challenge, Sha. Love, mar
My comment was meant for you I just wrote the wrong name.
Sorry Shauna, I had just read and commented on Shyron's hub before this one. I had a feeling I made that mistake and came back to check.
Wow, this is a flash fiction gem. I was spellbound while all the chilling events took place. I took up the challenge, but I posted it in the forums. The Amber alert was perfect for this piece.
Well Shyron, great to see you trying your hand at flash fiction. Nicely written, and what a sudden and surprising ending. I certainly was not prepared for that.
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