Tag: Flash Fiction

Paradise

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments

Note: I wrote this short story a few months ago, but after reading it, I felt like it needed some work. Here is my final version. I think….

The bored man tried to relax on a beach lounger with a drink, a Snake Bite, in one hand; he shielded his eyes from the glaring sun with the other. The blue waters of St. Lucia sparkled and stretched before him, an inviting landscape of sea and sand. In the distance, sailboats dotted the calm waters, their sails rolling softly in the breeze. Waves rushed and crashed upon the beach, and seagulls squawked in the distance. Along the shore, couples strolled hand in hand, their laughter carried on the warm, salty air. Although he should enjoy his time in this tropical paradise, the disgruntled male could not shake his discontent. The monotony of his existence was getting to him. 

He could not understand his perturbed attitude. His businesses boomed; his professional pursuits exceeded his yearly quotas, and new associates were trained daily. He sighed, longing to find something new to amuse his lagging contentment; he soundly required a distraction.

Nearby, a group of women in a nearby cabana openly flirted, competing for his attention.  He knew he could have his pick of the women, but they failed to capture his interest. On this vacation, he decided he wanted a challenge, not easy pickings. A new game of cat and mouse would be the perfect way to hone his growing talents of seduction and temptation.  He smirked, amused by this clever tactic. 

Downing the rest of his drink, he silently handed his assistant his empty glass, then ordered another Snake Bite. His aide took the glass, walked to the outdoor bar, and ordered another drink of cider and stout. As the large man waited for his drink, he heard low whispers and gasps behind him. Curious, the man turned his head to discover the source of the commotion. Inspecting the crowd, his gaze landed on the stunning beauty that had captured everyone’s attention.

She was tall, with long, flowing blonde hair and legs that seemed to go on forever. A white caftan draped over her form, with teasing glimpses of the bikini beneath that barely concealed her breathtaking curves. Still, an undeniable innocence graced her presence. Her large blue eyes took in the landscape around her, and she laughed when she witnessed a pair of vervet monkeys escaping the outdoor cantina after hijacking passionfruit from the kitchen. Her face was pure and lit from within like an angelic painting by Master Sandro Botticelli himself. He had to have her. This was the distraction he desired. Rising from his lounger, he moved toward her, determined to introduce himself and uncover more about this enchanting creature.

He watched as people were drawn to her quiet voice and kind smile. The crowd was mesmerized by her gentle nature and beauty.  He quickened his walk; he urgently wanted to steal her away before anyone else had the opportunity. 

This beauty witnessed his approach, and he chuckled as he caught her eyes raking over his body, appraising him with open curiosity. Her expression told him everything; she enjoyed the view. The intriguing lady reddened when she realized she was caught assessing his body, and the man grinned at her discomfort.

“Good afternoon,” he crooned, his voice smooth as silk. “May I offer you a seat under my umbrella?” He gestured toward his shaded spot on the beach. Taking her soft hand in his, the man declared,  “My name is Lucian, and I must say, I’d love to learn more about the woman who has caused such a stir among the island guests.”

She blushed but smiled, and the vile man found himself momentarily breathless. Her eyes, so startlingly blue, pierced through him. Something about her presence unsettled him, a rare and unnatural feeling. He had to find out more about her.

Shyly, she nodded and replied, “I would like that. And my name is Celine.”

As they walked together toward Lucian’s lounger, a strange-looking man suddenly appeared, his eyes darting nervously between them.

“Would you like a drink, mistress?” he asked, his voice low and somewhat wary.

Celine nodded. “I’d love a rosé, a Whispering Angel if they carry it.”

The odd man hurried away, leaving the couple to settle beneath the umbrella. They made an unmistakable contrast: Celine, fair-skinned with light blue eyes and golden hair, and Lucian, towering over her with dark hair and eyes as deep and dark as a tempest sky. Yet, despite his somewhat menacing presence, a faint glimmer shone in his gaze, one that intrigued Celine. She wanted to know more about him.

“Have you visited the islands before?” Lucian inquired, certain that a woman as rare as she could not have gone unnoticed.

“No, this is my first time,” she admitted. “My boss insisted I take some time off and relax. He owns a beach house just down the shore.”

“What do you do for a living?” The curious man asked.

“Well, I,” she stuttered, “I work with children.”

“Oh, are you a teacher or a”

She nervously interrupted, “Not a teacher, a caretaker of sorts.”

“Oh, a nanny,” he announced.

“Yes, a nanny,” she agreed.

Lucian’s assistant brought Celine’s wine and asked Lucian if he would like a refill. But, the preoccupied Lucian just waved his assistant away.

“Maybe we should take a stroll,” he suggested smoothly. “I’d like to get to know you better. Somewhere away from all these prying eyes.”

Many onlookers still gawked at the magnificent pair. She hesitated for a moment as a ripple of longing moved through her. This impulse frightened her, and she knew she was wandering into forbidden territory. But this strange spark took over, and she told the alluring man, “The cottage does have a wonderful view.” Glancing around at the curious stares, she added, “It might also be a little less intimidating.”

Lucian rose and extended his hand, a charming yet devilish grin playing at his lips. As Celine stood, dark clouds suddenly rolled across the sky, and the wind began to blow.  As the skies grew darker, they swallowed the sun in a somber embrace. A loud clap of thunder rumbled, and she gasped, flinching slightly.  

For reasons unknown to him, he felt compelled to protect her. This was a strange and new sensation for the man. Never in his life had he longed to protect another. As he started to pull her next to him, suddenly, her caftan billowed in the wind, and for the briefest moment, he saw them. Wings. Ethereal, shimmering wings. But as quickly as they had appeared, they vanished. If he had been looking at the sky instead, he might have missed them altogether.

Scowling, Lucian leaned in and whispered, “Do you know who I am? Why are you here?”

She stared at him, her brows knitting in confusion. “No, I just met you. And I told you, my boss wanted me to take some time away from work. He thought I needed quiet to clear my mind. I’ve been… distracted lately.”

Lucian cackled, then bent closer, his lips brushing her ear as he murmured the truth of his identity.

Her breath paused until a small cry escaped. Her stunning blue eyes widened in shock, then flickered with unholy fear.

“Easy, love,” the Prince of Darkness cooed, reaching for her hand. His touch seductively burned. “We could make quite the pair,” he mused, his voice a velvet promise. “After all, you wouldn’t be the first fallen angel to touch the earth.”

Today’s prompt is to write about where the devil goes on vacation.

The Garden

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment

It had to be here. Somewhere. It had been years since she visited. Decades. But she knew this place; it was etched in her memory and in her heart. Take the first county road after passing the Victorian cottage with the bay window and the rocking chair. Her heart beat faster as she passed the little yellow house and smiled when she noticed an orange tabby curled on the rocker’s cushion. She was close now.

Her rickety blue Ford pickup turned right onto the county road. Soft clouds rolled in, and the skies darkened. She knew a summer rain would break at any moment, so she hurried up the old logging road. As the high desert plains shifted into forest, she smiled at the sight of the aspen grove to her right. She remembered that a side road would be nearby, one that ambled toward the old log cabin, inhabited by a family over a hundred years ago.

She remembered the day she and her love had explored it, surprised by the remnants left behind. Old canning jars, a wooden kitchen table in the single room with a loft above the living space. Dusty red gingham curtains hung over a window near the water pump. An old wood cookstove sat by one wall, and the coal bin still had splintered kindling, as if waiting for its occupants to return and start the evening meal. Postcards decorated one side of the wall. One, in particular, had caught her eye—a little red fox looking up at blooming wildflowers, its eyes closed in a smile.

By one window sat a sewing rocker with a small table beside it. A bowl held tiny, round wooden buttons, each one carefully carved by hand. She patted her pocket and felt the small clasp she had taken with her—the only memento of that day, so long ago.

Once she spotted the side road, she turned and traveled a short distance until the old cabin appeared in sight. She slowed, her breath catching. The years had not been kind to the cabin. It looked as sad as she felt. She pulled off the road, turning off the truck’s ignition.

“Wish you were here,” she whispered, closing her eyes. She could still see his smile from that day when he took her hand as they walked to the cabin. She remembered showing him the postcard of the fox. He had smiled, too.

“I’ll plant you a flower garden one day, in the country. That way, we can have foxes visit our yard,” he had promised.

She brushed away her tears, wishing for the time of her first love.

“If only,” she whispered softly.

Inside the cabin, her heart sank. It had been ransacked. The old cookstove was gone, along with all its furnishings. She searched for the fox postcard but found only a torn corner clinging to the wall. She ran her fingers over the frayed edge, still able to envision the picture. A bittersweet smile tugged at her lips.

She wanted to visit the creek, to see if their tree was still there—the one where they had carved their initials inside a heart. She turned to leave, but something caught her eye. A dusty piece of paper had slipped under an old crate. Turning it over, her breath caught in her throat. It was the fox postcard.

She smiled through her tears, brushing the dust off with her jeans. This time, she would rescue this treasure. She rushed to her truck, tucking it safely away, then hurried toward the creek. She needed to find their tree.

The aspens stretched out before her in every direction. It would be like finding a needle in a haystack. But she didn’t mind. The thought of seeing their tree, of finding something that tied her to him again, made her heart swell. After walking for some time, she realized she had gone too far. The skies reminded her that an afternoon rain could begin at any moment. Reluctantly, she turned back.

Though she hadn’t found the tree, she felt a sense of peace. She had found the old cabin, the postcard, and had revisited memories of a love long past. As she walked along the creek, she noticed wildflowers growing just off the path. Unable to resist, she ventured closer.

Columbine, lilies, and lupine blanketed the ground beneath the quaking aspens. She wished Jay were with her to see the vibrant garden spread out before her. She turned in a slow circle, taking in the colors, the beauty.

And then, she saw it. A darkened heart carved into the bark of one of the trees—her initials, and his.

Stunned, she sank to the ground among the flowers. His voice echoed in her mind, “I’ll plant you a garden…”

She started to cry, and the heavens wept with her, as the summer rains began to fall.

2025 February Flash Fiction Challenge: Day 1

Write a piece of flash fiction each day of February with the February Flash Fiction Challenge, led by Managing Editor Moriah Richard. Each day, receive a prompt, example story, and write your own. Today’s prompt is to write about a garden.

Round Three

Published on by Ann Marie BryantLeave a comment

Grimacing, Taylor brought her hand to her head; it throbbed, and she felt herself sway. How long had she been out? Taking a deep breath, she placed one hand on the bedroom wall and steadied herself while trying to recall a mental checklist in her head.

The woman hurried to finish her packing. Time was not on her side. She stuffed her clothes into her open suitcase, grabbed her jewelry box and the stash of cash she had saved since the last time, and shoved the money deep into her pocket.

As she hurried to the foyer, doubts flooded, but she angrily shoved them aside. Glancing in the hall mirror, she winced. One eye was half closed and swollen as shades of pink and purple marred her puffy face; she ran her fingertips along the angry red welts raised along the base of her throat.

Taylor cynically laughed. “Third time’s the charm,” she said aloud, just before she slammed the door on the life she left behind.

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

For today’s prompt, write a story about a project left half-finished.

Lazy Bones

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments

Burrowed beneath the many layers of blankets, the pair sleeps. The frosty morning surrounds the room, and a chill lingers. Earlier, one braved the cold for a fire in the woodstove pops and crackles, and the aroma of brewing coffee fills the morning air. As footsteps approach the room, a nose peeks from under the covers and then another. Mama laughs and calls, “Wake up, you two lazy bones.”

The two shake off the covers in anticipation. They know Mama has brought them breakfast in bed. Mitzi yawns, and Max smiles. Always the gentleman, Max waits for his sister to be served first. After a long slumber, the starved siblings gulp down their morning treat. After eating, Mitzi quickly scrambles beneath the covers once more. Max follows, but first, he gives his Mama a quick kiss on the cheek.

Laughing, the woman never imagined she would one day be waiting on two spoiled babies while serving them breakfast in bed. “Oh, the life of a Doxie mom,” she tells herself. But, of course, no one listens to her declaration. Her furbabies are already dreaming about chasing rabbits and wondering what mama will serve for lunch.

Writing Prompt:

For today’s prompt, write about a lazy weekend morning. Maybe it’s one that stays lazy or one that gets interrupted by something surprising.

Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash

The Promise

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments

After checking into the Coral Reef Inn, Jessie decided to grab lunch. The excited woman could not wait to explore all the local haunts she frequented when she was younger. After checking Google, the hungry lady decided on Pier 29 on Ballena Bay. She loved the little isle It was the perfect place to stretch her legs after her flight.

The young woman had flown out for her ten year class reunion. She could not wait to see her old high school friends. She knew Jenn and Trish would be there. Both still lived on the island. Jenn taught math at their rival high school. Jenn married her college sweetheart, Ryan, and the two lived in a painted lady on Santa Clara. Trish remained happily single and worked for a law firm in San Fransico. She lived in a little one-bedroom cottage behind her parent’s massive Victorian home on the east side.  

Of course, Jessi could have stayed with her childhood friends, but Jenn and Ryan were renovating their home with two children, two-year-old Spencer and five-year-old Haley. She laughed and told Jenn, “I love you, but I think I will skip the chaos.”

“Wise move. Make sure you get a room with two queen-sized beds. I may just crash with you this week!” Jenn laughed.

Trish offered her the pullout couch, but Jess knew her friend’s place would be littered with law books and case notes as she often took her work home. Trish chuckled when Jess declined. “I know, just say it. I am still a mess.”

“But you’re a lovely mess, my dear friend.” Jess honestly told her friend.

The trio would meet later for drinks and catch up on all the latest news. In the meantime, Jess wanted to explore. After finishing her shrimp and veggie salad, Jess sipped on her Pinot Blanc. She sat on the patio facing the marina.  She could smell the saltiness in the air. The seagulls cried as they flew towards the shoreline. In the distance, the San Francisco skyline loomed across the bay. The sea breeze caressed her bare arms, and it all reminded her of the boy she missed.

In high school, she spent many hours at this marina. She worked part-time for the boatyard for Jonathon’s dad. She answered phones, filed, and helped with the billing. Jonathon. She pictured the tall, lanky teen. He was a year older than her. His long wavy sun-streaked locks reached just below his shoulders. Since he worked at the boatyard with his dad, his tan remained year around. She wondered about his boyish face with the spattering of freckles. Did he still look the same? She still remembered his warm brown eyes with a touch of gold. When he smiled, his eyes smiled too. His face was an open book, and a person could easily discern Jonathon’s current mood with just one glance. She could still picture his emotions: his joy when his dad surprised him with his sailboat, his heartache when his mom died, and his sadness when he discovered she had been accepted into Columbia. Although he tried to cover up his emotions, she witnessed how his pride had changed to sorrow when he realized they would be living on separate coasts. 

“It’s only four years. I will be back before you know it. I will come home for holidays and summer breaks,” Jess told her love on that day so long ago.

Jonathon tried to smile, but it did not reach his eyes this time. He pulled Jessi into his warm embrace and softly murmured, “I love you.”

Jessi sighed at the memory. It was the beginning of their ending. She tried to shake off the sudden gloom that overpowered her. Jonathon was in the past, and she needed to focus on her present, like her two best friends she would meet later that night.

That evening, the three women gathered at the Preacher’s Daughter on Park. They ordered three BLTs, and each ordered an adult beverage.

“I am excited about the reunion this weekend,” Jenn told her friends, “I wonder if Danny will be there,” she gushed.

“Jennifer Lynn Andrews! You’re a married woman. Do you still crush on Danny Myers?” Trish scolded.

“Oh, come on. You know Danny was fun to look at. We all had crushes on Danny,” Jenn laughed.

“True,” Trish sighed, and the three women giggled like teenage girls, just like when they were in high school. 

The three women adored each other and looked forward to their weekend plans. Suddenly, Jenn sighed loudly, wishing she didn’t have to leave on Tuesday.

“What’s up, girlfriend?” Trish asked her friend. Both women looked so concerned Jenn laughed.

“Oh, I’m fine, “ Jess explained. “I just wish I could stay. I miss this, the three of us hanging out.”

“Well, the Bay Area reports the news too. Have you thought about checking out the newspapers here?” Jenn asked her old friend.

“Ya know, I have thought about it off and on over the years but always pushed it to the back burner because I have been so busy at The Seattle Times.”

“Jon still lives on the island and works with his dad at the boatyard. His dad made him a partner in the business.” Trish blurted out without thinking.

Jenn kicked Trish under the table and gave her a dirty look. Jessi’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. She still missed him after all these years. And while she dated after they went their separate ways, no one quite measured up to her old flame.

Her friends witnessed the sadness that crossed her eyes. They knew she never quite got over him.  

“Well, that’s definitely old news!” Jess protested. She lied and told her friends, “I closed that chapter years ago.”

Jenn and Trish glanced at each other. They knew their dear friend still missed her first love. And both women fretted over this bit of news. 

To change the subject, Trish told Jess, “I have an idea! I will have my new intern search for jobs at local papers! She can scour ads for apartments too! Where do you want to live? Sausalito… San Francisco…”

Before Trish could finish, Jess and Jenn smiled at one another, and in unison, they proclaimed, “On the island!”

“Are we really doing this?” Jenn asked. “Am I moving home?”

“It’s time,” Trish remarked.

The three women spent the rest of the night planning on Jessi’s return and, of course, what they planned on wearing to the reunion the following evening. The night flew by too quickly, and before they knew it, Jenn and Trish dropped Jessi off at her motel. 

The next evening, Jessi finished her makeup and slipped into the little black dress she had saved for special occasions. Yesterday, while shopping at Southshore, she found a pair of black high-heeled shoes with the brightest red soles. It was love at first sight, so she purchased the pumps. It would be a cute addition to her reunion ensemble and a fun reminder of her trip to her island home.

Jessi had just slipped on her shoes when Jenn called her. “Okay, Cinderella, your carriage awaits.”

Jessi laughed, “I’m leaving now.”  

The lovely lady in the black dress stepped out of her room and spotted Jenn’s Pilot. She quickly walked to the car, excited about the evening’s adventures. Trish rolled down the passenger window and whistled. Jessi stopped, twirled, and then curtsied as her friends laughed. The trio was happy to be together once more.  Jess climbed in the back seat while scooting over an assortment of books and toys. She smiled and wondered if she would ever have a family.  

“Hey Jenn, I will be the designated driver tonight, so you can get your party on,” she told her friend.

“No drinking for me, at least not for the next nine months,” Jenn told her girls.

Trish and Jess started talking and laughing at once, excited about the news. “When did you find out,” Trish asked.

“Today,” Jenn replied. “I haven’t even told Ryan. We planned on stopping at two.” Jenn chuckled.

Jess didn’t know Ryan well and asked Jenn, “Will he be okay with the news?”

Laughing, Jenn replied, “Oh yeah. We have always enjoyed surprises. I am just waiting until we can have a moment of peace. Then, I want to plan a night out and celebrate our happy new addition. So, ladies, you have a chauffeur for the weekend.”

Jess and Trish started planning Jenn’s baby shower on the drive to the O Club. Jenn asked Jessi, “Does that mean you really plan on moving home?”

“Absolutely! I miss my girls, and I need my little family. So Trish, you better have your intern start looking for jobs and apartments on Monday.”

“Wahoo! I’m on it,” Trish excitedly replied.

Once the ladies entered the club, the three were greeted by old pals, and they quickly joined a table with some of their favorite classmates. Quickly, the trio ordered drinks, Trish ordered a craft beer, Jess ordered a glass of Zinfindel, and Jenn ordered her favorite soda, a Dr. Pepper Zero. A DJ had set up in a corner and played dance music. People were laughing and talking, and couples were beginning to dance.

The three of them decided to dance too when one of their favorite high school songs began to play. A slow dance began to play when the song ended, and the girls took their seats. Then, suddenly, the music stopped. It was interrupted by a new song, “Just a Kiss,” by Lady A, and Jessi’s heart lurched. It was their song, Jonathan and Jessi’s song. Trish and Jenn sat across from Jessi and began smiling when suddenly, a familiar voice asked, “May I have this dance.”

Trish laughed and blurted, “Well, look who crashed the party. Aren’t you attending the wrong reunion?”

Trish’s distraction gave Jenn a moment to compose herself. She immediately recognized Jonathon’s voice when he asked her to dance. Turning around, she took his offered hand, and the two made their way to the dance floor. The couple slowly danced in silence, afraid to break the spell of being in each other’s arms once again. When the song ended,  Jonathan asked Jessi, “Can we talk.”

Jessi nodded her answer. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to a corner table.  

“I was an idiot,” Jonathon began. “I should have never pushed you away. After my mom died, I thought I was losing you too. I didn’t want to drag out the waiting like we had to with mom. She deserved better; the pain was awful. I felt like I should end it quickly, for both of us. But I was wrong, Jess. I haven’t stopped thinking about you since you graduated from high school. I tried dating others, but they weren’t you. So when I heard about your high school reunion, I contacted the committee and asked if I could crash. Jessi, I want you back. Please forgive me. I will never push you away again.”

Jonathon gazed into Jessi’s eyes, silently pleading. Jessie took a deep breath before she asked, “Promise?”

“Promise!” Jonathan shouted. He jumped from his chair and scooped her up in his arms. “I promise I will hold onto you forever.”

Writing prompt:  Write a short story that ends with a promise.

Photo by Arek Adeoye on Unsplash

Together

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments

Often the two would fall asleep together in the yard hammock under a blanket of stars

Chloe quickly packed her bag with her papers to grade, grabbed her coffee mug and car keys, and raced out of her classroom. As the teacher left her room, she smiled at the lingering students and staff members in the hallways. The young woman couldn’t wait to get home, for she knew he would be waiting for her, and she couldn’t wait to see his smiling face and dark eyes. With just a glance, he let her know every day that she was his world. She sighed, content in the knowledge that he loved her.

Since it was a warm day, she decided to open the sunroof and windows. The spring air warmed her skin. On her drive home, she smiled as she passed the hiking trails they often walked. They both loved the outdoors, the vast expanse of prairie with its wildlife and mountain views to the south. In the evenings, they enjoyed lounging on the patio and watching the sunset behind the mountains. The Bristlecone pine scented the air, and orioles and sparrows would often serenade the two. On warm nights, they would often stay up late to watch the first stars shimmer as the skies began to darken and barn owls called in the distance. Often the two would fall asleep together in the yard hammock under a blanket of stars. Happily, she sighed. Life was perfect.

As she pulled into her driveway, she decided today would be a great day to walk the trails, and she knew he would not have any reservations about this idea. So she hopped from her car and grabbed her bag and mug. He greeted her at the door with a kiss. She dropped her bag and cup on the counter and turned to grab the leash before the happy duo headed for their favorite trail, another perfect day for the little family.

Flash fiction writing prompt:
Write about non-romantic love

Photo by Viviana Rishe on Unsplash