While I’m getting December’s flash fiction posted at the start of 2024, I’m still really excited for them. This marks me writing 52 microfiction stories in 2023 (well, I may have finished the last one today). I failed at a lot of things this year, but I’m really proud to have finished all 52 prompts!
Please enjoy my final stories of the year!
I Screwed Up; I know: A Wednesday Words Flash Fiction
December 6, 2023
With a sizzle, Bella appeared in a dark void. Cursing slipped from her lips and she closed her eyes, trying to focus on the connection to her body. She hadn’t meant to send her spirit into this version of beyond, but it was too late now to regret her mistake.
There was a small tickling feeling in her chest, the connection weak. She didn’t have much longer until her heart stilled and her body closed off from her for good.
Fantastic.
She imagined the tickling spreading, encasing her chest, but it only got weaker.
Panic should be surging through her about now, according to her mind, but it wasn’t there. She could hardly feel her limbs at all.
A pop distracted her from her focus, and a haughty Trevor hovered in the void next to her. He pinched the bridge of his spirit nose. “Again?”
Her thoughts exploded in anger, but she couldn’t get herself worked up. A nothingness was spreading through her, and she could barely mouth an apology.
“I screwed up. I know.”
Something flashed in his eyes. It was probably important, but even thoughts seemed hard to manage.
“Bella…”
“Please.” A small part of her was grateful she couldn’t cry, that he wouldn’t see her give up.
Another emotion flashed on his face, and his spirit gripped her hand.
Another pop, and a heavy weight filled Bella. Her body.
Relief, embarrassment, and shame warred inside her.
Before she could apologize, Trevor smiled softly. “I know.”
I am a Grotesque Man: A Wednesday Words Flash Fiction
December 13, 2023
I tighten my ponytail before biting into my sloppy sandwich as I wait at a park bench, one of my favorite hunting spots when the sun is warm and shining. Slowly, the itch builds in my fingers, and it spreads up my arm into my gut, a need I can’t ignore. A dark soul is nearby, calling me.
I set my sandwich down, slowly wiping sauce from my lips as I glance around the park. Children rush about the playground as parents fan themselves. Nothing seems amiss, but the need is still growing, wrapping its desperate fingers around my beating heart.
My breath quickens, and I force myself to remain calm as I search for the evil looking for its next victim. A car engine turns, and I glance at the gravel parking lot behind me. A nervous man clutches his steering wheel as he stares at the patrons around us.
Found him.
My gut clenches, and I carefully tuck my sandwich away. He’s alone in a dark car, though the windows aren’t really tinted. With so many witnesses around, I can’t make a move here. I need to get him somewhere else.
I begin walking, approaching the vehicle, and the man’s gaze follows me. I move to the car next time him and pretend to be locked out. And when his window rolls down, his eyes hungry as he leans over to talk to me, I know he’s taken the bait.
It’s my turn to be the hunter.
I’m Not a Cat: A Wednesday Words Flash Fiction
December 20, 2023
I rub against the witch’s legs as she weeds her garden, pressing my matted fur against her, purring for her attention. She giggles, pushing me off, and I sneak back to claim her other leg. I need her to look at me, to realize I’m not just a cat.
The witch sighs, removing her gloves then wrapping her hands around my thin waist. I yowl and protect at getting picked up–it was not in the plan!–but my body betrays me and relaxes just a tad as she begins to pet the back of my head, scratching carefully behind my ears.
“Aren’t you such a cute kitty,” she dotes.
I shiver against her, another protest building in my lungs. How dare she call me a cat? A kitty?
But she only snuggles me against her chest harder. She isn’t a very astute witch, but I can’t fault her heart, even if it isn’t helping me out that much.
I yowl again, trying a headbutt, but she just doesn’t get it. When I try biting, she just sets me on the ground with a quick pet and goes back to her gardening.
Rain clouds threaten in the distance. I don’t really want to stay outside for another storm, so I give it one last try.
I slip between her booted feet, nearly tripping her, and she laughs.
“Pretty shifter, I’m not changing you back. I rather like you this way. Be a good familiar, and I’ll think about it later.”
They Could See Rocks Tumbling Past: A Wednesday Words Flash Fiction
December 27, 2023
A nervous sensation twisted Cal’s gut, and he paused at the dirt crossroads, grabbing his twin’s shoulder to hold him back.
To left was home, a destination fraught with their unhappy parents. They still hadn’t forgiven their sons for forsaking the family business to study magic of all things.
There was no need to go right—that path only led to the frozen-over lake.
Straight wasn’t really an option. The town was sleepy, though the women still baked in preparation for tomorrow’s celebration. Cal had little need to go to town, though Don did like dotting on a pretty vendor when they were visiting home. But they needed to horde each coin to pay for their upcoming tuition at the university tucked deep into the mountains behind them. It was so tempting to return early and disappear in the grand library.
A crack ripped through the night, and the ground trembled. Nervousness turned into nausea, and Cal darted into the frosted grass to relieve his stomach while trying to maintain his balance. Don followed, concern twisting his face.
“Cal? What do you feel?” He always knew when Cal’s feelings were more magic than nerves.
Rumbling grew louder, and the twins tucked into each other low to the ground as they watched. Soon rocks tumbled down the road to the left, ranging from small pebbles to massive boulders. The earth quaked, and the boys waited until the rocks finished passing.
“Shall we follow them?” Cal grimaced.
Don nodded. “Time to go home.”
For more enchanting Wednesday Words by other authors, check out the official Wednesday Words page!