Category Archives: Flash Fiction

Ghost Monarch

The chemical manufacturer representatives swore to the Congressional Committee that there was nothing to worry about. All these claims by environmentalists that their chemically altered corn seed would be a death knell for the Monarch Butterfly were just voodoo science. No validity to them whatsoever. People started spotting the Ghost Monarchs during the next year’s migration. Their wings were bleached of color and looked ragged. The butterflies barely had the stamina to make it to their usual wintering grounds. Their pale carcasses were found littering the ground at the Monarch Sanctuary.

My contribution to Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers hosted by Priceless Joy. Image by TJ Paris.


The Weekend Hike

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

“Not knowing what to expect, he made his way into the dark of the forest.” His doctor had told him at his last checkup that he must get some exercise. He decided this was the day to begin. It was the first day of his vacation. He walked determinedly toward the hiking trail. It was a 2 mile loop and he thought he was up to the challenge. As he hiked further and further along the trail he thought to himself, This seems longer than 2 miles and I should have brought a water bottle!  That was when he heard it. A loud snorting and the thumping of a heavy footed creature. The kids must have hidden the warning sign again, the Ranger remarked. Every year we get one of these hikers run through by the wild boars.

Mondays Finish the Story hosted by Barbara Beacham who provided the image above.

Mondays Finish the Story

Cornelius the Candy Thief

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

“Now this is living the life of Riley.” Total relaxation, no obligations, and no worries. Except my name is not Riley and this is not my life. My name is Cornelius and I am married to Esmeralda, the Good Witch. We have a happy home life with our cat Cassiopeia. Well we usually have a happy home life unless I happen to get on the wrong side of Esmeralda. It was really not premeditated on my part. I was foraging around looking for a sweet and found the stash of Intense Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt. It was very tasty. Later that night my dearest wife was about to read her favorite collection of “Cat Tales and Broomsticks” when she got an urge for something chocolate. The last thing I remember is her eyes, that strange glow, and poof! I found myself covered with fur and had a strange urge to eat a mouse.

This is my contribution to Mondays Finish the Story hosted by the gracious Barbara Beacham.

Mondays Finish the Story

The Runaway

PHOTO PROMPT -© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

How can a person fit a life into a U Haul trailer? I couldn’t take everything. I had to leave quickly or I might lose my nerve. It was like when we had to evacuate that night the wild fires came. Deciding what was essential to take with us. I ended up taking some books, a few clothes, and mementos from my kids. My daughter’s baby shoes, a valentine card from my son when he was little, and some of their photos. A friend is letting me stay at her house on the rocky Monterey shore.

This is my contribution to Friday Fictioneers hosted by the gracious Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.

Last Minute Getaway

I received the notice by email,  “Last chance to get away in 2015. Great cruise deals to Mexico.” I had not heard of this cruise line before.  They must have gotten my email address from other travel companies I have used.  The price was too good to pass up. It was better than showing up at my dead end job on Monday. It would be great to see the beach at Cabo. I called in sick and booked an exterior cabin. I took the motion sickness pill my friend recommended before embarking. I woke up in my cabin late that night. I had slept through the Special Welcome Dinner and was starved. Maybe there was still a snack bar open somewhere on board. I was walking on the deck when I saw a dark figure ahead. “Hello,” I called out timidly, ” do you know where I can find a late meal?” He turned around slowly and said,  “No, but now I know where my next meal is coming from.” Are those fangs?

This is my contribution to Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers hosted by the gracious Priceless Joy. Image courtesy of Sonja-Only 100 Words.


The Magic Swing Carousel

PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz

“Take a ride on The Magic Swing Carousel,” hawked the ride operator. We handed over our tickets and sat back into the chair. We spun around getting higher and higher off the ground.  We hadn’t been on the chair swing ride since we were young high school sweethearts. “Remember?”  my husband said. I nodded as he held my hand.

Something strange was happening. We were going up and up until…we were floating through a tunnel of stars toward a beautiful light. It felt so loving and peaceful. Welcome home.

My contribution for Friday Fictioneers hosted by the charming Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Interesting image by Ted Strutz. Follow the link to join in.

Max the Magnificent

It was the night of grand premiere at the Odyssey Theatre.  Max told her there was nothing to worry about. He had perfected the illusion. She was perfectly safe. Lilou wanted to trust him. Him with the beautiful dark eyes. She had fallen for him the instant she met him at the bistro. It was time for Max’s most famous illusion, The Shrinking Woman. Lilou took her position. The orchestra played the dramatic fanfare. Max proclaimed his intention of making Lilou disappear and to have her reappear in a small cupboard on the table. He waved his wand and recited the spell, ” d’ici a la bas! ” Lilou vanished in a pale blue cloud. Max opened the cupboard, “Voila!” Lilou daintily stepped out and curtsied to the crowd. She was only six inches tall. The audience erupted into loud cheers and applause. The curtain closed. When are you changing me back? Lilou wondered out loud. Regrettablement, I have not mastered the reverse spell,  Max frowned as he placed her in the chest with the others.

This is my contribution for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers hosted by the lovely Priceless Joy. Image courtesy of Etol Bagam.


The Hidden Castle

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

“Few knew about the castle hidden inside the island.”  

Few knew about the castle hidden inside the island. Robert said he would build it for me and I would be his queen. He was so different from me. An adventurous spirit who had come to the Gold Country to find his fortune. I was always so timid and was happy to let him take center stage in our lives.

Shortly after we were married I noticed a change in my husband, the black moods and rages. He had locked me in the bedroom again. Moonlight flowed in through the window. The full moon over the lake reminded me of happier days as I whispered his name, Robert.  A noise brought my gaze to the clearing at the back of the castle. A wolf like creature that was walking on it’s hind legs. It turned toward me and I recognized his eyes.

Mondays Finish the StoryThis is my contribution to Mondays Finish the Story graciously hosted by Barbara Beacham who also provided the photo for this challenge.

The Electric Blue Glow in the Dark Universal Remote Device

PHOTO PROMPT - © Marie Gail Stratford

I saw it on a table at the Sunday Swap Meet. The wizened old woman answered the question in my mind, ” It’s a universal remote device. Eliminates the need for your TV remote controls, garage door opener and computer mouse. And the bright, glow in the dark colors and pattern ensure that you will never lose it.” She answered my next thought,  “All that for the special low price of $5.95 and a money back guarantee.”

The insect like creatures overlooked the latest arrivals to their work camp. Pretty good return on our investment of 5 krons each for those remote transporters.

My contribution to: The Friday Fictioneers

PHOTO PROMPT thanks to– © Marie Gail Stratford

The House On The Lake

She had dreamed of that big house on the lake. The only problem was what she had to give in exchange for her dream. She had to marry a man old enough to be her grandfather.

Bunnie noticed a change in her husband since they moved to the lake. His sexual appetite and endurance has increased. She was pleasantly surprised by this but it seemed as his energy increased hers did the opposite.

She had barely started her morning jog when a sharp pain in her knee  made it almost impossible to walk let alone run. The doctor told her she would have to stop doing any high impact exercise. This might delay the surgery for awhile.  Bunnie responded  sarcastically,  “What do you mean a total knee replacement. I am only 25 years old, not 52!

The nurse whispered to the doctor,  “Who does she think she’s kidding. Did you see how young her husband looked? He could be her son. ”

“I think it is early onset dementia,” the doctor replied.

FFfAW