Flash fiction is a type of short story that tells the story in a few hundred words, rarely going over 1,000 words. A piece of flash fiction must contain a plot, easily defined characters, a hook, and a complete ending.
In my first foray into writing flash fiction, I have used a narrative beginning given to me by the instructor of a creative writing course that I am taking through Udemy.com.
The narrative starting sentence given to me:
“She approached the unfamiliar door, and nervously took the key from her pocket. She took a deep breath, unlocked the door, paused, then opened it. To her horror,”
Original Author Unknown –
Prompt given by Udemy Instructor
My Flash Fiction Short Story
A Magical Evening
She approached the unfamiliar door, and nervously took the key from her pocket. She took a deep breath, unlocked the door, paused, then opened it. To her horror, she saw her three children wrapped in plastic wrap, with goo all in their hair, and chocolate syrup dripping from their mouths.
She doesn’t understand why the scene is all wrong. She isn’t at home. The unfamiliar door in the woods led to a castle entryway. What are her children doing here? Where is her husband?
Lydia didn’t know what to expect, but it wasn’t seeing her children, yet the children are here and running wild.
In a few moments, a kind-looking older woman shows up with supplies to clean the kids. She smiles at me and says to move through the entry into the next room. She also apologizes profusely at the children’s state, but she wanted to let them have a bit of fun before she put them to bed.
Lydia walks through to the next room, which is vast and covered in red rose petals and honeysuckle. The conflicting aromas are strange yet pleasing. She scans the place when her eyes settle on her husband of 15 years.
She sees Ben, and her eyes immediately begin to tear, because in the center of the room is a small dining table that is the perfect size for the two of them. The tears are falling because Ben has put so much thought into this night that it is bewildering. Ben doesn’t do things like this.
Ben is a no-nonsense accountant who does not cater to frivolity. Yet, on this night, he has planned the most romantic excursion ever.
For, you see, the castle is a magic castle where every room takes you to a different destination. From this rose and honeysuckle scented room, they move on to Scotland. Lydia has always dreamed of visiting Scotland, and she can’t help but plant a giant kiss on her husband’s coy smile.
In Summary
What do you think? Did I accomplish my goal by having a plot, defining characters, a hook, and a complete ending? Was the direction I went with this prompt surprising?
Leave me a comment to let me know how you think I did.
Check out 55 Word Short Stories for more short story fun.