Falling - Flash Fiction

This week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Jilly Funell

Falling

Laura froze, she had been here before. This building was the image of the one she saw every time she closed her eyes. She turned to leave but Ben was standing behind her.

'Great idea for a first date huh?’ Pleased, he flashed her tickets for afternoon tea at the Sky Restaurant. ‘The highest vantage point in Europe.’

Panic set in, she clutched her throat, her breath quickening, face draining of colour. Chatting to Ben online she had fallen in love, but the nightly premonitions of her falling to her death could not be ignored.

‘No, I can’t.’ she gasped.

I hope you enjoyed my latest story 

Bettina x

* With thanks to Rochelle for the picture prompt. If you wish to read more stories based on the prompt click here

Training - Flash Fiction

This week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Yvette Prior

Training Room

The delegates filled the room, name badges in place, chatter ringing through the air. With one eye on the person they were talking to, the other on the centre table, they were eager to down a coffee and devour a mini pastry or two. Despite it being free, no one dared be the first however, but as soon as someone made their move, they would all follow, swooping in like birds of prey.

Betty had no such qualms, she boldly approached the table and filled her plate. Perhaps today’s training on Confidence was superfluous to her needs.

Bettina x

* With thanks to Rochelle for the picture prompt. If you wish to read more stories based on the prompt click here 

The Gift - Flash Fiction

This week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll

The Gift 

It took all of my strength to smile and thank her graciously as two men carried it inside.

Gwen’s moving in gift. Apparently, Tom had always wanted this clock... so here we were. This gothic monstrosity had no place in my modern, minimalist living space. I offered her a drink as she made herself at home.

‘Now you have no excuse dear.’

A dig at my timekeeping. The knife kept turning.

‘Never late for Matt though, are you?’ Her eyes scanned my face, searching for guilt.

‘Time to go Gwen.’

Asphyxiation by clock. Terrible way to die. Slow and painful.

*Thank you to Rochelle for this week's picture prompt. If you wish to read more stories based on this prompt - click here

On A Night Like This - Flash Fiction

A new 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Gah Learner 

On A Night Like This 

I push back the curtain and smile, the sky is cloudless and the bright light keeping me awake, a glistening full moon. I glance at my watch, in just a few hours Andrew will be home, back from his stint in the army. I wrap the duvet around me, it won’t be long before I feel his arms around me keeping me warm and safe.

Hours later Andrew isn’t by my side, he never made it back. Car accident, they said. I struggle to understand. How can you lose control of your car when the driving conditions are just perfect?

*Thank you to Rochelle for this week's picture prompt. If you wish to read more stories based on this prompt - click here 

Who's That Girl? - Flash Fiction

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

Copyright Dawn M. Miller

Who's That Girl ?

The door creaks open, long overdue an oiling. Snarling, he pushes me towards the mirror. ‘There you go, take a look at yourself.’

It was the same routine every day, my captor permitting me five precious minutes to stand and gaze at my reflection. As the blindfold comes off I wince as the light smacks against my lids. My face gently comes into focus. My face. My glorious hair now matted and excessively long, drawing my face downwards. My sparkly blue eyes, hollow, almost dead. Old skin, creased and bruised.

A mask conceals his face, the lips smile back. ‘Beautiful!’

* Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE).
To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

Music To My Ears

This week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

Music To My Ears 

‘What does your son do? Apart from play loud music.’ The neighbour asked, with a healthy tinge of rudeness I thought, as we sat opposite each other on the train.

Billy was a musician, and if he wasn’t playing gigs he was practising in his room.

The same neighbour knocked on the door a few weeks later ‘I see Billy has taken to using headphones after our little chat.’ I watched as she walked smugly away. Tears formed in the corner of my eyes.

Billy wasn’t using headphones, he had died in a motorbike accident. I will miss the noise.

Bettina x

With thanks to Rochelle as ever for the great picture prompt. If you wish to read more stories, click here

Flash Fiction - Captive

This week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Jean L. Hays

Captive

Watching intensely, they followed the silhouette as it paced backwards and forwards, strutting upright and proud.

‘What is it?’ Sophie spoke in hushed tones.

‘Hard to tell. Wearing a metal helmet, probably got a gun. Some kind of soldier I should think.’

Sophie gasped ‘A gun.’ And then sobbed. ‘We will never get out of here alive.’

Accepting their fate, they disappeared back under the sheets.

The door burst open. Francis pressed his finger against Sophie's lips, ‘Shhh, the captors are here.’

‘Sophie, Francis. Dinner!’

The children giggled, pretend play was so much fun. The chicken, carried on as usual.

I hope you enjoyed this piece.

Bettina x 

*Thank you as ever to Rochelle for providing the inspiration for these week's story, if you would like to read more stories based on this prompt, click here

Flash Fiction - Barren Land

This week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt.

© Connie Gayer

Barren Land

Karla wailed into her tissue, the pain too much to keep inside, she had long stopped holding back her true feelings. She had done everything to the letter, everything the so-called experts had advised her to do. She didn’t drink, had never taken drugs, never smoked. Changed her diet, made sure she took her multivitamins, reduced her stress with Pilates and even tried acupuncture. The prescribed drugs had failed, except send her over the edge and place her marriage on the brink. Too late now, her womb barren land, her body beaten, yearning for what was not meant to be. 

Bettina x

* Thank you to Rochelle for this week's picture prompt, if you would like to read more stories based on this picture, click here 

Flash Fiction - About Last Night

This week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt.

About Last Night 

I gently push open the door and tentatively enter. I need to see this for myself. The house, my sanctuary, has been turned upside down. Absolutely nothing has been left untouched. I feel sick as I make my way to the kitchen. The mouth-wateringly expensive, stunning crystal bowl, a precious wedding gift that takes pride of place on the dining table, is cracked. A strange sticky residue lines the edges. My favourite plant, mutilated, leaves carelessly tossed aside. Devastated at the damage, I take a deep, angry, breath before calling upstairs.

‘Chloe, what the hell happened in here last night?’

Bettina x 

*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you would like to read more stories based on this picture - click here
Enjoyed this story? Why not check out my new novel 'Without A Hitch' which is available to buy now -


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Flash Fiction - Goodbye

This week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt -

PHOTO PROMPT submitted by Courtney Wright. © Photographer prefers to remain anonymous.

Goodbye 

Jess glanced over at the old boots, and felt the tears slipping down her cheeks. She remembered how she had nagged him over and over again to buy new ones. Whatever the occasion, whatever they were doing, he would wear them, much to her intense embarrassment.

‘I like them Jess, they are comfortable.’ He would insist, before tying the laces with gusto.

‘But they are tatty and horrid. How much longer can you keep taping them up?’ Jess retorted, spitting out the words venomously.

Nate did replace the boots, once the holes became too big to bear. He also replaced Jess.

Bettina x


*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here

Enjoyed this story? Why not check out my new novel 'Without A Hitch' which is available to buy now -


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Flash Fiction - Bright Lights Big City

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt.

PHOTO PROMPT ©Jill Wisoff

Bright Lights, Big City 

Emily Mae’s eyes danced wildly with excitement, the sky was alight with every colour under the sun. Gasping in awe at the sheer size of the skyscrapers, she slowly breathed in the tainted air of NYC with a sadistic pleasure, this city was hers for the taking. She had dreamt of her name in lights ever since she could remember. She could dance, she could sing and she had guts. Papa may have failed in his bid, but now she had finally arrived, she was not going to let this place defeat her. Broadway, a star was born.

Bettina x

*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here

Flash Fiction - Steps To Success

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Karen Rawson

Steps To Success

‘Cut’

Someone handed Evie a blanket and a hot drink which she accepted, hungrily. Smeared in mud and red liquid, she detested every minute of this dreadful ‘B’ movie. ‘Necessary evil’ her agent had explained when he had sent her for the role. Her outstanding beauty meant she got the part without so much as opening her mouth. The plum parts had somehow eluded her thus far. This would be her big break, she could feel it.

                As the pterodactyl swooped down, she gave it her all, screaming as if her life depended on it. Her bank balance certainly did.  

               

Bettina x

*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here

Signs

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Björn Rudberg

Signs 

Beth was crying hysterically when the rescuers found her. Lying beside Robert’s lifeless body, her legs were fixed to the ground bloodied, pitted with debris.

‘Didn’t you kids see the signs?’

Beth nodded, her crying slowing before she managed a whimpered, almost silent, 'yes.’

‘So, what, you ignore them do you?’

Flashbacks of the step that sent Robert  tumbling off the cliff edge sent Beth wailing once more. A kindly rescuer glared at the man who had dared to interrogate the distraught teenager.

Beth shook her head profusely, she wasn’t a rule breaker. ‘No sir, we didn’t know what it meant.’

Bettina x


*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here 

Flash Fiction - The Camera Never Lies

A 100 word story based on the following photo prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © TED STRUTZ

The Camera Never Lies 

I am beautiful, he is going to make me into a model. I swell with pride. If only my friends could see me now. A few unkind girls had called me ugly but now I knew they were lying.

He smiles while asking me to remove my bra. I feel uncomfortable at this suggestion. He notes my reluctance but reassures me it’s what models do.

‘There that wasn’t so bad,’ he says as he touches me. He shouldn’t do that.

He thinks I am fourteen. There are definite benefits to looking younger than my years. Mate, you are so busted.

Bettina x


*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here 

Flash Fiction - Liar

A 100 word story based on the following photo prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © JS Brand

Liar 

Susie’s eyes widened in alarm, this was not what she had been expecting. 

  

Mike, her impossibly handsome companion, looked unperturbed. Looking just like his online photo, he had been easy to spot in arrivals. His warm smile instantly putting her at ease. His old school charm reassuring her. Like a true gentleman, he had carried her Louis Vuitton cases to the waiting taxi. At the water’s edge he had insisted she board a rickety old liner, much to her dismay.

‘This isn’t the hotel we booked!’ Her voice trembled, heart pounding.

‘No, and my name isn’t Mike.’ He grinned salaciously. 

Bettina x


*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here

Enjoyed this story? Why not check out my new novel 'Without A Hitch' which is available to buy now -

UK - http://amzn.eu/fUEJ9Sk
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Flash Fiction - The Ghost Train

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt.

PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll

The Ghost Train 

Jenny licked her lolly, looking on with interest as the fast, spinning rides with flashing lights enticed the punters. Screams of fear pierced the air. Babies, the lot of them, she scoffed.

Camille grabbed her hand, ‘Come on, let’s go on the ghost train.’

In complete darkness, the safety bar pressed uncomfortably against their bellies. The train set off, slowly at first. Eerie sounds spooked them, smoke blinded them, ghouls leapt out from every direction. Drip, drip onto their clothes, blood. They screamed and sobbed, this was too real. As they re-entered the daylight they laughed, hysterically. Melting ice lollies.

Hope you enjoyed this piece of flash fiction 

Bettina x

*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here 

Enjoyed this story? You may like to check out my new novel 'Without A Hitch' which is available to buy now -

UK - http://amzn.eu/fUEJ9Sk
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Flash Fiction - She Loved To Read

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt.

PHOTO PROMPT © Victor and Sarah Potter

She Loved To Read 

Mollie Matthews flung open her door and flicked on the bedroom light. She sighed in annoyance. Another damn spider had made a home, spinning its sticky web while she had been out having a most enjoyable day. She didn’t scream, she wasn’t scared of arachnids. Mollie watched as the spider scurried across the wall and down onto her floor. Keeping a close eye as she reached up to her bookshelf, she pulled out the thickest book she owned and placed it over the hapless spider. By morning it would be dead. Yes, she was the girl who loved to read.

Hope you enjoyed this story
Bettina x

Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here

If you enjoyed this story, you may like to check out my new novel 'Without A Hitch' which is available to buy now -

UK - http://amzn.eu/fUEJ9Sk
US - http://a.co/digzFXy

Flash Fiction - The Monster In The Cupboard

Here is this week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

The Monster In The Cupboard

‘Quick, just stuff it all in the cupboard!’ Jess ordered.

Harry had begun the mammoth and ritualistic task of cleaning just moments before the guests were due. The living room was a state, packed full of possessions and clutter that had long failed to find a permanent home. Harry spotted Amelie running up the garden path and swooped on his precious antique clock. Just in time.

What’s in there?’ Amelie threatened to reveal the mess.

Harry darted over, grabbed the furry hood of Jess’s coat and poked it through the tiny gap.

‘A monster!’

Amelie screamed and ran. Disaster averted.

Hope you enjoyed this story
Bettina x

Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt AND photo. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here

If you enjoyed this story you may enjoy my new novel 'Without A Hitch' which is available to buy now -

UK - http://amzn.eu/fUEJ9Sk
US - http://a.co/digzFXy

Flash Fiction - The Loving Tree

Here is this week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

Photo credit @ Sandra Crook

The Loving Tree

‘I love you Charlotte,’ Austin whispered as he held her tiny hand in his.
Charlotte beamed in delight. ‘Why don’t we carve our initials in the tree, as a symbol of our everlasting love?’
Austin pulled back in horror at the suggestion. ‘What? Why would we do that?’
Charlotte’s face crumpled in disappointment. ‘You don’t really love me, do you?’

Austin couldn’t believe what he was hearing, why would anyone want to harm a tree? Cutting its bark would allow a gateway for pathogens. He was quite disgusted in Charlotte. No, she was right, he couldn’t love her, not now.

Hope you enjoyed this story
Bettina x

Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here

My new novel 'Without A Hitch' is available to buy now - 

UK - http://amzn.eu/fUEJ9Sk

US - http://a.co/digzFXy

Flash Fiction - Like Father, Like Daughter

Here is this week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Douglas M. MacIlroy

*Like Father, Like Daughter

Meri heard the thud against the window and ran to investigate. A tiny bird was lying on the floor, its mouth opening hungrily. Must have fallen from a tree she surmised. Poor thing.

‘Daddy, come quick!’

Rick joined his daughter and surveyed the scene.

‘Can we keep her?’

‘No darling, we can’t. The bird has been startled, you know what we need to do. Box, holes, darkened room.'

A few hours later, the pair released the bird successfully back into the wild. Meri, all smiles, was in awe of her dad.When she grew up she became a vet too.

Hope you enjoyed this story
Bettina x


Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here

*Kindness breeds kindness