I'm part of a writer's platform campaign and one of the challenges was to compose piece using the following guidelines:
Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “Shadows crept across the wall”. These five words will be included in the word count.
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), do one or more of these:
- end the story with the words: "everything faded." (also included in the word count)
- include the word "orange" in the story
- write in the same genre you normally write
- make your story 200 words exactly!
So... Enjoy!
Shadows crept across the wall, and I felt lost; I would not be frightened. I walked slowly not knowing what my feet
would find. My right hand showed the twists and turns of
the path; my left hand preceded me.
As I rounded the corner, I knew where I was. With my arms still projected from my sides, I
quickened my steps. I was now certain I
could reach my destination with no problem.
But I was too cocky.
Just as I let a smile sneak onto my face, my feet became tangled with a
backpack. I let a yelp escape my lips,
and kicked the backpack to the side then continued my journey. Eventually, my hands excitedly felt what I
instinctively knew to be true: I had
reached my destination.
I securely grasped the handle and I pulled only to have my
face flooded with a white light. I
clamped my eyes shut. I hadn’t gotten my bearings when I heard his gravely voice
behind me. “Really?” he groggily asked.
“Just a scoop,” I argued.
“I want just one scoop of orange sherbet.”
“Just come to bed,” he sighed pushing the freezer door
closed.
I pouted as everything faded.
