Our flash fiction champ this week is Yvonne Hertzberger. Congratulations to Yvonne, and thanks to everyone who participated – excellent entries!
The winning entry is rewarded with a special feature here today and a place in our collection of winners which will be published as an e-book at year end.
Without further ado, here’s the winning entry:
Rocky Raccoon
by Yvonne Hertzberger.“Hey, Dad. Look. Up there in the tree.”
Rocky had no time to hide, much less shove little Stripe under his chest. Her wee tail still stuck out like a sore thumb. And that white menace had his forelegs up against the trunk and made more noise than a whole pack of coyotes.
Stripe struggled under Rocky’s chest. A small rump wriggled free. Before Rocky could react that rump, followed by the rest and fell to the ground. The landing didn’t hurt, what with all that fur, but the dog was on her in a flash and had her by the scruff.
Stella screamed. “Dad, save it. He’s going to kill it.”
Rocky descended faster than a bullet. He lunged at the dog, teeth bared, growling.
The dog, knowing when to cut his losses, let go, and with a sharp yelp, took off, tail between his legs.
Rocky positioned himself between Stripe and the crowd of picnickers that had begun to gather, fur standing out straight, poised, ready to take on any who approached.
“Dad, it’s a kitten. He’s going to hurt it.” Tears streaked Stella’s cheeks.
That was enough for Rocky. He wriggled back, still facing the crowd, took Stripe in his teeth by the nape and scrabbled back up the tree. There he tucked her firmly under his belly again and dared anyone to challenge him.
“I think she’s been adopted. We’d better go.” Dad led the others away.
Stripe was safe with Rocky once more.
Congrats Yvonne! Love animal stories.
Way to go!
Congratulations, Yvonne!
Nice job, Yvonne!