Yvonne Hertzberger is the readers’ choice in this week’s Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge.
The winning entry is recognized 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 story:
Dominator
by Yvonne Hertzberger
I raised my rifle to take aim at that thieving coyote, but the little colt came between us. I was about to curse at him for spoiling my only shot when I heard a yelp. My gun went lax as I gaped at what I saw. That coyote went flying through the air and landed several yards away from the calf it had been after. It managed to find its feet and slink away, tail between its legs.
The colt turned to give me what felt like an “I told you so” look and began to graze while the calf beat a hasty retreat to its mother.
From that day the colt was a frequent visitor to the far-back. His visits always seemed to coincide with the presence of coyotes. I found a couple of dead ones, their necks broken and hoof marks on their bodies.
We never lost another calf. By fall, my dad had to admit there might be something to my story, though he never got to see Dominator in action. Yes, that’s what I came to call him.
As winter set in, Dominator lost interest in his own herd and became a permanent fixture among our cattle. I think he likes the carrots and apples I leave for him. Next year I’ll see if I can train him to the bridle and saddle. I’m not very big, so I think he’ll carry me in a couple of years. We have a bond, Dominator and me.
Thanks, everyone.
Congratulations great story.
Thank you.
What a great story, Yvonne! A well-deserved win. 🙂
Thanks, Lynne
Love it, how could you not? Congratulations Yvonne.
Thanks, Aron. 🙂
Congratulations, Yvonne! 😀
Thank you, Laurie.
Congrats, Yvonne. Somewhere, sometime, to someone, it must have happened for real 🙂
I like to think so. 🙂
I really enjoyed this Yvonne. Congratulations. 🙂
Thank you
Congrats on the win.
Thanks Jon.
Congratulations Yvonne. I am so far behind in my emails and am late sending you this congratulations.
Thank you, Kathryn. I appreciate the thought no matter how late. 🙂