The readers’ choice in this week’s Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge is M.T. Decker
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:
Chicago Fired
by M.T. Decker
Trying to keep pace with his partner, Doug tried not to look like he was running. The last thing he wanted was yet another joker asking him, ‘where’s the fire?’
They had started from the firehouse five minutes ago, ‘hustling’ in full turnout gear. The only good thing he could say about the day was that most of the snow had melted. The combination of weather change, exertion and temperature were taking their toll on the fire fighter.
“Take it easy, Dave,” he muttered under his breath, which was getting heavier with every step. They needed to get there, but they needed to get there in once piece.
“I’m not the one out of breath and running,” Dave was quick to point out.
Doug sighed. “Yeah, whatever, how much further?”
“Three blocks,” Dave said, trying to catch his breath. “Man these budget cuts suck.”
“Hey, at least we aren’t on the hose and ladder team.”
Congrats, M.T.
BTW–I actually took my own advice about the book I’d take with me on a space flight, and I bought Bradbury Stories: 100 of His Most Celebrated Tales last night. It’s about 20 hours of reading–not the longest book in the world, but good fiction. I wasn’t able to find a complete collection.
I might try your suggestion, Lord of the Rings, one of these days.