Congrats to A.V. Carden, 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:
The Long Sleep
by A.V. Carden
The buffalo and the wolf regarded each other from a distance. Both were old, tired and alone since their respective packs had moved on without them.
He could see she was badly injured, her pain obvious as she limped across the snow covered ground. Their eyes locked and a look of mutual respect and understanding passed between them.
Old buffalo dropped heavily onto his knees and lay down. Swirls of snow covered him, cold seeped into his bones. He thought back to better times when he was young. He’d been the leader of the herd, the strongest bull who had sired many young. He had fed on the sweetest pastures and fought many battles; he’d been brave and fearless and had good, long life.
The she- wolf had reached him. There was a time, many moons ago, when she could have taken him in his weakened state. She would’ve shown no mercy and torn the warm flesh from his weakened body. Now though, she only licked his face and joined him on the ground, curling herself against his flank.
“Look old friend, our ancestors are here for us.”
He raised his eyes and peered through the driving snow. Lights of green, blue and gold flickered in waves across the darkened sky. Buffalo and wolves ran together as friends in the eerie glow.
A dog and a cow paused and beckoned them. Leaving their frozen carcasses behind, they rose with sublime lightness of being to join them in the eternal dance.
He could see she was badly injured, her pain obvious as she limped across the snow covered ground. Their eyes locked and a look of mutual respect and understanding passed between them.
Old buffalo dropped heavily onto his knees and lay down. Swirls of snow covered him, cold seeped into his bones. He thought back to better times when he was young. He’d been the leader of the herd, the strongest bull who had sired many young. He had fed on the sweetest pastures and fought many battles; he’d been brave and fearless and had good, long life.
The she- wolf had reached him. There was a time, many moons ago, when she could have taken him in his weakened state. She would’ve shown no mercy and torn the warm flesh from his weakened body. Now though, she only licked his face and joined him on the ground, curling herself against his flank.
“Look old friend, our ancestors are here for us.”
He raised his eyes and peered through the driving snow. Lights of green, blue and gold flickered in waves across the darkened sky. Buffalo and wolves ran together as friends in the eerie glow.
A dog and a cow paused and beckoned them. Leaving their frozen carcasses behind, they rose with sublime lightness of being to join them in the eternal dance.
Way to go, nicely done!
Thank you Ed I really appreciate that. I’m very happy. 🙂
Nicely done. Congrats!
Thank you so much Katy, that’s very kind of you. 🙂
This story really touched me. Well done, and congratulations.
Oh thank you so much ac, I’m delighted you enjoyed it. 🙂
I did. 🙂