S. A. Molteni Wins Flash Fiction Challenge

Congratulations to S. A. Molteni whose entry won this week’s Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge.

The voter-selected story is recognized with a special feature here today and wins a place in our 2015 Flash Fiction Anthology, which will be published as an eBook when this year’s challenges are completed.

Without further ado, here’s the winning story:

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$26 Typo
by S. A. Molteni

George reached the office that he was certain still belonged to Mrs. Davis. Turning the doorknob as he knocked and slowly peeked in, he couldn’t wait to see her reaction.

“Can I help you?” an elderly man asked from behind a filing cabinet.

“Is Mrs. Davies in today?” George disappointedly questioned as he fumbled with the sign and the airport gift in his hands.

“Mrs. Davies no longer works here. What brings you here, son?”

“Well, I thought I would pay Mrs. Davies a visit since she was one of my favorite teachers in high school …” George stammered as he tried to make up a good lie.

“Wait, I remember you,” the old man exclaimed, “you’re George Smithfield from my English class a few years ago.”

The old man began to tremble – like Mrs. Davies had on the last day of school when George had told her what a witch she was for failing him in English.

Not graduating on time still angered George. But, in a stomach-churning change-of-heart, George realized that he had made a monumental mistake in coming back.

Regaining his composure, Mr. Davies calmly said, “I guess no one told you about my gender reassignment surgery.”

“Well, um, no,” George murmured as he desperately tried to hide the sign and the box containing the coffee mug engraved with “if the broom fits, ride it”.

Flush with embarrassment, he left the office. As the door closed, George could hear the wicked laughter.

He had failed again.