Leland Dirks Wins Flash Fiction Challenge

Leland Dirks is the readers’ choice in this week’s Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge.

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:

The Blue Sprite’s Warning
by Leland Dirks

Legend tells of a blue sprite, hiding amongst the fireflies, granting wishes to those brave enough to ask.

Little George Miller needed a wish fulfilled, for the rent was due, and there was no silver to pay it. He waited at the waterfall, where the fireflies came at night. As the shadows lengthened, he saw it: A tiny blue light dancing with the gold.

“Yes?” a soft voice spoke to him.

George cleared his throat. “I need a wish, please.”

“Wishes are not free, you know.”

“I’ll pay…”

The blue light circled George, appraising him.

“What is your wish?”

“Grandfather needs silver to pay the rent.”

The blue sprite glowed brightly.

“It is done. When he checks his purse in the morning, he will find more than enough to pay the rent.”

“Just like that?”

“Just like that. Now, I must collect my price.”

George gulped, then asked, “What must I pay?”

“You will never see your grandfather again. Or rather, he will never know you.”

George’s eyes filled with tears. “But…”

“I am weary. So many ask so much. You will take my place.”

Little George watched the sprite’s blue fade to gold, and he felt himself shrinking, yet growing wings.

The now-gold sprite called as she flew away, “Remember that it’s okay to tell them ‘no.’”

And that is how Grandfather Miller came to be followed by a weeping blue sprite, and why the fireflies light his humble home, and why his purse is never empty.