S. B. Smith 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:
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Not What It Seems
by S. B. Smith
I stand in the kitchen, watching in absolute disbelief as the door to my apartment is torn from its hinges like paper from a notebook. There, standing in what’s left of the splintered jamb, the hulking silhouette of an ancient beast. Its massive shoulders raise and lower with each phlegmy gurgle of breath.
My eyes flick towards the orange bottle on the kitchen counter. The dim glow that had started to emanate has now been replaced by a faint pulsing. Not rapid, but the glow is slowly fading in and out. Without hesitation, I take the bottle in my hand and unscrew the cap.
The floor quivers with each pounding step as the beast tears through the doorway. Its snarls are low and visceral; like an animals, yet, unlike. Furniture is tossed aside with little effort as it crosses the living room. Two close-set eyes bear down on me like binary stars, reflecting the faint light of the halogen bulbs above.
Without a thought, I put the bottle to my lips. The liquid within is tart and warm, instantly reminding me of something from my youth. My gag reflex instantly kicks in, and I am unable to suppress it enough to get the fluid down.
Liquid bursts forth from my mouth in a veritable explosion just as the beast approaches, showering him in the spray. Its grey flesh begins to smolder where the fluid makes contact; the creature writhing in pain.
I hold the bottle up before my eyes.
“Tang!”
Excellent choice! The writing is very sharp with hardly a wasted word.
Thanks! I enjoyed this one, and many of the other entries as well!
I meant to do this sooner. Congrats! You had a great story and a great one in this flash challenge as well. Good luck. I hope your’s gets picked.
Well done. Love the ending. 🙂