Lynn Sheridan is the Readers’ Choice in this week’s Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge. The winning entry is decided by the popular vote and rewarded with a special feature here today. (In the case of a tie, the writer who submitted an entry first is the winner per our rules.) Without further ado, here’s the winning story:
Beyond
by Lynn Sheridan
The door crashed open as Bobby burst onto the front porch. He buttoned up his jeans and leapt down the steps. The soft ground squelched between his toes as he raced towards the river.
A woman with dishevelled hair wrapped in a sheet hurried onto the porch and called after him. “HEY! HE’S JUST A BOY.”
Bobby waved his hand dismissively. He didn’t have time for this, the Sheriff was closing in. He bent down and scooped up a crumpled green bill. A trail of bank notes led down to the river. He squeezed the bill in his fist, before throwing it away.
His jeans darkened as they absorbed the morning dew. He skidded to a halt when the trail ended. The river rumbled past, shimmering in the morning sun. Goosebumps swept across his bare chest as a cool wind whipped through the long grass.
“JIMMY.” He watched and waited.
A small mop of blond hair popped up beside the river. Jimmy waved, beckoning him to follow.
Bobby ran towards him, sinking into the marsh surrounding the river. He squinted as the sun bounced off ripples and eddies, blinding him.
“Hey, Mister.”
“Jimmy!” He waded towards the boy, glancing at the empty burlap bag resting on the reeds. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Jimmy grinned and held up a green paper boat. “This paper folds good.”
Bobby eyed the boat, before turning his gaze to the river as a fleet of hundred dollar bills sailed away.
Congrats on your win!