Alyssa Devine 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:
Kiva
by Alyssa Devine
“Carlos. Carlos! You know him. He’s the guy who’s been helping us on the architectural dig at the kivas used by the ancestral Puebloans. He was pushing a wheelbarrow toward the entrance of one yesterday when he dislodged a large stone. It dropped close to where he was standing. Later, he became dizzy and couldn’t work. It was really strange. According to his wife, the guy’s never been sick a day in his life.”
“So, what happened, Rebecca?”
“Well, she took him to the doctor, but he couldn’t find a thing wrong.”
“What’s he gonna do now?”
“Here’s where it gets really strange. One of the native Indians working with us suggested that if he isn’t feeling better by tomorrow, we should take him to the local medicine man and offer gifts to Father and Mother Earth.”
The man said nothing.
“I know that look,” she said. “You find it all very amusing, don’t you?”
“I didn’t say anything,” he replied, chagrined.
“Okay, then. What do you think about this? Every weekend, some people get together and read from a book that includes a tale about a burning bush, a story about walls that fell from the sound of trumpets, and prayers for rain. Do you find them strange?”
Her companion raised his arms in surrender. “You’re right. Who am I to judge?”
“Indeed,” she said. “Now, the least you can do is keep your opinions to yourself, especially given Carlos has nothing to lose at this point!”
Hooray for you and Alyssa! Another victory. Congratulations.
Congratulations.