Diane Selby 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:
Little Dog – Big City
by Diane Selby
Ziggy was sorry he’d pulled away from Angeline on their way to her son’s first recital, but the delicious smells permeating the big city overwhelmed him. Now lost, he found himself wandering aimlessly, and he’d gotten no tasty treats. Twice, he’d become awkwardly tangled up in his loose leash. He missed home, friendly Main Street, and the pizzeria’s meat pies.
Suddenly, he was yanked to a halt and lifted up by a large man. Scared, Ziggy tried desperately to wriggle away.
“Wait!” It was Angeline’s voice.
“Sorry, you’ll need to pick him up from the pound,” the man stated.
“Please,” Angeline began.
“No exceptions.”
Angeline couldn’t miss her son’s show. Ziggy saw the sparkly light from her fingertips and knew something was going to happen. It always did.
A woman screamed as a massive wolf dog hybrid bounded up the street.
In a split second, the dog-catcher shoved Ziggy into her arms, muttering, “It’s your lucky day.”
Angeline kissed the little, white dog’s head and briskly walked away. Upon turning the corner, she snapped her fingers, and the wolf dog disappeared, leaving the man and a bunch of by-standers confused.
They arrived at the theater on time. Ziggy’s body thrummed with anticipation as the lights lowered, and Danny wheeled himself center stage. He began playing the violin; the space swelling with beautiful music.
During the final applause, Ziggy raced on stage and jumped onto Danny’s lap. Ziggy ignored the audience’s laughter, he was reveling in ear scratching at its best.
