Mary Kay Bonfante 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:
Ash
by Mary Kay Bonfante
The Clark fire left the Watts’ home in ashes. There was almost nothing left, except for some of the plumbing, kitchenware and some keepsakes. Even some of the pipes actually melted in the intense heat.
The Watts were able to retrieve their fine silverware, three stone sculptures to restore, two brass bookends that were wedding presents, an iron skillet and some gold and silver jewelry. It was amazing that the items hadn’t been stolen.
Stan and Laura Watts slept side by side on adjacent shelter cots, with their three children very close. Their dog was in a pen, nearby.
“I’m sure glad we escaped!” said Stan Jr., age 12, “Mommy almost didn’t make it home in time to leave with us.”
“I wonder where she went? Why would she come home instead of running away from wherever she was?” asked 11-year-old Suzie.
“To make sure we got out, silly,” answered Stan Jr.
“But where did Mommy go?” asked five-year-old Charlie, “She was gone a long time that day.”
“Remember how she went to divorce court to meet Dad?” said Stan Jr., “She was crying. She didn’t want to go. I wonder why she had all our picture albums already in the car.”
“Maybe she thought she might not come back,” said Suzie.
“They came back together because of this fire!” concluded Charlie.
“I wonder who started it,” said Stan Jr.
“Hush, children,” said Mrs. Watts, “People are sleeping.”
Congratulations Mary Kay
Another great story
Cheers
Thank you, Rutger, kind of you to say so! I don’t know if you saw the note I added on to your win of 5/12/19, it was regarding a sci-fi story you wrote about two weeks later. Although you didn’t win that one, I had to let you know that I found it tremendously entertaining. It was about the “Galactic Peeps.” I don’t know whether or not you saw my comment.
The same thing happened again, about two weeks ago, except I couldn’t add another comment there, as the comments were closed. You had written a poem called “I Climbed the Great Pyramid,” and although it obviously fit into the 250 words, it had the feeling of a sweeping, epic poem. I didn’t understand all the historical references, but I did get some of them. It had a beautiful air of mystery. I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t have any way of reaching you. So now you know!
Mary Kay,
Thank you kindly for your message.
I didn’t know you left a message about “The Galactic Peeps”. I went back to read it just now. Thanks so much. Writing is often a lonely activity, so it’s always great to get some feedback. Glad the story gave you a few chuckles.
Regarding “I Climbed the Great Pyramid Today”. The poem actually includes a lot of information that has been gleaned by researchers over the years. Just the background information contained in the poem would keep you busy reading for many hours.
Again, thanks for your kind words.
Cheers.
Hi Rutger,
So glad you appreciated my messages. Very interesting, about the background on your poem! I didn’t realize it was based on actual research, although that explains why I didn’t understand some of the historical references. I don’t know which great pyramid it’s about, but your poem might be a nice addition to an exhibit of the research, if it’s ever displayed in a more public forum.
Cheers to you, too!