Amelia 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 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:
Climb
by Amelia
It was my first trip to New Mexico and my uncle promised me an easy hike as part of my vacation. Knowing his normal hikes, I was certain his definition of easy and mine were vastly different, but I wasn’t going to pass up a chance to spend time with one of my dad’s brothers. Being with them was like being with him, something I sorely missed.
I had the early morning news on in my hotel room as I packed my bag for the day. The drone of the reporter the perfect background noise as I struggled to keep my eyes open. It was early but my uncle said we had a drive before we reached the National Park. He wanted to be there for when the park opened, which meant an early morning. I tossed my National Park Stamp Book into my bag and zipped it closed.
Picking up my tablet I sat down at the little table in my room to read and drink my weak hotel room coffee. I had done my research on some of the national parks in the area and was looking forward to visiting at least one of them. My uncle wouldn’t tell me which one we were going to hike.
I was just getting into my book when my uncle texted in a vague way like my father:
Are you ready to see flora, some fauna, and learn some history?
I climbed into the car ready for whatever the day held.
