Deborah Goulding 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:
I Can’t Hear You
by Deborah Goulding
Where does her journey start or end? Rachel had not wanted to explore this dry, dirty, unappealing area. Desolate and stillness. Though, her doctor suggested she take a drive out here, comparing this scenery with what she prefers, a cool sandy beach, rushing waters, forward and back, never still, never taking a break. This is out of her comfort zone. It’s an attempt to rationalize thoughts, and learn how to exercise self control. She is surrounded by these ugly steel satellite receivers.
This first exercise is to stare outward. Keeping her mind silent, with no thoughts allowed for five minutes. After, Rachel says out loud, “I wish to be heard, I have so much to say, it’s lonely here. Can those dishes hear me?” Taking a deep breath in, she has clarity. No need to suppress my thoughts. She already knows there are too many folks who are unsure of what to say. “I will say all I want, to whomever I want. I will not be silenced!” Feeling a sense of calm, knowing full well she doesn’t need to conform.
