Tag Archives: #flashfiction

Please Stay

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Take a moment during the holidays to remember the dedicated individuals, past and present, who risked their lives to protect our freedom. War is not something we seek, however, there are times it is necessary. In those times you rose to the challenges and because of your sacrifices we live and celebrate our own beliefs freely.

Soldiers departing from London, Ontario, heading to fight in World War I. During the First and Second World Wars
soldiers were transported to the point of departure for Europe by train. — CP Rail Archives. 

“Please Stay!” she pleaded.
Her Soldier, waving goodbye, unable to comprehend
her words above the din of Union Station.

Week #241 of Sammi Cox’s Weekend Writing Prompt.
Word: Din, Count: 19

Photo credit: Canadian Pacific Railways Archives

Copyright 2021 Greg Glazebrook, All Rights Reserved.

No Fair!

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The fair maiden Billie had worked all summer in anticipation of the last week of September. She loved autumn, awash in vivid colour and fair weather. More than anything she longed to show off her fair haired mare. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a normal year, the County Fair had been cancelled due to the ongoing global pandemic.

“It just isn’t fair!” Billie cried. “Unlike Sadie last year, we’d have taken the first place ribbon, fair and square!

Written for GirlieOnTheEdge’s Six Sentence Stories challenge.
Word Prompt: Fair

Photo credit: Adobe Stock.

Copyright 2021 Greg Glazebrook, All Rights Reserved.

The Final Curtain

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Standing backstage she shone like a star despite a tear falling from her eye.

The colours of her pavonine costume, iridescent in the dim light of the corridor.

 The music from the orchestra building towards imminent climax.

It was almost time to walk out on that stage for the final curtain just like it had happened a thousand nights before…

The crowd would go wild. Her transformation from child to woman to goddess complete.

Except, this time there was no tomorrow.

Week #240 of Sammi Cox’s Weekend Writing Prompt.
Word: Pavonine, Count: 81

Photo credit: Magaret Jaszowska via Unsplash.

Copyright 2021 Greg Glazebrook, All Rights Reserved.

Insider Trading

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Most everyone has seen me on CNN’s investing segment. A successful investor who built an empire through sound investing decisions. Many follow my investing advice by reading my syndicated column published daily in countless newspapers or through my weekly investing podcast. For many, my philanthropic foundation and the work it does has touched their communities and families.

This story isn’t about any of that; this is the untold story of how it all came to be. It really should have been episode one of the podcast except that what I am about to disclose can never be documented, anywhere, ever. We are all haunted by a past and exposing mine would unravel all the good that has been accomplished since. Continue reading →

Relics

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My Mom passed away about a month ago and now the task of combing through a lifetime of memories waits around every corner of my childhood home.

After Dad’s passing several years ago I’d catch my Mom stopping in the places he would occupy just to breathe in his scent, talk to him, and be near him through the things he loved.

A mix of heartache and nostalgia, longing for the days he’d surprise her with a new vase full of flowers, a trinket she’d display proudly on a shelf, or a note he’d penned just for her.

Every piece collected and cared for with sentimental value that far outstripped each object’s worldly worth.

To most, including my brother, nothing more than junk; relics from a bygone era that with the exception of a few treasures will end up on the shelves of secondhand stores or in landfill.

It’s less simple for me, I see Mom and Dad and my youth in these objects and I can’t help but imagine what my children will think ‘someday’ as they sift through the remains of my life.

Written for GirlieOnTheEdge’s Six Sentence Stories challenge.
Word Prompt: Junk

Photo credit: Siora Photography via Unsplash.

Copyright 2021 Greg Glazebrook, All Rights Reserved.

New Hope

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Adam awoke from cryostasis; Eva and their children had not survived the journey.

Eight centuries and sixty-seven years had passed since New Hope catapulted into the cold vacuum of space, towards a new home.

Humanity lost, Adam walked to the edge of Canis Major, the Great Dog Sea, and undeniably knew what it meant to be alone.

Written for Week 306 of Sonya’s Three Line Tales challenge. Photo credit: Joshua Earle via Unsplash.
Copyright 2021 Greg Glazebrook, All Rights Reserved.

A Salty Situation

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Saturday morning Nathaniel asked me to make up a story for him. He is fascinated with the idea of imagination so I suggested that we write one together. He loved the idea and asked if we could write one about a train. Of course, as a five year old he had to be in the story. Here’s what we came up with. Hope you enjoy it.

Simon, a freight engine who proudly wore the #23 on his side was racing to Waterloo station to pick up his friend, Nathaniel. They were headed to the oceanside for the day. Nathaniel loved the beach. It would be Simon’s first time. He had never ridden the seaside route before.

Simon was not sure he’d like the sea air. The other engines teased him before leaving. They said the ocean would rust his wheels. He would end up wrecked like the steel ships sunken in the harbour. Continue reading →

Lola

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Life was good. Exactly where she expected to be. Still, it could be monotonous. She’d head to the bright lights to let loose. A new canvas, whatever she wanted to be.

She watched him walk in from her vantage at the bar. Familiar, but not tonight.

“Lola.” she introduced herself.

“Bill.” he replied timidly.

“First time?” She queried. Tonight she’d eat him alive.

She’d step back into life before he woke and smile when he got home with breakfast.

Written for Week #238 of Sammi Cox’s Weekend Writing Prompt. (Word: Familiar, Count: 79)
Photo credit: cottonbro via Pexels.
Copyright 2021 Greg Glazebrook, All Rights Reserved.

Alternate Reality 5

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5: Reckoning

He is sitting at the table with his wife next to him. Sadie walks up from behind and leaning in whispers, “I remember what you did to me.”

His glass slips from his hand as she continues on a line. Looking back to see jets of red shoot across the white table. Her message delivered, like an arrow straight through the heart.

Standing at the end of the bar she watches as he slowly comes undone. Ready for the fight to come Sadie catches a glimpse in the mirror. She sees only herself looking back.

Part 4: Collision Course

Part 5 of 5
Part 1 originally written for Week #235 of Sammi Cox’s Weekend Writing Prompt. (Word: Mirror, Count: 95)
Background Photo: Pawel Czerwinski via Unsplash.
Copyright 2021 Greg Glazebrook, All Rights Reserved.

Alternate Reality 4

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4. Collision Course

She had planned for weeks, since the invitation arrived at the door. Her journey set on its final trajectory. Coming this far seemed impossible. Self-conscious, Sadie enters…

The space was surreal, marble columns, pastel accents throughout, the dull roar of countless conversations filling the air. Scanning she sees him. A shiver shoots through her.

It wasn’t too late; she could still turn back. “No!”, Sadie screamed beneath her breath, “How could I look in the mirror again.”

With purpose, she weaved through the crowded room, her realities together approaching from all sides. Trembling she approaches…

Part 3: Convergence

Part 5: Reckoning

Part 4 of 5
Part 1 originally written for Week #235 of Sammi Cox’s Weekend Writing Prompt. (Word: Mirror, Count: 95)
Background Photo: Pawel Czerwinski via Unsplash.
Copyright 2021 Greg Glazebrook, All Rights Reserved.