flash fiction blog
#29 – Violin
Mr. Funaki pinched his fingers so softly together, his wrist turning, the violin singing a long, fragile note that rang through the auditorium. His heart soared with every trill. His breath sighed and twisted at every gleaming, crystal-sharp echo that swept through his chest and swam high against the rafters. The instrument was perfect: its dance so delicate that the tiniest fracture would form in his mind and shine like the sun.
Tears stung his eyes as they flicked open, gazing at the silent instrument in its case. He lay his swollen, arthritic hands to his lap,… the memory fading away.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Providence Doucet via Unsplash
Today’s title was suggested by composer and violinist Adisha Kariyawasam. You can listen to some of his work on Soundcloud here. You can find him on Twitter at @adisha_kari.
Please explore the blog and read a few more stories. If you like them, share them. And if you want to suggest a one word story, tweet me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory now.
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#24 – Breath
I’m sure my eyes are open but,… No. Oh god, no! Please, PLEASE,.. no! Sadie!! Sadie, where are you?! I can’t,… the water,… shit,… it’s in my mouth,.. SADIE! Don’t talk: stay calm, reach out. God, the water! So cold, Jesus! I wasn’t driving fast,.. just a deer in the,…
The seatbelt won’t unlatch. It won’t,…. There she is,… oh God,… I can’t,… water over my eyes,… sinking,… sinking,…
I’m sorry, Sadie. For so much. I wish you could hear me. Don’t go. Please.
Squeeze my hand. It’ll be okay. I’m with you, Sadie. At least this time,…. I’m here,…
…
..
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Today’s word, “Breath” was suggested by the magnificent Mel Churcher who’s book, “A Screen Acting Workshop”, is my bible. Thank you for the word, Mel! You can buy the book here and follow her on Twitter @MelChurcher.
My very good friend Lorraine (who suggested “Ache”) is running the London Marathon on Saturday – please offer some support for Shelter, her chosen charity by clicking here: https://www.justgiving.com/Lori-Bannerman.
Please continue to suggest words by popping them in the comments or tweeting @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory. Share the story Facebook and Twitter, and come back tomorrow for “Onesie”!
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One Word, One Story 