Short Story
#34 – Beehive
The House Mouse paused. The long grass around him was sighing and rustling as he gazed up through the forest of green leaves. So close.
The hum of the swarm shook the air: a cloud of insects flitting to and fro, journeying to distant flowers. They wouldn’t see him, surely? Not a tiny mouse like him,…
The honey dripped down the white paint: a golden stream overflowing to the soil below.
“Where do you think you’re going?” The Bee was bent double with age, its forelegs crossed over its sting.
The mouse pouted and turned away from the guard.
“Nowhere.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Karsten Wurth Via Unsplash.
A big thank you to Aaron Robshaw for today’s word. Aaron is an expert on armor and leather work. He combines bespoke crafting of armour for re-enactments and collectors with leather work for motorbikes. You can discover the latter by clicking here.
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See you tomorrow for “Illuminated”!
#33 – Petrichor
The sky was purple,… no,… not sky,…
Emma sat up a moment, the sleeping bag bunching down around her waist. She let the ghosts of her dreams dissolve, clearing her mind and letting it drift towards memories of the night before.
She smiled.
She fell back, breathing in the scent of pine needles and dew. A wind was tapping against the edge of the tent and she drew her breath in time with the swelling fabric.
“Yes.”
Emma laughed, arching her back and screaming into the sky as she lifted her hand, the engagement ring shining.
“Yes! Yes! YES!!!!”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Jet van der Wouden via Unsplash.
Today’s Story was inspired by Author, Oregonian and Coffee Addict Erin Ritch. You can read her marvellous blog at nowyverns.com and tweet her @Eritch324. Thanks Erin!
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See you tomorrow for “Beehive”!
#30 – Window
Stephen pressed ten fingers to the glass, his breath frosting a small circle as his face sank ever closer. Someone was talking to him. A nurse, he thought. He didn’t care.
For so much of his life he’d drifted: aimless in his passage from one job to the next. One failed relationship followed another – a ship without power or purpose, blown on the wind. Finally life mattered. Beyond the glass she lay: swaddled in an incubator, tiny and useless.
“She will need constant care for the rest of her life.”
He didn’t know why the nurse looked so sad. To Stephen, his daughter was perfect.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Alexander Lam via Unsplash.
Today’s one word title was donated by Sue McCormick: Actress, Playwright and Activist. She’s also pretty darn awesome in pretty much every way. She wrote this, among her other works http://www.whatsonstage.com/lancaster-theatre/reviews/10-2013/no-fat-juliets-lancaster_32214.html.
If you’re enjoying these stories, check out Chapter One of “The Santa Beneath the Ice” FREE by clicking the banner to the side.
And keep your one word titles coming in! Pop your suggestion in the comments section below or tweet it to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
See you tomorrow for “SmegForBrains”,… I’m told, by the person suggesting it, that it’s a real word. Considering his name is Danny John-Jules, I’m inclined to believe him!
#28 – Monolith
Danny slammed his foot to the wall, the sole of his shoe scraping the surface into dust as he leapt across the overpass and fell.
His hands struck out, clutching a metal railing: his chest crashed against the concrete wall with a cracking thud. Breathless, he hung there, his eyes closed as he felt only air beneath his feet. Behind him he could hear the jeers and laughter of the Hammond boys, watching from the balcony of the tower block. They wanted him to fall.
They wanted him to fall every time he came home from school.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of André Sanano via Unsplash.
A big thank you to award winning and best selling author Jonathan Maberry for suggesting the title of today’s story. Jonathan has done it all: novel writer, editor and comic book writer for both Marvel and Dark Horse,… he’s also a Doctor Who fan, which really puts him in my good books!
You can find out more about him at www.jonathanmaberry.com and catch him on twitter @JonathanMaberry.
If you have a one word title you’d like me to turn into a story, tweet me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory. Don’t forget to follow the blog and like the OWOS Facebook page by clicking here.
Read more stories on the site – there are 27 more! Enjoy and share the stories about and I’ll see you tomorrow for “Violin”.
#26 – Lollard
Francis placed the quill carefully into the ink, sighing as he watched the dying fire crack and spit. He barely saw the dim glow of the flames. He looked through them at the days ahead: at what needed to be done.
There was a cry from the street outside and Francis flinched, his heart thundering as he stood and peered through the glass.
“What are you doing?”
Francis knew the voice behind him. It purred in refined malice. Rage dissolved to terror as he heard the soldiers file in. The book was still open.
“I’m telling the truth, your worship.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Martin Kníže via Uplash.
Today’s title was suggested by Playwright and Screenwriter Max Gee – writer of Tales of Bacon, a YouTube comedy that you can watch for free here. You can tweet Max @MaxGee1284.
Keep your one word titles coming in! Pop your suggestion in the comments section below or tweet it to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
If you’re enjoying these flash fiction stories, check out Chapter One of “The Santa Beneath the Ice” FOR FREE by clicking the banner to the side.
See you tomorrow for “Crepuscular”!
#25 – Onesie
Maria peered down into the fridge, her finger slipping easily through the icing of the birthday cake. Her mouth curled up gently as she smoothed the mark flat.
“Soon.”
Drawing out a fresh bottle of Prossecco, she kicked the door closed and brushed down her rabbit-eared Onesie with a smile. Oven on, toys wrapped: everything was ready.
Three more bottles sat empty on coffee table. The hissing from the open oven door calmed her nerves and Maria yawned as she returned to the couch. Again she read the greetings cards scattered on the floor.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Michał Parzuchowski via Uplash.
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Today’s word is the second suggested by Dr. Abby Astle who I’m sure was expecting a cheery tale. There’s not so much drama in a cheery tale. Sorry Abby.
If you want to join in and suggest your own word, pop it in the comments below or tweet it to @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
See you tomorrow for “Lollard”. Oh, and come back a little later today for a surprise!!
#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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#23 – Seasick
“Oh! Isn’t it beautiful?” Anna squeezed her husband’s hand, her golden hair whipping in the sea breeze as the cruise liner rocked gently through the Pacific blue. The sun was a perfect orb against the glimmering horizon. Blue met blue, the clean salt air filling the newly-wed’s lungs and setting her spirit soaring. She shivered as a drop of liquid brushed her cheek. “We’d better get in – it’s starting to rain.”
Ten year old Kevin wasn’t having a good time on the deck above. Leaning over the edge, he retched again, wiping the edge of his green, vomit-stained mouth.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Clem Onojeghuo via Uplash
Today’s title was suggested by the beautiful Vicki Oliver – Actress, reader and artist! You can find some of her work with candles at waxandwooduk.com. Please share the blog and this story on Facebook and Twitter 
Today’s story is dedicated to the memory of the enormously talented Victoria Wood who died today. God bless and keep you, Victoria. RIP.
Please continue to share and support the blog by suggesting words and telling your friends. If you want to donate a word, tweet me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
See you tomorrow for “Breath”
#22 – Tea
The air swam with the scent of Rose Water and Jasmine, a million aromas spiralling on the breeze. The lush green rows of the plantation bathed in the Indian sun, a hundred pairs of feet sinking into the fertile dirt. Madhu smiled at the day, snatching leaftips from each bush and watching the women toiling the field. Beside her strode an English girl, her pale skin pinking in the sun. Madhu grinned across.
“Remind me” she asked, “What brought you to India, Katie?”
The English girl stroked the swastika tattoo on her wrist, her reply shy and quiet.
“I ran away.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Photo by Henry & Co. on Unsplash
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Today’s word was suggested by the wonderful Devika Fernando – best-selling romance and paranormal fiction author and hugely generous friend of OWOS project. You can find her at devikafernando.com or on Twitter at @Author_Devika
Devika suggested her word by tweeting me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory. I welcome new suggestions: what will yours be?
I’ll see you back here tomorrow for “Seasick”!
#21 – Coincidence
“Jane! Fancy meeting you here,…”
Sincerity was never one of Jack’s strong points. Jane’s cheeks flushed pink in embarrassment, her teeth clenching tight.
“Jack.”
“Won’t you introduce me to your male friend?” He laboured the word male, balancing it like a dagger and twisting it just as hard. His eyes were a mix of amusement and malice as he turned his gaze to Jane’s date. There was a pause.
“…. Steven.”
Jane’s brow furrowed as she followed her ex husband’s eyes. Stephen was shifting in his seat, eyes locking to Jack’s. He choked a yearning whisper.
“I’ve missed you.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo picture courtesy of Henry Fournier via Uplash.
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Today’s word was suggested by the magnificently named Yvonne Battle-Fenton – writer and co-producer at The Story in Lancaster and Off The Page. You can find her on Twitter @YBattleFelton.
Yvonne suggested her word by tweeting me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory. You can too! Please do.
See you tomorrow for “Tea”
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