May 16, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about when a newly released prisoner meets the disabled veteran who adopted the puppy the prisoner trained behind bars. The prompt is based on the short story I wrote for Marsha Ingrao’s Story Chat. Yes, rewrite my story in your words, 99, no more, no less. Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Buttercup – by Hugh W. Roberts
“Good to see you back, James.”
“Have I missed much?”
“Nothing, apart from the 100-year war. We’d have lost if it were not for the secret weapon you trained while away.”
“I thought I recognised her.”
“Why did you name it Buttercup?”
“The prisoner I shared a cell with had a pet by the same name. I thought it suited her.”
“As you can see, I lost an arm and leg, but not in the war. I volunteered to be Buttercup’s victim. Now, tell us the secrets you learned of the human race while in one of their prisons.
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright © 2022 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
Hugh's Views & News 
Intriguing story, Hugh. I’ve read through a few times and am not sure I get the detail, but I get the drift. Well done.
Thank you. Writing Charli’s story in 99-words was challenging for me, Norah. I found it very difficult but wanted to take a different route to that of most of the other responses. I’m glad I got through it, though.
You did well, Hugh.
Such an interesting prompt and story
Thank you.
Great twist to the story! When I think of Buttercup, I think of Princess Bride!
I’m not sure who or what Princess Bride is. Glad you liked the twist, though.
As usual you’ve taken this story above and beyond.
Thank you. I’m glad you think so. It was a tough challenge rewriting an 800-word story in only 99 words. But it was great fun.
You have the gift of turning any plot into sci-fi, Hugh! Love how your brain works. Once I scrolled and saw the image, I then imagined Buttercup to be a mean, fighting machine 😉
Sci-fi is my favourite genre, Terri, so I always feel safe and happy when writing it. This was a tough challenge, given we had to rewrite an 800-word short story using no more than 99 words. Great fun, though.
Fun indeed, Hugh!
Your story was so real, I felt like I could have been there listening to this conversation. I was confused about him being Buttercup’s victim. Did Buttercup bite off his arm and leg, or what happened? Loved the story. No horror, though. What’s up with that?
Thanks, Marsha. I enjoy writing dialogue stories.
Buttercup was the name James gave to the weapon he trained while in prison. Not necessary a dog, but a weapon that won his race the 100-year war they’d been involved in. They had to test the weapon out on somebody, hence the volunteer. This was more of a sci-fi story than a horror story.
How did I miss that? Wow, that puts a whole new spin on your story and makes it much more Hugh-like. 🙂
Given we had to write an 800-word story in 99 words, I’m not surprised you missed it, Marsha. My partner didn’t understand the story, but he never read Charli’s story either.
I don’t think someone would necessarily have to read Charli’s story but yours was more complex than some. 🙂 I would expect that from you, though, Hugh. 🙂
This was excellent, Hugh! I loved how you used the facts but changed the scene that Charli set. I had a much harder time changing the scene. ❤
It was a tough challenge, Colleen, but I enjoyed having a go. Well done for giving it a try. It really makes you cut back on all those redundant words.
And, it was difficult to change the story a bit to make it your own… You did fabulous!
Thank you, Colleen. I wanted to put a bit of me in the story, so I took the bones of Charli’s story and added a little bit of me into the mix.
Oooh interesting take, Hugh! I didn’t see that coming. KL ❤️
Thanks, KL. Turning Charli’s story into a sci-fi adventure was fun.