London, May 1965
All his fears had come true. Had it been worth it? Yes. But here it was splashed all over the front pages of every newspaper.
As a single, 33-year-old, man who had just been elected as a member of parliament, the woman he had slept with had done all the hard work in persuading him to have a sexual relationship with her. He wondered how long it would be before the police came to arrest him.
As he lay back on the bed, he questioned if there was a parallel universe where heterosexuality was not illegal.
Written in response to the 99-word flash fiction challenge with the theme of ‘splash’, hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Image Credit: Charli Mills
Click here to join hundreds of other writers who have taken up the challenge.
Note: The Sexual Offences Act 1967 is an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom (citation 1967 c. 60). It decriminalised homosexual acts in private between two men, both of whom had to have attained the age of 21.
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Hugh's Views & News 
Now there’s a thought, Hugh. I was surprised by the year, though. 🙂
1965 was the year before homosexuality was no longer a crime in the UK, Norah. If the guy in my story had waited another year, maybe he too would not have been arrested for being who he was. I got the idea for this piece of flash fiction from one of my short stories in my latest short story collection.
It’s amazing to think it was ever a crime, Hugh. So much has changed in our lifetimes, but there’s still a ways to go.
However, I think I’m still missing a nuance in your story, but that’s probably just my lack of comprehension ability. Have you simply turned the situation around?
Exactly, Norah. The story is set on a parallel Earth where the laws on homosexuality and heterosexuality have been switched. Charli’s 99-word allowance can sometimes be a real challenge, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. I like your comment as it tells me I didn’t quite get over what was happening. I need to tweak a few words to make it known exactly what is going on. If this story goes into my next collection, I’ll have more words to play with.
Maybe you did tell it well enough, Hugh. It might just have been my comprehension. I find the 99 words a challenge. It is good to have a few extras to play with. I can see it now that you tell me it’s set in a parallel universe. 🙂
Your feedback is excellent, though, Norah. It tells me that I need to tighten up my words and make more use of them. In fact, I appreciated the feedback you and your judges gave in the competition held at the Carrot Ranch last year. It was precious. I’ll be back to the 99-word challenge when I return from my blogging break.
I’m pleased you found it useful, Hugh. I have to tighten up my writing too. Sometimes it’s difficult to see the unnecessary and the missing necessary. Enjoy your blogging break! 🙂
I love stories that turn things upside down. You’re so good at that kind of twist, Hugh. The historic reference adds to it too. Enjoy your well deserved break. Hugs on the wing!
Thank you, Teagan. Although I’m on a blogging break until the end of July, I’ll still be catching up on your current fictional series ‘Brother Love’.
Well done, Hugh! How the world could be so different… Here or in an alternate universe. Or, in the future! Love it.
Yes, the littlest of change could make a huge difference, Liesbet. Your comment reminds me of the movie ‘The Butterfly Effect.’ If you’ve not seen it, I can recommend it to you.
Well done!
Thank you.
You’re welcome.
Well said Master Hugh 🙂 ❤
This is amazing Hugh. The perfect twist to wake us all up 💜💜💜
Thanks, Willow. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
See you tomorrow.
So excited Hugh, my quiet day and evening did not go at all to plan! But hey ho tomorrow is the blog 🥂🍾😆🎊🎉💜💜💜💜, looking forward to my hug 💜💜
I had to read that last sentence twice – nice twist, Hugh!
Thank you, Teri. I got the idea for the twist from one of the stories in More Glimpses.
Love this, Hugh. Great way to turn the tables, especially re the recent hate crime splashed over the media.
Yes, indeed, Anne. It saddens me to hear that people are still being attacked for being gay in the UK. If the tables could be turned on those who promote, act out and endorse hate crimes, I’m sure we would see a vast improvement in acceptance within society.
Your comment ended up in my WordPress spam folder. Not sure why, but if it’s happening to your comments on other blogs, it may be worth checking out with WordPress.
Wow, great use of reverse circumstances to carry the point in your story, Hugh. I often think that those who suffer from prejudice lack the imagination to think what it would be like in their own lives if the tables were turned. Well done!
Thank you, Charli. Given that June is also Pride month, I thought this was a good story to show. The idea came from one of the stories in my new short story collection.
Great story idea to make heteros understand better how discriminating this was.
Thank you, Erika. Yes, some of those who have never suffered discrimination have no real idea of how it can affect a person’s whole life. I’m just glad that the fight against discrimination of every kind, continues.
So am I, Hugh! I am a peaceful person but that is one kind of injustice which makes me really angry! How is anyone entitled to define which way to love is right or wrong.
Excellent story Hugh.
Thanks so much, Rob.
Excellent, Hugh.
Thanks, John.
What a great twist, Hugh! Have a great day!
Thanks, Terri. Hope you’re on the mend. Getting ready for the Bloggers Bash.
Excellent take, Hugh.
Thank you, Robbie.
Great story Hugh
Thank you, Ritu.