September 10, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes something heard on the radio. It can be from any station or era. What is heard? A song, announcement, ad? Think of how radion connects people and places. Go where the prompt leads!
In And Out On The Radio – by Hugh W. Roberts
“Hello,” said Juliet, knocking the side of the ostentatious object, “Who’s in there?”
“Come away,” demanded her mother.
“But how can all those people be in there? Why don’t they come out?”
“Don’t be silly! They can’t come out. They’re not inside the radio. They’re broadcasting from the BBC.”
“I want to broadcast from the BBC and come out on the radio,” demanded Juliet.
***
Forty-one years later.
“Today on BBC Radio 4, we’re interviewing actress, Juliet Greenwood,” announced the radio presenter. “Good morning, Ms Greenwood. Are the rumours true?”
“Yes, they are,” declared the radio soap opera star. “I’m gay.”
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.
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Yes! It can be done after all. I love the play on “coming out.” It’s both playful and yet empowering, Hugh.
Thank you, Charli. This wasn’t my original piece for the challenge, but I enjoyed writing it and thought it deserved showcasing. Now, on to thinking about ‘mice.’
That was just too clever for the prompt! :) x
Why, thank you, Debby.
Bravo Hugh. Nice setup for the twist.
Thanks, Rob. Glad you enjoyed it.
You packed a lot into a very short story. I very much enjoyed it. :)
LOL! Love it. As always, with your writing, I did not see that last line coming :) Perfect!
That’s good to hear. Thanks so much, Aimer.
Great foreshadowing, Hugh! I imagine it was an incredibly hard decision on Juliet’s part.
Yes, I expect it was, Jacquie. It took me back to how difficult it was for me when I cam out.
Ha! Well played, from the child’s misconception to the adult’s stepping up and out.
Thank you.
Perfect… never saw that twist. Well done, you trickster!
Thank you, Geoff.
Great beginning to an awesome story. Where will it lead? Reality or fantasy? A blend of both?
Thank you. I think this is all reality, although the beginning may have looked a little like fantasy.
Cute twist! Mother was wrong!
Yes, without knowing what she was actually saying.
That’s great, Hugh. Nice job.
Thanks, Dan.
Brilliant Hugh, a double twist 💜
Thank you, Willow. Not often I do a double twist.
But you do it so well 💜
Great use of a double-meaning.
Thanks, Chelsea. I had some fun with this one.
This was great Hugh. Love it!
Thanks, Marje. I’ve not participated in the 99-word flash fiction challenge for quite some time. It’s good to be back here.
Yes, I’ve just joined in too. I try to from time to time. Just back to work today – part-time for now. I’ve been furloughed for ages, totally felt like I was a new employee today!
Aha! Coming out of the radio instead of out of the closet! :-) Now, was her name Juliet or Julia? I’m still in my “help an author” mode, Hugh, as there seems to have been a little,slip-up.
My partner literally told me about that mistake a minute before your comment came through, Liesbet. Thanks for pointing it out. I have a friend called Julia and had been talking to her when I wrote this post yesterday. So I’m blaming her.