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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32 responses to “In And Out On The Radio #flashfiction”

  1. Heard on the Radio « Carrot Ranch Literary Community avatar

    […] In And Out On The Radio by Hugh W. Robeerts […]

  2. Charli Mills avatar

    Yes! It can be done after all. I love the play on “coming out.” It’s both playful and yet empowering, Hugh.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.’

  3. dgkaye avatar

    That was just too clever for the prompt! :) x

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Why, thank you, Debby.

  4. Robert Matthew Goldstein avatar

    Bravo Hugh. Nice setup for the twist.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Rob. Glad you enjoyed it.

      1. Robert Matthew Goldstein avatar

        You packed a lot into a very short story. I very much enjoyed it. :)

  5. Aimer Boyz avatar
    Aimer Boyz

    LOL! Love it. As always, with your writing, I did not see that last line coming :) Perfect!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      That’s good to hear. Thanks so much, Aimer.

  6. Jacquie Biggar avatar

    Great foreshadowing, Hugh! I imagine it was an incredibly hard decision on Juliet’s part.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Yes, I expect it was, Jacquie. It took me back to how difficult it was for me when I cam out.

  7. D. Avery @shiftnshake avatar

    Ha! Well played, from the child’s misconception to the adult’s stepping up and out.

  8. TanGental avatar

    Perfect… never saw that twist. Well done, you trickster!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
  9. Robert avatar

    Great beginning to an awesome story. Where will it lead? Reality or fantasy? A blend of both?

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you. I think this is all reality, although the beginning may have looked a little like fantasy.

  10. JT Twissel avatar

    Cute twist! Mother was wrong!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Yes, without knowing what she was actually saying.

  11. Dan Antion avatar

    That’s great, Hugh. Nice job.

  12. willowdot21 avatar

    Brilliant Hugh, a double twist 💜

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you, Willow. Not often I do a double twist.

      1. willowdot21 avatar

        But you do it so well 💜

  13. Chel Owens avatar

    Great use of a double-meaning.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Chelsea. I had some fun with this one.

  14. Marje @ Kyrosmagica avatar

    This was great Hugh. Love it!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Marje. I’ve not participated in the 99-word flash fiction challenge for quite some time. It’s good to be back here.

      1. Marje @ Kyrosmagica avatar

        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!

  15. Liesbet @ Roaming About avatar

    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.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

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