April 29, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase, “hit the road, Jack.” You can interpret the phrase any way you like — road trip, goodbye, or story. Go where the prompt leads!
Flash Jacks – by Hugh W. Roberts
I boarded the bus to London with my whole life in a black bin bag and met the driver’s piercing blue eyes and incredible smile.
“Ticket, please,” said the owner.
It was love at first sight. The badge on his shirt told me we had the same name – ‘Jack.’
‘Hit the road, Jack. Take us to our ‘together’ future,’ I said without speaking.
For the next incredible seven months, we were lovers.
On the day of my death, ‘Hit the road, Jack‘ were the last words he screamed at me before possessiveness forced him to mow me down.
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.
Click on the image to check out my first post, How Blogging and Rod Serling Helped Me Conquer Dyslexia, on my new column at the Carrot Ranch.
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Hugh's Views & News 
I love the dark side…..😬
Thanks, Gloria. The green-eyed monster is something I’ve encountered and always ran away from fast.
I was not expecting that ending. Knowing you, it’s probably meant to be a little funny, after all, dead Jack did hit the road. Sorry for your loss, Jack.
Such an unfortunate prompt for this piece of flash from me, Marsha. You know me. I usually go down the dark side when writing these pieces.
It was definitely unfortunate for Jack. The other Jack turned out not to be such a good guy. It wasn’t funny, but knowing that you love to write a little on the dark side, it was a little bit like Kenny in South Park. “They killed Kenny, the bastards.” That was sort of the feeling I got. Jack will be back in the next episode and he’ll still be bugging Jack – the bastard. 🙂 Pardon my South Park language. Our cat loves South Park and has gotten me to start watching it with him. LOL
I remember South Park, although I have not seen it for a long time. There are no plans for the two ‘Jacks’ in this piece of flash to be coming back, although I did take the idea for the flash from a novel I’ve been writing for the last nine years, which is unfinished.
That’s interesting, Hugh. I have a few of those novels – unfinished! BTW have you ever written a novel with anyone – a collaborative project. I thought this month’s Story Chat was fabulous because through the discussion it developed a sweet romance into something that could easily become a drama with lots of meat. I don’t know, just another brainstorm. 🙂
No, I’ve never written a novel with anyone else, Marsha. I’d have to think long and hard about it first. However, my first collection of short stories, Glimpses, contains a family drama in four parts. It’s a murder mystery and got a lot of great feedback in the reviews.
It’s just another one of my crazy brainstorms, Hugh. You know me. I can’t stop thinking. 🙂
I love the dark, twisted ending. I love writing those as well.
I love your pieces of flash fiction with twists. I’ve enjoyed reading them.
Thank you. I have enjoyed challenging myself with writing them.
Omg, you took a sweet love story and put the Hugh Roberts stamp on the end, lol, good one! xxx
Thank you, Debby. I blame those prompt words from Charli for the ending.
LOL 🙂 xx
Hugh, great use of a memory to forge a flash with an unforgettable ending.
Thank you, Charli. The bones of this piece of flash are true, but the flesh is all made up (thank goodness).
Oh dear. Jack did hit the road. Not a good ending at all.
For him, no. Some emotions bring out the worst in us.
They do. Others bring out the best.
Another uplifting little romance. You old softie
I know. I think I’m getting a little too soft with some of the endings.
Dark Hugh But Jack hit the road hard.
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Laugh because… Why not??
And hopefully didn’t know anything about it?
That’s a dramatic way to end a relationship!
Isn’t it? I guess some emotions take some to make extreme decisions.
Wow, a typical Hugh story… lol!!
I know. I couldn’t help it. Once I saw the prompt words, I knew where Jack was going.
His fate because of you writing the story 😂
So it really should be hit the Jack, Road!
I guess so, but I’m not sure how the road would have responded to that questions.
Wow, dark Mr Roberts. Very good.
Thanks, Paul. I tend to go down the dark track with my writing. Not all the time, but I enjoy those trips more than anything else.
Nice. Hit the road, with a little help from twelve tons of bus!
Without realising it, he had the weapon in his hands most days.
Hit the road Jack, indeed, Hugh, lol! Gotta watch out for those bus drivers 😁
Yes, especially the possessive ones who don’t want to let go, Terri.
Love the dark twist at the end, Hugh.
Thanks, Cathy.
Eeek that’s a twist Hugh 💜
Good. You know how much I like my twists, Willow.
Yes Hugh we do 💜💜