June 18, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that features a solstice. What is the era and setting? Use the solstice as a celebration, metaphor, or talking point. Go where the prompt leads!
Edge Of Summer – by Hugh W. Roberts
On the longest day of the year, his most prolonged problem was about to end.
Looking over the edge of the cliff, Adrian wondered if he could fly. After all, he was a little underweight, and although daylight had broken, nobody but his best friend would witness him flying.
At 04:31, his problem died when he took the final jump and placed his lips on the mouth of Richard.
As both young men enjoyed the moment, the butterflies in their stomachs did the flying.
The summer solstice of 2021 was the day they both came out to the world.
***
The summer solstice took place at 04:31 BST on June 21, 2021 in the United Kingdom.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.
Click on the ‘Diversity With A Twist’ image to read my post ‘How To Write Yourself Into A Piece Of Fiction Without Knowing It’ on my new column at the Carrot Ranch
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Hugh's Views & News 
You had me brilliantly poised on the edge of my seat. Wonderful writing Hugh.
Thank you, Ellen. I’ll be honest and say that this is one of my favourite writing pieces. I’m glad it came to me and that I went with it.
Awww. I was worried about that cliff for a minute. What a solstice to remember. 🙂
One they will never forget. Belated Happy solstice, Diana.
How exciting!
For the boys, yes.
Top shelf, Hugh.
Thanks, Doug.
Oh, Hugh, I was afraid of the leap at first. Magnifiscent!
I guess the saying ‘Look before you leap’ comes into play, Charli. I’m glad Adrian looked first.
Lovely!
Yes Hugh lovely story 💜
Thanks, Willow. Happy Pride. 🌈
And you too 🌈
And the solstice is memorable for more than one reason.
Indeed. The beginning of something is always a great point to tackle a problem.
Exactly!
What a fabulous way to step out into the world as their true selves. I love this. Great writing Hugh! I felt the empowerment and joy.
Aww, thank you, Rebecca. I’m glad you felt the joys of young love from these 99 words.
The cliffs and flying and long day all serve to show the tension and emotions for the main character, and the relief and triumph at the end.
My fingers are crossed that this is already a happy ending for Adrian.
Taking a leap into life.
Young love and summer, just seems to go together 🙂
Yes, they do, don’t they? I think the same thing about Christmas too.
Wow, that was beautiful. I had not expected this romantic way of flying. Very beautiful, Hugh!
Thank you, Erika. Written especially for Pride month.
I really love it, Hugh!
Beautiful! I wake up with the sun and this morning at 4:30 am, it was so bright that it impossible to get back to sleep!
I don’t seem to have that problem unless the chattering birds wake me up with their chorus.
Such an inventive way to tell this story, Hugh!
Thank you, Becky. Writing this piece of flash took me right back to my first real love.
Wonderful:)
An awesome story and post for our times, Hugh. Amazingly articulated in those few short words!
Thanks, Terri. With June being Pride month, ‘Edge of Summer’ seemed the perfect title for Adrian’s and Richard’s coming out.
I really like how you set up the flying metaphor with the cliff, then came back to it with the butterflies. A beautiful message in your story.
Thank you so much, Dave. Given that June is ‘Pride’ month, this piece of flash fiction spoke to me too.