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.


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47 responses to “Edge Of Summer #flashfiction”

  1. Leanne avatar

    How exciting!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
  2. Doug Jacquier avatar
  3. Solstice « Carrot Ranch Literary Community avatar

    […] The Edge of Summer by Hugh W Roberts […]

  4. Charli Mills avatar

    Oh, Hugh, I was afraid of the leap at first. Magnifiscent!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I guess the saying ‘Look before you leap’ comes into play, Charli. I’m glad Adrian looked first.

  5. willowdot21 avatar

    Yes Hugh lovely story 💜

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Willow. Happy Pride. 🌈

      1. willowdot21 avatar

        And you too 🌈

  6. Norah avatar

    And the solstice is memorable for more than one reason.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Indeed. The beginning of something is always a great point to tackle a problem.

  7. Rebecca Glaessner Author avatar

    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.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Aww, thank you, Rebecca. I’m glad you felt the joys of young love from these 99 words.

  8. D. Avery @shiftnshake avatar

    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.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      My fingers are crossed that this is already a happy ending for Adrian.

  9. Aimer Boyz avatar
    Aimer Boyz

    Taking a leap into life.
    Young love and summer, just seems to go together :)

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Yes, they do, don’t they? I think the same thing about Christmas too.

  10. Erika avatar

    Wow, that was beautiful. I had not expected this romantic way of flying. Very beautiful, Hugh!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you, Erika. Written especially for Pride month.

      1. Erika avatar

        I really love it, Hugh!

  11. JT Twissel avatar

    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!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I don’t seem to have that problem unless the chattering birds wake me up with their chorus.

  12. Becky Ross Michael avatar

    Such an inventive way to tell this story, Hugh!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you, Becky. Writing this piece of flash took me right back to my first real love.

  13. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

    An awesome story and post for our times, Hugh. Amazingly articulated in those few short words!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Terri. With June being Pride month, ‘Edge of Summer’ seemed the perfect title for Adrian’s and Richard’s coming out.

  14. Dave Williams avatar

    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.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you so much, Dave. Given that June is ‘Pride’ month, this piece of flash fiction spoke to me too.

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