June 24, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a cat named Rainbow on an outdoor adventure. Rainbow is any cat of any identification. What would draw a cat outside? Go where the prompt leads!
Three Houses – by Hugh W. Roberts
Having come from wherever it had departed, the cat’s eyes peered at the three houses.
The first was too dark, dull and lifeless. Nobody lived there.
The second was charming, full of life; every window opened with a mixture of human voices and music emerging — no chance of any peace there.
A rainbow flag fluttered from the third and, although familiar, seeped grief.
A tragic-looking middle-aged man named Adrian answered Rainbow’s scratching at the front door.
“Richard? Is that you? You always told me you’d come back as a cat.”
Tears of comfort allowed grief to leave empty-handed.
***
Adrian and Richard appeared in last week’s piece of flash fiction. Click here to read it.
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 
I agree, it is a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
A sweet flash here and very emotional.
Thank you, Michael.
This story gave me goosebumps, Hugh.
I’ve had a mixed reaction to this piece of flash, Robbie.
I think it is lovely.
Your story hit me in the heart, Hugh. How precious, this cat offering comfort, recognizing his home and love.
Thanks, Charli.
You get these right every time, Hugh! Rewrites are good when they have this poignant ending 🙂
Thanks, Terri. I agree about rewrites. The first draft is never worth publishing. I like to sleep on them.
LOL! Reincarnation, nice 🙂
Well, at least Adrian thinks it’s reincarnation.
I like your reincarnation story – returning from where he had departed. Cool.
Thanks so much, Norah.
That’s so sweet, and that picture!!!! The cat looks so cheesed off!!!
That picture was the one that came with the prompt. Glad you enjoyed my piece of flash, though, Terry.
This is a touching piece Hugh, so full of emotion. I felt his ache and his hope. Beautiful.
Thank you, Rebecca. That’s great feedback about my writing.
Love that he recognized Richard. Great follow up on last week’s flash.
Thanks, D.
I’m not sure I’d want to come back as a cat but I guess for the right owner, perhaps! That cat picture is hilarious. I showed it to my cat but he said “no way” and trotted off in the opposite direction.
Oh, no, I thought every cat would enjoy the picture.
Oh, my, is that beautiful, Hugh!
Thanks , Erika.
You are welcome, Hugh!
That gave me shivers, Hugh! Very unexpected.
Thanks. Susie.
I love that. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing Hugh. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
You’re welcome, Michelle. Glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent take on the prompt. Well done!
Thank you.
Wonderful, Hugh! That last line is brilliant and wraps up the piece and the prompt perfectly.
Thanks, Liesbet. This piece of flash had about 20 rewrites. It pays not to publish the first draft.
This is absolutely beautiful Hugh, I really like it 💜💜
Thank you, Willow. I’m delighted you like it. It had about 20 rewrites. But I got there.
Perfect 💜