July 15, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the word meltdown. You can use it to describe an event or emotional reaction. You can create a new meaning or explore the word origin. You can Go where the prompt leads!
Nightmare In Spring – by Hugh W. Roberts
For the last four weeks, George was in meltdown.
Not only had somebody given him two new black eyes, but a stranger had swapped his favourite yellow scarf for an orange one. George hated the colour orange; it didn’t suit him.
Last week, Judy, who he thought was his best friend, had given him a floppy, wide-brimmed summer hat. What on earth was she thinking? What next? Sunglasses?
Now, this week, he was in total meltdown and having a nightmare time of it all. The beginning of spring was not the best time of the year for a snowman.
***
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 
Wonderful twist Hugh. I found it interesting that a flash called ‘nightmare’ didn’t have the ‘scary’ twist we’re used to. Nice twist! ❤
Thanks, Debby. I guess if you’re a snowman, spring is always going to be a scary time. 😀
So true for him! 🙂
This story is super cute, Hugh. I’m linking it to the attendance roster for Story Chat this month. I would love to be able to write surprise endings like that. You’re a master. 🙂
Thanks, Marsha. Have you ever tried writing surprise endings? I never thought I’d be able to write them – then I gave it a try and was rather surprised by the results.
I like that, you were surprised by the results. I have tried a couple of times on Charli’s prompts, but they haven’t been superior. I don’t do it often enough, maybe, but it is not how I work. I can hardly keep a surprise – I’m just so anxious to see the reaction – like gifts for example. That if I buy a gift early, I want to rush it right over.
I used to be like that with my blog posts. I’d write them and publish them straight away. Now I leave them at least 24 hours before going back to them and editing them. I’ve been amazed by the results. Some of my blog posts take at least 7 days to write and edit before pushing the ‘publish’ button.
I don’t publish most of mine the day of either. I schedule them, one of my recent posts had 71 revisions. In fact it was Story Chat Summary which will come out on Tuesday. 71, Hugh!
71! Wow, that beats me, hands-down.
LOL
Clever, Hugh! Two black eyes! Oh, I went back and reread to fully absorb the character’s revealed identity.
Writing about a snowman during a mini-heatwave was perfect, Charli. As soon as I read the prompt word, I knew exactly what to write.
LOL!!! I was guessing someone was annoying their dog by dressing him up. Wrong!
Great take on meltdown 🙂
Thank you. I’d never have dreamt of George being a dog. It’s a good idea.
LOL! You’re welcome 🙂
Oh perfect Hugh. An absolute cracker of how to use the prompt and surprise in 99words
Thanks, Geoff. Writing this piece of flash helped keep me cool during the current mini heatwave.
What an ending! You had me on the back-foot the whole way through. Doesn’t Judy know what he likes? How can she not?! Will this end their friendship?
I never would’ve guessed that twist. I loved it. What a surprise. Thanks for that Hugh! Fabulous.
I think Judy thought she was giving George exactly what he liked…because she liked it. Now he’s melted, their friendship has ended for another six months until the first snows of Autumn arrive.
Thanks, Rebecca. Glad you enjoyed the short story of George’s meltdown.
Love it, Hugh! Talk about a story with a twist! You certainly are a pro at it and this one is certainly one of my favorites!
Aww, thanks, Liesbet. George will be delighted with his story being one of your favourites (so am I). He’ll be back next winter.
I just read it again. It’s still brilliant and I second myself – my favorite Hugh flash fiction piece of 2021!
Thanks, Liesbet. The twist in this piece of flash fiction is my all-time favourite. Glad you enjoyed the read again.
This was just good ole’ LOL funny, Hugh! You are the master of the twist although my eye wandered to the end! What a great flash fiction, with a fab first hook, making me picture a fussy man! You must add this to your next book!
You checked the ending out first, Terri? Tut, tut. Then again, I recently wrote a post over on my column at the Carrot Ranch about reading endings first. It’s not such a bad thing.
Glad you liked it. It came to me instantly when I saw the prompt.
Hehe, I didn’t mean to look, but it was all on one page 🤪 It was great, Hugh, slightly edgy but a fun wholesome ending 🤣🤣
I never know where your mind is going!
No do I. It often surprises me and catches me out.
Spring… the worst-case scenario!!!
For snowmen and hayfever sufferers, yes.
Oh, right! I forgot those although I am partly joining in… hehe.
Well done!
Love,
Janie
Thank you.
Aww, poor snowman.
Don’t worry, he’ll be back.
Love and love it! You made me laugh now. I missed your short stories. Poor snowman!
Thanks, Elizabeth. Glad it made you laugh. I’m sure George will be back in the winter.
I didn’t see that coming, Hugh! Good one!
That’s exactly what I like to hear about my endings; thanks so much, Becky.
My pleasure, Hugh!
A brilliant take on the prompt! You caught us off guard.
Thank you. I love doing that.
You are good at it!!
Splendid Hugh 💜
Thank you, Willow.
That’s so funny, Hugh. Well done. I laughed at the surprise ending.
I’m glad it made you laugh, but even more that you didn’t see that ending coming, Norah. Writing this piece of flash during a mini-heatwave helped cool me down.
Pleased to hear it. Mind over matter. Stay safe over there in your new ‘normal’. 🙂