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Nightmare In Spring #flashfiction

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Hugh W. Roberts

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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.

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50 responses to “Nightmare In Spring #flashfiction”

  1. Charli Mills avatar
    Charli Mills

    Clever, Hugh! Two black eyes! Oh, I went back and reread to fully absorb the character’s revealed identity.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      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.

      Reply
  2. Aimer Boyz avatar
    Aimer Boyz

    LOL!!! I was guessing someone was annoying their dog by dressing him up. Wrong!
    Great take on meltdown :)

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thank you. I’d never have dreamt of George being a dog. It’s a good idea.

      Reply
      1. Aimer Boyz avatar
        Aimer Boyz

        LOL! You’re welcome :)

        Reply
  3. TanGental avatar
    TanGental

    Oh perfect Hugh. An absolute cracker of how to use the prompt and surprise in 99words

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thanks, Geoff. Writing this piece of flash helped keep me cool during the current mini heatwave.

      Reply
  4. Rebecca Glaessner Author avatar
    Rebecca Glaessner Author

    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.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      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.

      Reply
  5. Liesbet @ Roaming About avatar
    Liesbet @ Roaming About

    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!

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Aww, thanks, Liesbet. George will be delighted with his story being one of your favourites (so am I). He’ll be back next winter.

      Reply
      1. Liesbet @ Roaming About avatar
        Liesbet @ Roaming About

        I just read it again. It’s still brilliant and I second myself – my favorite Hugh flash fiction piece of 2021!

        Reply
        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
          Hugh W. Roberts

          Thanks, Liesbet. The twist in this piece of flash fiction is my all-time favourite. Glad you enjoyed the read again.

          Reply
  6. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar
    Terri Webster Schrandt

    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!

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      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.

      Reply
      1. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar
        Terri Webster Schrandt

        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 🤣🤣

        Reply
  7. JT Twissel avatar
    JT Twissel

    I never know where your mind is going!

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      No do I. It often surprises me and catches me out.

      Reply
  8. Erika avatar
    Erika

    Spring… the worst-case scenario!!!

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      For snowmen and hayfever sufferers, yes.

      Reply
      1. Erika avatar
        Erika

        Oh, right! I forgot those although I am partly joining in… hehe.

        Reply
  9. janiejunebug avatar
    janiejunebug

    Well done!

    Love,
    Janie

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thank you.

      Reply
  10. Sadje avatar
    Sadje

    Aww, poor snowman.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Don’t worry, he’ll be back.

      Reply
  11. Elizabeth avatar
    Elizabeth

    Love and love it! You made me laugh now. I missed your short stories. Poor snowman!

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thanks, Elizabeth. Glad it made you laugh. I’m sure George will be back in the winter.

      Reply
  12. Becky Ross Michael avatar
    Becky Ross Michael

    I didn’t see that coming, Hugh! Good one!

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      That’s exactly what I like to hear about my endings; thanks so much, Becky.

      Reply
      1. Becky Ross Michael avatar
        Becky Ross Michael

        My pleasure, Hugh!

        Reply
  13. Darlene avatar
    Darlene

    A brilliant take on the prompt! You caught us off guard.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thank you. I love doing that.

      Reply
      1. Darlene avatar
        Darlene

        You are good at it!!

        Reply
  14. willowdot21 avatar
    willowdot21

    Splendid Hugh 💜

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thank you, Willow.

      Reply
  15. Norah avatar
    Norah

    That’s so funny, Hugh. Well done. I laughed at the surprise ending.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      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.

      Reply
      1. Norah avatar
        Norah

        Pleased to hear it. Mind over matter. Stay safe over there in your new ‘normal’. :)

        Reply

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