February 7, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes anxiety. Who has anxiety or what is the source? Is there conflict? How can you use anxiety to further a story? Go where the prompt leads!
First Night Nerves – by Hugh W. Roberts
The thought of the upcoming honeymoon caused Arnold nothing but anxiety.
What if he couldn’t perform? What if Enid, his soon-to-be new wife, demanded more? Not even the thought of Enid’s lovely, long legs helped with his anxiety.
But Arnold needn’t have ever been anxious. On the night of their wedding, Enid made him feel relaxed and comfortable. By the time the performance was over, Arnold’s anxiety had disappeared. But three minutes later, Arnold was dead.
As Enid cocooned Arnold’s hairy body, she thought about her next husband. How lucky she was to be a female, black widow spider.
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Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love Glimpses
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
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Hugh's Views & News 
So much for being attracted to a pair of long legs. This was a fun story with an enjoyable twist!
Thanks, Michael. And there were 4 pairs of long legs to admire.
Wonderful. Enjoyed the humour and the laugh you gave me.
Good to hear, Irene. Thanks so much for reading my little piece of dark humour.
This was a treat! All of a sudden, the ‘long legs’ take on a whole new meaning.
Thanks, Sam. And he had eight to concentrate on.
My favourite from the collection Hugh. You bring out the darkness in me! Hahaha!
That’s so kind to pick my piece of flash as your favourite. Thanks so much, Gloria.
A twisted web you wove… or did you lead straight to the twist? Another fun flash either way.
Thank you. This webbed piece of flash seems to have gone down well. Just like Arnold did, I guess.
Oh, very spooky, indeed, Hugh! What a great twist! ❤
Thanks, Colleen. I feel sorry for the males of that species.
LOL! They sure get a bad rap, don’t they? LOL! ❤
Ha, ha! Masterful, Hugh! I imagine male black widows (wow, think about the males getting called by their murderesses) must feel anxiety up until the moment they realize why they have a weird species name.
I wonder? Do they really know their outcome, Charli?
They must be blissfully ignort. Maybe the afterglow never wears off and they succumb happily!
Still laughing here 🙂
Spiders, ewww!
I hope you’re still laughing.
Thanks, Aimer.
Made me laugh and smile Hugh. Nice one! 🙂
Thanks, Marje. I had fun writing it.
I’m missing writing poetry and flash at the moment Hugh. Busy with too much marketing, life plans etc. x
I’m sure you’re doing a great job, Marje. And these challenges will still be here when the marketing winds down. Hope it’s all going well.
Yes, thanks and true! x
Very funny, Hugh. I love the unexpected ending.
Thanks, Norah. I always aim to take the reader by surprise.
You usually succeed. 🙂
Clever!
Thank you.
Very cool, Hugh, left me smiling!
That’s great to hear. Thanks, Terri.
You’d think word would get out amongst the men to stay celibate. Good one Hugh. As ever the humour and horror neatly intermingle.
Yes, you would, wouldn’t you, but I guess they won’t know until they try it.
Thanks, Geoff.
Yikes Hugh !
The nature of nature can be so harsh.
Well done !
It can. Thanks, Gary
Oooohhh, and the moral of the story: watch the number of legs of your wife-to-be. She must have woven her web around his mind early on.
Love always conquers fear, Erika. I wonder if he (and the males of his species) know what will happen to them?
If they knew, then their species would become extinct.
Well done!! We didn´t see that one coming.
Good to hear. Thank you, Darlene.
Nice one, Hugh! You caught me out again.
Good to hear, Cathy.
Good one!
Thank you.
Tragic end to the union
Indeed, but that’s mother nature doing her work.
That’s true.
Very clever Mr Roberts, didn’t see that one coming. And neither it seems, did Arnold.
Nice one.
Thank you, Paul. I always know one of my twists has worked when somebody says they didn’t see it coming.
Have a great weekend.
Ha!