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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51 responses to “Flash Fiction Friday – First Night Nerves”

  1. Charli Mills avatar

    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.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I wonder? Do they really know their outcome, Charli?

      1. Charli Mills avatar

        They must be blissfully ignort. Maybe the afterglow never wears off and they succumb happily!

  2. Aimer Boyz avatar
    Aimer Boyz

    Still laughing here :)
    Spiders, ewww!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I hope you’re still laughing.
      Thanks, Aimer.

  3. Marje @ Kyrosmagica avatar

    Made me laugh and smile Hugh. Nice one! :)

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Marje. I had fun writing it.

      1. Marje @ Kyrosmagica avatar

        I’m missing writing poetry and flash at the moment Hugh. Busy with too much marketing, life plans etc. x

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          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.

          1. Marje @ Kyrosmagica avatar

            Yes, thanks and true! x

  4. Norah avatar

    Very funny, Hugh. I love the unexpected ending.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Norah. I always aim to take the reader by surprise.

      1. Norah avatar

        You usually succeed. :)

  5. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

    Very cool, Hugh, left me smiling!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      That’s great to hear. Thanks, Terri.

  6. TanGental avatar

    You’d think word would get out amongst the men to stay celibate. Good one Hugh. As ever the humour and horror neatly intermingle.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Yes, you would, wouldn’t you, but I guess they won’t know until they try it.
      Thanks, Geoff.

  7. Gary A Wilson avatar

    Yikes Hugh !
    The nature of nature can be so harsh.
    Well done !

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      It can. Thanks, Gary

  8. Erika avatar

    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.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Love always conquers fear, Erika. I wonder if he (and the males of his species) know what will happen to them?

      1. Erika avatar

        If they knew, then their species would become extinct.

  9. Darlene avatar

    Well done!! We didn´t see that one coming.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Good to hear. Thank you, Darlene.

  10. Cathy avatar

    Nice one, Hugh! You caught me out again.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Good to hear, Cathy.

  11. Sadje avatar

    Tragic end to the union

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Indeed, but that’s mother nature doing her work.

      1. Sadje avatar

        That’s true.

  12. Paul Ariss avatar
    Paul Ariss

    Very clever Mr Roberts, didn’t see that one coming. And neither it seems, did Arnold.

    Nice one.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

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