April 18, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about never-ending. You can hyphenate never-ending or write an example of a story that never ends. What is endless, and why? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
The Death And Life Of Bill – by Hugh W. Roberts
“Will your book ever get published?” Peggy asked her husband.
“When it’s ready,” replied Bill.
“How long have you been writing it?
“Since I was seven.”
“Seven? What’s it about?”
“Death and life.”
“What? Does it have a title?”
“Never-ending.”
“Never-ending what?”
“Never-ending. That’s it.”
“Bit of a dumb title,” laughed Peggy.
7-years later, after Bill’s death, Peggy finally began reading her husband’s unpublished book online and soon realised it was his life story, but with a twist. He’d predicted his own death.
But the biggest shock to Peggy was that Bill’s never-ending story continued from beyond his grave.
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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 ‘More Glimpses.’
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32 short stories and pieces of flash fiction that take the reader to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
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Hugh's Views & News 
I can’t find the like star on my kindle for 10. But 60 other people found it. Must be my tablet.
Well, I’m glad you liked this piece of flash, Will. Thank you.
I’m no longer shocked by your twists Hugh. Surprised, yes. Excellent! 👏
Thank you, Gloria. I will have to shock you all and write a piece of flash fiction without a twist. But I guess that would be a twist in itself.
Just when I think I’ve guessed your ending, you throw in a twist that gives me chills. Great flash, Hugh!
Thanks, Charli.
Thanks for another great story Hugh. I wish you had 200 words for this one!!
Thanks, Will. I don’t think 200 words would even be enough. I think this piece of flash has legs and wants to be more than just a piece of flash fiction.
A shock to Peggy, maybe, but not to Hugh’s readers. 😉
That seems to be the general thought with readers, Norah. One day, I’ll shock you all.
In the way that only Hugh can, I’m sure. 🙂
Lol, of course it did, Hugh Roberts. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it.
Always on point with your never-ending twisty endings, Hugh! 😉
I’m glad you think so, Terri. I can’t help myself when writing them.
That’s a cool twist – I like that.
Thanks, Dan.
And then there was that little twist… of course there was. One day you’ll write a twistless story and we’ll all be so surprised the shock will overwhelm us…
I’ve done it a couple of times, and it did surprise many of my readers, many of whom said the twist was that there was not one. I’ll have to do it again, some time and see what reaction I get.
Keep us on our toes, Hugh
Brilliant ending!!
Thank you.
Hum, writing from beyond the grave. Sounds like an intriguing idea.
They must have wifi on the other side.
Oh, literally never-ending 😱 I expected it to be his life story but the last sentence… you surprised me again!
Good to hear, Erika. It’s one of the reasons why I also changed the title from ‘The Life & Death of Bill’ to ‘The Death & Life of Bill,’ given that his story continues despite being dead.
Who knows, maybe the story only starts…
Love it, Hugh!! Well done.
Thank you, Liesbet. I found this challenge quite challenging, but then I thought about including writing a book in it, and hey-presto!.