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7-years later, after Bill’s death, Peggy finally began reading her husband’s unpublished book online and soon realised it was his life story, but with a twist.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.

***

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

***


Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’

***

32 short stories and pieces of flash fiction that take the reader to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

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37 responses to “Flash Fiction Friday – The Death And Life Of Bill”

  1. Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – April 2022 – Hugh's Views & News   avatar
  2. Never Ending « Carrot Ranch Literary Community avatar

    […] The Death and Life of Bill by Hugh W. Roberts […]

  3. Charli Mills avatar

    Just when I think I’ve guessed your ending, you throw in a twist that gives me chills. Great flash, Hugh!

  4. Will avatar

    Thanks for another great story Hugh. I wish you had 200 words for this one!!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

  5. Norah avatar

    A shock to Peggy, maybe, but not to Hugh’s readers. 😉

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      That seems to be the general thought with readers, Norah. One day, I’ll shock you all.

      1. Norah avatar

        In the way that only Hugh can, I’m sure. :)

  6. dgkaye avatar

    Lol, of course it did, Hugh Roberts. :)

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Glad you enjoyed it.

  7. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

    Always on point with your never-ending twisty endings, Hugh! 😉

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I’m glad you think so, Terri. I can’t help myself when writing them.

  8. Dan Antion avatar

    That’s a cool twist – I like that.

  9. TanGental avatar

    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…

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

      1. TanGental avatar

        Keep us on our toes, Hugh

  10. noelleg44 avatar

    Brilliant ending!!

  11. JT Twissel avatar

    Hum, writing from beyond the grave. Sounds like an intriguing idea.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      They must have wifi on the other side.

  12. Erika avatar

    Oh, literally never-ending 😱 I expected it to be his life story but the last sentence… you surprised me again!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

      1. Erika avatar

        Who knows, maybe the story only starts…

  13. Liesbet @ Roaming About avatar

    Love it, Hugh!! Well done.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you, Liesbet. I found this challenge quite challenging, but then I thought about including writing a book in it, and hey-presto!.

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