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Flash Fiction Friday – A Matter Of Life

Published by

Hugh W. Roberts

on

May 9, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a mom selfie — a story that creates an image of a mom. No one mom looks alike or fits a maternal mould. Who is she? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

A Matter Of Life – by Hugh W. Roberts

It was a matter of life or death. But if only she had known that she wasn’t the only one racing toward her child as he sunk toward the bottom of the ocean floor.

***

As the creature snatched at the sinking, lifeless object, it used its other tentacle to grab the prey that pursued it and squeezed the life out of it. Now it could feed the offspring it had given birth to, which would otherwise have died on this strange, watery planet.

A mother had to do everything in her power to ensure the survival of her children.

***

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 flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

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36 responses to “Flash Fiction Friday – A Matter Of Life”

  1. Michael B. Fishman avatar
    Michael B. Fishman

    This was a delicious tale Hugh with a nice little twist. We humans are so arrogant to believe that we’re the only creatures on the planet who eat and breath and love.

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

      I’m glad you enjoyed it, Michael. Even the tiniest of things on our planet have stories to tell.

      Reply
  2. Liz H avatar
    Liz H

    Another very nice twist!

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

      Thank you.

      Reply
  3. Mom Selfies Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community avatar
    Mom Selfies Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

    […] A Matter of Life by Hugh W. Roberts […]

    Reply
  4. dgkaye avatar
    dgkaye

    Well done Hugh, despite the sadness and desperation involved. A definite Hugh Roberts tale <3

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

      Thanks, Debby. My dark side keeps shining through these short tales.

      Reply
      1. dgkaye avatar
        dgkaye

        It wouldn’t be Hugh Roberts writing if it didn’t . <3

        Reply
  5. Norah avatar
    Norah

    Good one, Hugh. All mother’s want to feed their babies, even if it is the baby of another mother. And the mother too!

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

      Thanks, Norah. Yes, a mother’s instinct is always to protect her children and ensure their survival, whatever the odds.

      Reply
  6. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar
    Terri Webster Schrandt

    Even strange tentacled beings are mothers, too! Thanks for reminding us of that, Hugh!

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

      Exactly, Terri. And they have mouths to feed too.

      Reply
  7. seaangel4444 avatar
    seaangel4444

    Brilliant, dear Hugh! You have this phenomenal ability to keep the reader riveted! I love it, and this story is wonderful! Cher xoxoxo

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

      Thank you, Cher. I’m glad you enjoyed this piece of flash fiction. And what a lovely compliment about my writing. I’m honoured.

      Reply
      1. seaangel4444 avatar
        seaangel4444

        I sure did, Hugh! I love your writing! Cher xoxoxo

        Reply
  8. Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry avatar
    Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry

    Oh this was a brilliant take on the mom theme, Hugh! Loved it!

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

      Thanks, Colleen. Glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  9. Liesbet @ Roaming About avatar
    Liesbet @ Roaming About

    Aaaah to be a mother…

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

      Indeed.

      Reply
  10. Gary A Wilson avatar
    Gary A Wilson

    Gulp…..
    Wow Hugh!
    What an image that was.

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

      A good one, I hope, Gary.

      Reply
  11. willowdot21 avatar
    willowdot21

    Mothers fight hard 💜💜💜

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

      They do, regardless of what form they have.

      Reply
      1. willowdot21 avatar
        willowdot21

        Yes indeed 💜

        Reply
  12. noelleg44 avatar
    noelleg44

    Mothers are mothers, wherever they are. Good one!

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

      Exactly. Thank you.

      Reply
  13. Erika avatar
    Erika

    Wow, what started to appear tragic revealed just a natural mother instinct… no matter what being. Great story, Hugh!

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

      Thanks, Erika. Glad you enjoyed it. A mother is a mother regardless of what form she has.

      Reply
      1. Erika avatar
        Erika

        I liked the message and how your wrapped it. Really good!

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

          Thanks, Erika. I always try and think out of the box for these flash fiction pieces.

          Reply
          1. Erika avatar
            Erika

            You can tell 👍

            Reply
  14. Paul Ariss avatar
    Paul Ariss

    Good one. You’ve obviously got a dark side to your otherwise lovely nature Mr. Roberts….!

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

      Thanks, Paul. You’ll have to ask those that have met me. But, yes, I love the dark side of writing.

      Reply
  15. Darlene avatar
    Darlene

    That’s a good one!! Your imagination knows no bounds.

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

      What a lovely compliment. Thank you, Darlene.

      Reply

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