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Dilemma

Dilemma

June 13, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a danger zone. It can be an exciting plot-driven story (think “story spine”) or a situation a character must confront. Play with different genres, and use craft elements like tension, tone, and pacing. Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.


Dilemma – by Hugh W. Roberts

Red lights flashed before his eyes, yet he felt the need to enter the building. He had an idea of what he would find once inside, but the danger would still be lurking. He had to be careful and ensure that nothing or nobody threatened his life.

The fact that he was over 25 miles away from home helped release some of his anxiety. As he pushed open the door, adrenaline pumped through his body before danger stared back at him.

“Dad! What? I can explain. Did you follow me? Or did you know this place is a gay bar?”

***

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 ‘Glimpses.’

***

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

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Kindle – £0.99

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31 responses to “Dilemma”

  1. dgkaye avatar

    Lol, I chuckled. Was dad’s secret out too? :)

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Maybe it was just about to come out at the same time he was?

      1. dgkaye avatar

        It surely could have been! :)

  2. Norah avatar

    Interesting, Hugh. I’m keen to know the backstory.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Maybe this is one of those pieces that deserves more than 99 words, Norah.

      1. Norah avatar

        I think so, Hugh.

  3. wrookieschu avatar

    Hmmm was he there for himself? Not uncommon. If I was the son I would be shocked to say the least but understanding all the same.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      We don’t know if he followed his son or went there without knowing his son would be there. But your right about being understanding.

      1. wrookieschu avatar
  4. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

    Dilemmas indeed, Hugh! I read red flashing lights and thought of danger, not a bar, so nice job leading me down the wrong path for a second ;) Excellent story in 99 words!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      The idea of the red flashing lights was disco lights, Terri. I haven’t been to a disco for a very, very long time, so I hope that’s what still happens at discos.

      Thanks for the thumbs up on the story. Glad to have led you down the wrong path.

  5. Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com avatar

    Yikes! That must have been a very interesting conversation after the initial shock.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I’m sure it will have been.

  6. Liesbet @ Roaming About avatar

    Fantastic one. Good tension building and fascinating, open ending…

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Liesbet. Glad you enjoyed it and saw the tension building.

  7. mcpersonalspace54 avatar

    Wow, this was great! I would love a second installment.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you. I like leaving these flash fiction pieces open for the reader to decide what happened. But sometimes, I do come back to them.

    2. pedometergeek avatar

      Agreed, you left us hanging, Hugh. Would love to read the follow-up.

      1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

        That seems like a popular request. I’ll have to have a good think about it.

  8. Dan Antion avatar

    Well done, Hugh. Of course, you’ve left us imagining the rest.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Yes, I love the reader to take over from where I leave off, Dan. Just imagine all the different endings.

  9. noelleg44 avatar

    Perfect, Hugh. The mind boggles at what comes next.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      We can only imagine, Noelle. But if dad is quick thinking, he may be able to come away not hurt or in danger.

  10. Erika avatar

    I love the ending. Good question who was more surprised or shocked to see the other one…

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Exactly, Erika. What a dilemma for both.

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