July 11, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story inspired by the idea, “for a day.” It doesn’t need to be never-ending, like me forgetting to update a prompt. What is so special about the action, person, or object experienced for a day? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
The Other-side Of A Day – by Hugh W. Roberts
He couldn’t believe he’d slept for a day.
The world was still there when he drew back the curtains. He watched as people went about their business.
After making himself a coffee, he sat down and thought about what he’d done.
He’d just as well try again because nobody had missed him.
Picking up the empty pill bottle, he realised he’d need to get more sleeping tablets and another bottle of vodka.
In the pharmacy, he met David, working there for a day. He married him a year later.
He was so glad the pill bottle had been empty.
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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 flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
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Hugh's Views & News 
And likely never needed those pills nor the vodka again as a result of that encounter/relationship.
I hope so, Linda. A happy ending.
This is a lovely story Hugh!
Thank you, Wayne.
Nice work, Hugh. You’ve packed a book’s worth of feeling into a few sentences.
Thanks, Aimer. That’s high praise.
It is amazing all the paths we randomly take and that “one” leads us to where we really need to be. A great story, Hugh, and a reminder that there is always hope (as the flower depicts).
I love the thought of all those different paths and where they would take us if we chose them, Terri. I always wonder if we have a choice or if our paths are set as soon as we come into the world.
Things happen for a reason, Hugh!
I hope they do, Ritu. It’s a big part of what life is all about.
True, Hugh🙂
A happy circumstance indeed!
I think so, yes.
This is a great piece of flash fiction. So many things can change just for a day.
Thank you, Darlene. And you’re right. What starts off as a good day can change in a split second. And the reversal, of course.
That is a brilliant piece of writing.
Thank you. I’m glad you think so.
I love the story Hugh a truly sliding doors scenario with a happy ending 💜😘
Exactly, Willow. Our lives are all sliding door moments.
Yes indeed they are 😍😍
Wonderful, Hugh. Quite a sweet story – I expected a more horrible ending from you. 🙂
That’s how I like to fool you all with a happy ending, Liesbet. Even if they are out of my comfort zone, I need to throw one in every now and again.
Great flash fiction story Hugh – makes me think of all those “what if” moments that happen in life where you think about if one small thing had been different your life would have gone another way.
Thanks, James.
Yes, the smallest of things can make all the difference. I often think about what would have happened if I’d gone down another street instead of using the same one, or would have anything changed if I’d gone out instead of staying in. It makes me think about the weekend I met my partner. I was getting over a heartbreak, and my best friend had to convince and beg me to go to Brighton with him for the weekend. If I had not gone, my life would have been so different.