August 1, 2022, prompt: Write a story that features someplace remote in 99 words (no more, no less). It can be a wild sort of terrain or the distance between people. What is the impact of a remote place? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
From Darkness To Light – by Hugh W. Roberts
Although Fatima knew this remote, off-the-radar place had existed for many years, she’d never plucked up the courage to visit it.
But instead of the darkness, isolation and dread she’d heard existed inside; she found her true self when stepping through the door.
Throwing off the shackles of a life lived as a lie, she swapped it for one she knew she wanted. Gliding toward the lights, she danced while being watched by rainbow-coloured faces.
As happiness finally filled her life and laughter filled her lungs, she decided she would tell her husband she was gay in the morning.
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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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Kindle – £0.99
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Hugh's Views & News 
I knew there would be twist at the end. Nice to see the shackles removed for Fatima.
Yes, I don’t have to imagine how she would have felt (having gone through a similar situation to Fatima).
After reading through the twist the first line made so much more sense, “off the radar”…
Another fine flash!
Thank you, D.
As we’ve become more aware in life it sometimes leads to a certain sadness for people who still, for whatever reasons, have to live lives they weren’t born to live. This story had a nice ending that made that reality seem better and further away.
Thanks, Michael. That’s lovely feedback.
When going out means coming home.
Hurrah for Fatima!
Exactly. Thanks, Liz.
A story with uplifting images and a satisfying ending? Who knew your quivver holds multidirectional arrows. We know now. Master of light dark and shaddow. Xx
Thank you for the fabulous feedback, Ellen.
Loved this unexpected from you ending. A light awakening. 🙂
And hopefully, a life without having to live any lies, Debby.
Amen to that! 🙂
Go Fatima – Great little story, Hugh.
Thanks, Dan.
This was fun and hopeful, Hugh, even the new Outer Limits TV show had some good positive tales to tell! Well done!
I think we all need some good positive outcomes every now and again, Terri. I’m going to have to check out The Outer Limits. You say there is a new one? I hope I can find it somewhere on British TV.
You remember the old Outer Limits I’m sure, Hugh. A new version came out in the late 90s??, not sure when but it was more modern and refreshed. It had the usual darkness but a few hopeful themes mixed in. I hope you can find it.
I thought it may have been a newer version, like Twilight Zone’s recent two new seasons, Terri. However, I’ll check around for The Outer Limits from the 90s. I’m sure it’ll be airing somewhere on British TV.
I found my favorite episode outer limits 1997, episode “music of the spheres.” Looks like available on YouTube and Amazon prime video. Hope you can watch it.
I’ve checked, and the 1990s seasons are not available on Prime in the UK, Terri. However, I’ve other options (such as Youtube) to check. I’ll check out the episode you recommend too.
A great story Hugh with a hopeful ending or beginning really 💜✨
A happy beginning from a happy ending is always good, Willow.
Yes if only life was that simple ☺️
Nice one Hugh. I think I took your place this week with a dark side to my flash!
I’ll certainly check it out, Gloria.
Oh, my, God, Hugh, are you okay? This is a happy story. And I love it 🙂
I know, another happy ending from me, the guy that writes dark fiction. I think I’m losing my dark side, Aimer. Glad you enjoyed this piece of flash.
I love this, Hugh! So glad she finally felt ready to tell her husband and the world!
Thank you, Ritu. I only wish people did not have to hide who they really are these days. Hopefully, one day soon, nobody will. 🌈
I’m almost finished on my book 2 draft, and it’s based in the early 2000s exploring this, precisely. Two of my male characters from Book 1 who realised there was more than friendship between them, and how they navigate life, behind the backs of the community, who would not, especially at that time, accept a same-sex relationship…
Hiding behind false marriages, or almost, abd ultimately living their life, but hiding it from their loved ones.
I can imagine what those characters are going through, Ritu. It’s like all those LGBT athletes competing in the Commonwealth games from countries where being gay is still illegal. Sadly, being gay is still a crime in many counties. We’ve come a long way since the early 2000s, but there is still much to do.
Absolutely. I see the younger generations in my community being more open, and accepting (but not all of them 😢) and it’s a vast difference to even 20 years ago where everything bar heteronormal relationships were taboo…
🤗 🌈
Wow, I love that story. Your words do give the feeling of walls breaking down and finally being able to breathe again. Btw. my sister and her girlfriend are going to marry next year.
Thank you, Erika. And what fantastic news about your sister and her partner. It will be a fantastic day for the whole family to celebrate.
Oh, yes, we all are looking forward to it. She is very excited, of course.
I bet she is. I remember how excited I was when we fixed a date for our civil partnership. Lots of happy days ahead, Erika.
Thank you and same for you, Hugh!