September 19, 2022, prompt: Write a story about mud on the tires in 99 words (no more, no less). The tires can be from any conveyance or serve as an analogy. How did they get muddy, and why? What impact does mud on the tires have on the story (plot) or characters (motivation)? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.


An Annoying Speck – by Hugh W. Roberts

It was the tiniest speck of mud on the tyre, but it annoyed him. He couldn’t leave it there on such a special occasion.

“MARSHALL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” bellowed a voice.

“But sir, there’s–“

“I DON’T CARE. BACK TO YOUR POSITION, NOW!”

“YES, SIR!”

A few seconds before setting off, Marshall retook his chance and removed the mud while his leader turned his back.

Then, on the sound of his boss’s bellowing voice giving orders, Midshipman Marshall joined the other 97 royal navy sailors in towing the carriage containing the Queen’s coffin as the sound of bagpipes played.

***

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.

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40 responses to “Flash Fiction Friday – An Annoying Speck”

  1. wrookieschu avatar

    Nicely tied in with current events Hugh.

  2. Lisa at Micro of the Macro avatar

    Well written, Hugh! Please let me know if this comment goes to your spam folder. Thanks! 🌞

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you, Lisa. No problem with this comment going straight to spam.

      1. Lisa at Micro of the Macro avatar

        Fabulous, thanks for letting me know! I contacted WordPress & Akismet as you suggested! 🌞

  3. Gary A Wilson avatar

    Ah – that could have been me obsessed with clearing away that speck.
    Great take Hugh.

  4. Mud on the Tires Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community avatar
  5. ellenbest24 avatar

    Rules are made to be bent to make things right. A lovely take on the prompt Hugh

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
  6. Linda Schaub avatar

    Ahh, he wanted everything perfect, as it should have been. I am sure there were some watchful eyes by those involved in the funeral and procession to ensure everything was perfect. I watched all the highlights and marveled at the precision of the funeral, like you have shown us in the video. There will never be another sovereign funeral like this again, even with King Charles III’s passing as 20 + years on the throne cannot come close to the Queen’s 70-year reign. One of the most-touching parts for me was the lone piper at the end and I learned every morning he woke up the Queen by piping a song (that song if memory serves me right) on his bagpipes. The bagpipes are so melancholy to begin with.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I’d heard the Queen had her own piper, but I wasn’t aware he woke her every morning by playing the bagpipes, Linda. I wonder if Charles will carry on that tradition?

      1. Linda Schaub avatar

        It was the first time I learned of that piper story Hugh and so I looked in my browser history – it was a story on CNN. I found the story – will send it in a separate comment in case it goes to your SPAM filter. Sometimes my fellow UK bloggers cannot open up news stories, but CNN should be okay. I learned that the Piper to the Sovereign began during the reign of Queen Victoria.

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          Thank you, Linda. I got the link too.

          1. Linda Schaub avatar

            You’re welcome Hugh. Glad the link worked for you.

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