November 7, 2022, prompt: Write a story that includes something squeaky in 99 words (no more, no less). What is squeaky and why? How does it move the story or disrupt a character? Listen, write, and go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
The Squeaky Husband – by Hugh W. Roberts
“Can you hear that squeaking sound?” Gemma asked her husband.
Peeking over his newspaper at his wife, Malcolm shook his head.
“You must be able to hear it! It’s coming from your direction.”
“I don’t hear anything, darling,” came the reply.
It wasn’t until Malcolm’s death that the squeaking stopped. But as his body began its journey into the ground, Gemma was convinced the squeaking was back.
“Where’s that squeaking noise coming from?” she asked the other mourners.
But nobody could help Gemma because only she could hear the squeaking because only Gemma knew where she was burying Malcolm.
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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 ‘Glimpses.’
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Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
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Hugh's Views & News 
A nice twist at the end, Hugh.
Thank you.
Did the squeaky husband get greaased?
Given that Gemma thinks she can still hear a squeak, I don’t think so.
I always smile at these because I never know what to suspect.
That is exactly what I like to hear from my readers, Linda. Thank you.
You’re welcome Hugh.
Excellent!
Thanks, Dan.
Shades of the Tell Tale Heart!
Somebody else mentioned it. I had to look it up, but now I know what you mean. Thank you.
Nice and spooky, Hugh! It’s like Poe with Tell Tale Heart!
I had to look up Poe and Tell Tale Heart, Colleen. But I see what you mean.
Yes. You did a great job.
Oh, too bad. I guess that wasn’t the solution to stop the squeaking sound.
No, it wasn’t. But I do wonder if the squeaking sound is there at all?
It is… at least for her…
Squeaky is as squeaky does, nicely done, Hugh! Reminds me of an I Love Lucy episode where each of their quirks got on each other’s nerves 😁 Your story is more sinister, of course.
I’m glad you saw the sinister side to this piece of flash, Terri. Having an edge to these pieces of fiction is something I usually aim for, although not all of the time.
Not even death can separate them.
The squeak and Gemma will always live together, even when she starts her next journey from the world where she currently lives.