April 10, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about “the old lady and the Beast.” What does age have to say about the story? Who is the beast, and why? Go where the prompt leads! See April 10: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
The House That Nobody Visits – by Hugh W. Roberts
Nobody ever went near the old ladies’ and beasts’ house.
Tears of sadness fell every day. Not even rays of warm sun coming through the windows helped.
When the front doorbell chimed one Saturday afternoon, panic set in.
“Who could it be?”
“I don’t know. Nobody ever comes here because of me.”
“Should we answer?”
“Why not?”
The face of a young female met their faces.
“I’m not afraid,” she said, pushing past them. “It’s time I proved the village folk wrong.”
As the old lady fed on the young flesh, the beast knew why nobody had visited him.
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 readers to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
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There’s the classic Hugh twist! That poor lass, though I suppose she did prove the villagers wrong, just as this reader thought wrong in the beginning.
Thanks, D. Yes, she’d already made up her mind before visiting that house. And I hope 99% of those who read this short flash piece dis the same.
Your twists never disappoint Hugh :)
Good to hear, Debby. Thank you.
Yikes! I love reading these, Hugh. You do them so well.
Thanks, Dan. I’m learning from the master (Rod Serling).
I’ve been reading and viewing his work for over 60 years. You can’t have a better teacher.
You’re right, Dan. I love all his work. Such a shame he died at such a young age.
Well, someone had a bit of faith, but it was not meant to be in Hugh’s world ;)
No, it never is, Terri. A case of the obvious not being obvious.
Nice twist at the end, Hugh. I feel sorry for the beast.
Me too, Eugi. What a life he has stuck with the monster.
Of course. And just for a moment I thought of redemption and defying superstition and a happy ending. Nope, a bit of jolly cannibalism. You are a one!
People say it’s a rollercoaster when reading my flash. I rather like the ride.
Unpredictable end !
A gruesome story
Another twisted Hugh tale!!
Ha! Another Hugh story! I hate it when rumors and legends are proven right… :-)
Proven right, but with an odd twist, Liesbet.
Yes! Poor beast.
Wonderful twist. Poor beast
I know, right? And the village folk think the beast is the problem.
Problem with making assumptions
Exactly. I’m glad this one worked.
Aw man. Dag! 😮
Were you expecting that reversal in the story?
Oh😮
Were you expecting that reversal in the story?
Not at all! This is one of your special twists again!