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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31 responses to “Flash Fiction Friday – The House That Nobody Visits”

  1. Did You Miss Any Of These Blog Posts? avatar

    […] Flash Fiction Friday – The House That Nobody Visits […]

  2. D. Avery @shiftnshake avatar

    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.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      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.

  3. Old Lady & the Beast Collection « Carrot Ranch Literary Community avatar

    […] The House That Nobody Visits by Hugh W. Roberts […]

  4. dgkaye avatar

    Your twists never disappoint Hugh :)

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Good to hear, Debby. Thank you.

  5. Dan Antion avatar

    Yikes! I love reading these, Hugh. You do them so well.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Dan. I’m learning from the master (Rod Serling).

      1. Dan Antion avatar

        I’ve been reading and viewing his work for over 60 years. You can’t have a better teacher.

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          You’re right, Dan. I love all his work. Such a shame he died at such a young age.

  6. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

    Well, someone had a bit of faith, but it was not meant to be in Hugh’s world ;)

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      No, it never is, Terri. A case of the obvious not being obvious.

  7. Eugi avatar

    Nice twist at the end, Hugh. I feel sorry for the beast.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Me too, Eugi. What a life he has stuck with the monster.

  8. TanGental avatar

    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!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      People say it’s a rollercoaster when reading my flash. I rather like the ride.

  9. Travtrails avatar

    Unpredictable end !

  10. Sadje avatar

    A gruesome story

  11. Ritu avatar

    Another twisted Hugh tale!!

  12. Liesbet @ Roaming About avatar

    Ha! Another Hugh story! I hate it when rumors and legends are proven right… :-)

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Proven right, but with an odd twist, Liesbet.

  13. Brenda avatar

    Wonderful twist. Poor beast

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I know, right? And the village folk think the beast is the problem.

      1. Brenda avatar

        Problem with making assumptions

        1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

          Exactly. I’m glad this one worked.

  14. pameladbeverly avatar
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Were you expecting that reversal in the story?

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Were you expecting that reversal in the story?

      1. Erika avatar

        Not at all! This is one of your special twists again!

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