May 1, 2023, prompt: Write a story about high water in 99 words (no more, no less). Hell can be involved or not. Is high water a new drink? A crisis in nature or the basement? Get in the flow. Go where the prompt leads! Check May 1: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.

In Heaven And Hell – by Hugh W. Roberts

Amid the chaos of the rising floodwaters, Anne and Fiona found themselves stranded on a rooftop.

They’d been strangers before, but now they clung to each other for survival.

As the water crept closer, they discussed their lives and dreams, finding unexpected commonalities. They shared stories of heartbreak and triumph. It wasn’t long before they silently fell in love with each other.

They spent the night on the rooftop, holding each other tightly as the water raged below.

When the rescue boats arrived, they stepped into a new world, hand in hand, ready to face whatever came their way.

***

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.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

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31 responses to “Flash Fiction Friday – In Heaven And Hell”

  1. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

    A bit of Heaven from a night of hell. Wonderful, Hugh!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I’m glad you thought so. Thanks, Terri.

  2. Dan Antion avatar

    Wonderful story, Hugh – well done!

  3. JT Twissel avatar

    Ahhhh! Sweet. I could see this as a made for TV movie!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Could you? I need to get on to Hollywood. Now, where did I put their number?

  4. Colleen M. Chesebro avatar

    What a lovely story, Hugh. That feel good ending made me smile.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I’m glad it made you smile, Colleen. I’m pleased I can sometimes write happy endings, although I prefer darker endings.

  5. Mike and Kellye Hefner avatar

    I loved the story, Hugh. It left me wanting more.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks so much. With only 99 words allowed, trying to get everything into a story is sometimes tough.

    2. Will avatar

      Well done Hugh, but you know that. It may be a timely piece for California. Triple annual snowfall in places threatens to wash away towns with run-off. Search for Tulare Lake. Mostly dry these past 100 years, the town built on a lake bed is going underwater.

      1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

        The hints at climate change in action, Will. In 100 years’ time, who knows how much of the little island I live on will still be above water.

  6. noelleg44 avatar

    Wonderful story, Hugh. And that picture is awesome!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Our host, Charli, finds those pictures, Noelle. They are based on the theme of her post that includes the prompt for the challenge.

  7. Liesbet @ Roaming About avatar

    Wow, Hugh. That’s a wonderful story. So much emotion and destiny packed in only 99 words. A masterpiece! :)

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      What wonderful feedback; thanks, Liesbet. I’m glad the story shone through the darkness it found itself in.

  8. Cathy avatar

    I love a happy ending 😊

  9. Erika avatar

    Life has its own ways to fulfill destiny. Wonderfully told, Hugh!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you, Erika. There is always hope, even when you think the darkness is closing in. It’s a matter of letting hope find you.

      1. Erika avatar

        That is so true. It is not about the obstacle but how you think about it and deal with it.

  10. Brenda avatar

    It’s amazing what can come from adversity. You got me with the lack of a sudden final twist, Hugh but I liked the positive outcome.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Brenda. I love that something good and positive can happen in a bad situation – if you allow it.

      1. Brenda avatar

        I think its important to try and look for the positives

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