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Flash Fiction Friday – How A Rubber Duck Saved My Life.

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Hugh W. Roberts

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July 18, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a rubber duck in 99 words (no more, no less). Where is this duck — somewhere typical like a tub or somewhere surprising like a roller derby. Who is with the duck? What is happening? Go where the prompt leads! See July 18: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.

How A Rubber Duck Saved My Life – by Hugh W. Roberts

My new rubber duck sat in the bath with me.

Its eyes were staring while its beak was open in a silent scream. It looked like it had seen something terrible.

When I reached out to touch it, it vanished.

Frightened, I got out of the bathtub. I had no idea what had just happened. It scared me.

When I returned to the bathroom, my duck was still missing.

What had it seen? Was it something that I should be afraid of if I saw it?

I don’t know, but I’m glad I didn’t see what was behind me.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

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Flash Fiction Friday

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

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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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25 responses to “Flash Fiction Friday – How A Rubber Duck Saved My Life.”

  1. Did You Miss Any Of These Blog Posts Published on Hugh's Views And News? - July 2023. avatar
    Did You Miss Any Of These Blog Posts Published on Hugh's Views And News? – July 2023.

    […] Flash Fiction Friday – How A Rubber Duck Saved My Life. […]

    Reply
  2. Taran avatar
    Taran

    Are you sure it isn’t still behind you? :)

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      I keep looking, but can’t see anything strange.

      Reply
      1. Taran avatar
        Taran

        Maybe it’s because it’s not strange that you can’t see it. :)

        Reply
  3. dgkaye avatar
    dgkaye

    Well done Hugh. :)

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thank you.

      Reply
  4. Norah avatar
    Norah

    Oooh! That’s scary, Hugh. I wonder what was behind you.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Or maybe the duck only saw me and didn’t like what he saw, Norah.

      Reply
      1. Norah avatar
        Norah

        Impossible!

        Reply
  5. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar
    Terri Webster Schrandt

    Poor little duckie! Maybe he went where all rubber toys go…the heavenly recycle bin! Good one, Hugh! 🦆🛁

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thanks, Terri. Who knows where the duckie went. And who knows what it was he saw when looking. Maybe it was just me he was terrified of.

      Reply
      1. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar
        Terri Webster Schrandt

        That is funny, Hugh!!

        Reply
  6. Paul Ariss avatar
    Paul Ariss

    Intriguing, great fun story. I can’t help but wonder where you where when you got the idea…

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      The prompt words always seem to spark something, Paul. When I read this week’s prompt, I imagined myself laying in a bath with a rubber duck floating in front of me.

      Reply
  7. willowdot21 avatar
    willowdot21

    Don’t get back in the water 😁💜

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      I’d already pulled the plug out, but showers from now on.

      Reply
      1. willowdot21 avatar
        willowdot21

        I agree I am the same….. But watch those curtains…….

        Reply
  8. Erika avatar
    Erika

    Shivers, Hugh! Only 99 words, but you make it happen!

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      I always like it when a piece of flash fiction gives readers’ shivers.

      Reply
      1. Erika avatar
        Erika

        You have that ability, Hugh!!

        Reply
  9. noelleg44 avatar
    noelleg44

    Great to have a rubber duck as a sentinel but didn’t do much good! Great story!

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  10. Dan Antion avatar
    Dan Antion

    The worst feeling is when our cat looks behind us as if there’s something dangerous. Great job, Hugh.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Same with my dogs, Dan. They will walk to a corner of a room and start barking as if something is there.

      Reply
      1. Dan Antion avatar
        Dan Antion

        Maybe…

        Reply

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