November 21, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a ship named the Huntress in 99 words (no more, no less). What type of ship is it? Where does it go, and what does it carry? Who are the characters involved with this ship? What happens? Go where the prompt leads!
Black Friday – by Hugh W. Roberts
Amidst the chaos of Black Friday, a different kind of frenzy unfolded at the bustling harbour.
The “Huntress,” a magnificent ship, emerged as the ultimate deal. Legend whispered of hidden bargains aboard, drawing crowds like magnets.
At midday, eager shoppers transformed into intrepid adventurers, storming the gangplank in pursuit of discounts and the allure of maritime mystery.
The ship creaked and groaned, a vessel caught between commerce and legend.
Black Friday bargains blended with the salty sea breeze, creating unforgettable chapters in retail history as the Huntress sailed into what remained of Black Friday, laden with goods and dreams.
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.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
***
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
Discover more from Hugh's Views & News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Hugh's Views & News 
This is a great line: “a vessel caught between commerce and legend.”
I don’t know if this is a tale of modern shanghaiing or just a ship where patrons shop non-stop for eternity or something else, but I liked it!
Glad you enjoyed this short tale. Thanks, Michael.
Love it Hugh, but I did wonder if they walked the plank at the other side of the ship too 🤣
Who knows, Brenda? But I expect some of them will have.
Great story Hugh I’ve been so busy I didn’t partake of the prompt this time 🤣😎🙃
Thank you.
Not to worry. I don’t participate every week. Just when I can. It’s more fun that way.
You have to know your products and what they retailed at initially. I do a lot of research before I make a purchase. Some so-called Black Friday deals are not a good deal. I shop online because I’m not too fond of crowds and I can research ahead of time. I love your Black Friday story, Hugh.
Same here, Eugi. I dislike crowds, and queuing at the cash register when I could be home buying the same products.
Glad you like my Black Friday story.
Very nice, Hugh. Since I stay away from Black Friday shopping, I guess I won’t be walking that gangplank. “I’ll leave the “goods and dreams” to others.
That’s a good idea, Janis.
I think this year is the first time we have taken advantage of Black Friday, since my husband and I are going for a new mobile phone after almost 6 years 😄
But did you get a bargain, Erika? I did see that Apple were offering gift cards on most purchases this Black Friday weekend.
Yes. we did. We already checked on certain Samsung cell phones. But they had a price we were not willing to pay (or at least I wasn’t… hehe). Last Friday, we spontaneously checked prices with different providers and got the same phones for a 2/3 of the original price. So, yes, that was a bargain.
A Black Friday success story. Well done, Erika.
Haha, thank you, Hugh 😊
Such fun, Hugh. I loved the words “laden with goods and dreams. That is quintessential Black Friday – so much of the shopping is dreams.
Some of those bargains we hear about on days like Black Friday are nothing but dreams, Noelle. And those dreams can become nightmares if we allow them too.
I agree! Maybe we should call it black hole day?
Good job, Hugh. If I see the gangplank, I think I’ll keep on walking. We make every effort to avoid Black Friday sales. The worst is a TV ad from WalMart. They’re selling a pair of headphones for $49. I bought the same pair at Target for $29 in July.
There you go, Dan. Not all these deals are deals, yet many people think they’re getting a bargain simply because it’s Black Friday. I always use a website called camelcamelcamel.com to check prices of goods on Amazon. You’d be surprised how some of their deals are not deals at all when they’ve been at lower prices than on Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day.
You have to be sharp.
So do I Hugh especially as 99% of it is not really a bargain at all 💜 💜
Very true. Martin Lewis said that if it’s 50% off and you really do need it, then you’ve saved 50%. But if it’s 50% off and you don’t need it, then you’ve wasted 100%.
Absolutely 😁😁😁
Great story, Hugh. You should write another collection of short stories!
I have a fair few for a collection, but it’s getting myself motivated to transfer them into another collection, Esther.
And I just saw your post about me winning your book competition. What a way to end the week. Thanks so much. I’m over the moon with that.
It’s very well-deserved. It’s a great story. Please could you email me your address and I’ll post your book out. Thank you so much for entering.
I know what you mean – the paperback of my latest collection of stories is coming out next week and it’s been such hard work! But worth it.
Shiver my timbers Hugh that a bit of a pantone…and I love it 💜💜
Thanks, Willow. I’m glad you saw some humour in it. I always feel sorry for all those people who shop mad in those crowds buying stuff they don’t really need on Black Friday.