The Shape of His Loneliness: A Haunting Flash Fiction Tale

Standing on the other side of the room, Reg Colebrook could hardly take his eyes off her.

Walk towards me and kiss me,’ he said to himself, before bursting out laughing.

For the briefest of moments, the faces and figure of his wife flashing before him bought the laughing to a stop. She had the face of somebody who looked as if she was sucking a lemon, her lips painted in that awful shade of red he once found very inviting. Her figure, once an hourglass, was now less hourglass and more ‘all-you-can eat buffet.’ No words were needed. Her eyes told him the story of what and how she felt about him.

Concentrating on the figure of the beautiful woman in front of him again, the face of Reg’s wife faded away under protest. ‘I’ll get you back one of these days, Reg Colebrook,’ her voice echoed.

“Two minutes, Reg”, came another voice that shook Reg into reality again.

Reg took the final look at the figure of the woman in front of him and admired what he saw. That was an ‘all-you-can eat buffet he’d happily delve into. A smile ran across his face before he turned around and left.

The figure of the beautiful woman followed him, while the voice that had shook him announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome on stage Miss…Barb…Dywer.” A huge round of applause and cheers sent Reg into orbit. This was the community he had meant to always be a part of. He was finally home.

Behind him, the room that Reg had filled by himself for the last 45 minutes, although now empty, still held the shape of his loneliness in the mirror he’d been standing in front of. The silence was finally losing it’s grip even though it had learned his name and decided to stay.


Written for Esther Chilton’s writing prompt: Figure.

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26 responses to “The Shape of His Loneliness: A Haunting Flash Fiction Tale”

  1. Urspo avatar

    loneliness makes everyday matters feel tragic, and many would be less tragic if there were visitors.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I agree with you. That’s why it’s so important for folk not only to keep in touch but also to visit and meet up occasionally.

  2. Mr. Ohh's Sideways View avatar

    This is nice, but a bit haunting. Great story. 🤣😎🙃

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Good to hear you thought it a bit haunting.

  3. JT Twissel avatar

    The world needs more drag queens! So go Rog! Behind every artist is a lonely soul.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      That is a lovely thought.

  4. JT Twissel avatar

    Very intriguing – the loneliness has found his name but is losing its grip on Rog. Don’t know why but I kept thinking Rog is confronting his inner drag queen. If life is an all you eat buffet, why not try a bit of everything?

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Very true! Reg has only just started his new life, but the loneliness can still follow. Let’s hope it’s left the dressing room by the time he gets back.

  5. Eugi avatar

    Poor Reg is on an emotional ride. Loneliness can play games with one’s mind. Your last line brings even more eeriness to the story. Well written, Hugh.

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      It can indeed, Eugi. Loneliness is something many of us fear. With so many people on this planet, you’d think loneliness would not exist.
      Glad you thought it had a bit of eeriness in it.

      1. Eugi avatar

        You’re a great storyteller, Hugh.

  6. beth avatar

    aw, this is so sweet and heartbreaking, both. the end was great

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Glad you enjoyed the ending, Beth. This piece had a few endings, but the one I chose was the one that spoke to me.

      1. beth avatar

        that’s the way to do it, go with what feels right to you

  7. Gina avatar

    What a great piece of flash fiction, Hugh. In the space of a few paragraphs, you sent me down one avenue and then completely hijacked the route. I actually envisioned a fun-house mirror with its distortions and endless reflections. Very well done!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Gina. The funhouse route is interesting. I always enjoy sending readers down the wrong path with my flash fiction.

  8. Paul Ariss avatar
    Paul Ariss

    Very good Hugh, nice perspective change, enjoyed it.

  9. noelleg44 avatar

    A well-written piece, Hugh, that conveys a lot of emotion!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      I’m glad you think so, thanks, Noelle.

  10. Author Jan Sikes avatar

    This bit of fiction expresses SO much. The feeling of rejection from the wife, the lure of the beautiful woman, the final echo of his own voice (his name and the association.) Well done, Hugh!

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thanks, Jan. I put myself in his shoes for this and wondered how I would have felt.
      Your feedback is everything I was hoping for.

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