Tag: Flash Fiction

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Flash Fiction – Special Places

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts35 Comments

In her final moments, she clung to the happy memories this special place held for her—the vibrant parties, the infectious laughter, the shared joy, and the wonderful people she had connected with. Their smiling faces flickered in her mind, a bittersweet reminder of the past.

She remembered the day she’d lost the ring her parents had gifted her on her 21st birthday. Her future husband had found it and, at first, declined the reward her father had offered for its return. She was speechless that he had never proposed, but she’d been given away.

As she lay on the floor, her happy, special place slipping away, the recent memory of losing her tongue, a punishment for the incessant accusations, was excruciating. This place hadn’t been happy or special for all of the time, just most of the time. She needed to find her next happy, special place again.

Soon, a new special place will bring her happiness and peace.

Written for Esther Chilton’s writing prompt – Special Places

The featured image in this blog post was created using AI.

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Image of a Christmas tree with a shooting star above it.

Flash Fiction – The Christmas Tree

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts42 Comments

“Are you sure this is what you want to see?” said Michelle as she struggled to hold back the tears.

Her daughter nodded. “Don’t cry, Mummy. Look at the tree. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? You know how much I love Christmas.”

Choked, Michelle could not answer her young daughter’s question. The tears in her eyes made the lights on the Christmas tree blur into one another. Warm on her cold cheeks, they trickled towards the scarf her daughter had gifted her last Christmas.

Standing together, holding hands, Michelle made a Christmas wish that would prove the doctors’ predicament regarding her daughter’s upcoming journey into the darkness due to blindness untrue.

High up, in the skies above the Christmas tree, a shooting star ferried the wish away.

“Merry Christmas, Mummy. I love Christmas, but not as much as I love you.”

Image of a Christmas tree with a shooting star above it.
A Christmas tree that grants wishes.

Written for Esther Chilton’s writing prompt – Christmas.

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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – October 2024

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts

Here’s your chance to catch up on the nine blog posts published in October 2024.

Hugh’s Views and News is at the heart of great conversations and engagement. Did you join the debates and conversations? If not, why not jump in and let us know what you think?

  • Question: Do you know the name of this strange-looking fruit on this tree?

What Type Of Tree Is This? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

  • Do you have a life-changing event you’re proud of?

Flash Fiction – How To Ice A Cake And Change Your Life

  • Question: Have you spotted a rare double?

Are You Seeing Double? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

  • Are you seeing too much spam on your blog? How To activate Akismet’s spam setting in WordPress to significantly reduce spam comments and streamline your blogging experience.

Turn This Setting On To Stop Seeing Too Much Spam On Your WordPress Blog

  • Do you use excerpts in your WordPress blog posts? If so, there’s an ongoing issue with them. WordPress has now fixed this problem. Read on for more details.

Is This WordPress Problem Affecting You? It’s Been Reported

  • Question: Have you ever seen more than one ghost simultaneously?

Are You Ready For Halloween? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

  • Do you use excerpts in your WordPress blog posts? If so, there has been an ongoing issue with them that has now been fixed. However, for the fix to work, you must take action. Read on for more details.

WordPress: Excerpts Are Working Again!

  • Question: Could you beat me at this game?

Do You Play This Game? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

  • Question: When did you last see something eerie looking out from a window at you?

Halloween #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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Your chance to catch-up on posts published on Hugh’s Views And News.

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Photo looking down at the top of an iced Christmas cake with figures of Father Christmas and a snowman, and a Christmas tree and iced stars with silver balls on the edges of the stars.

Flash Fiction – How To Ice A Cake And Change Your Life

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts44 Comments

How To Ice A Cake And Change Your Life – by Hugh W. Roberts

I was so proud when I received the certificate for my professional grade in cake decorating. I’d recently been made redundant and needed a new skill.

Being the only man in the 18-week course had its advantages. By week three, Kate made it clear how much she liked me. But there was a problem. I had been married for 12 years and still deeply loved my wife. This inner conflict deeply troubled my feelings, and for a while, I was torn between my devotion to her and my growing attraction to Kate.

By week 13, not only had Kate changed my life, but the love I had for my wife had slowly dripped away, leaving behind an almost forgotten heavy burden of guilt and regret for the betrayal. However, I was proud that I could now bake and ice cakes, something I’d always dreamed about doing professionally.  

But a tiny part of me wasn’t proud of my situation regarding my affair. I couldn’t deny the sense of self-worth a much younger woman found me attractive and (in her words) loved me. Yet, a more significant part of me felt I was on top of the world.

Then, during the last week of the course, the week before Christmas, everything eventually came together. As I finished plastering the wall next to the fireplace, I questioned what I’d done over the past six months. Feel proud, I kept telling myself. Briefly, a dark cloud hung over me and only dispersed when there was a loud knock on the front door.

“Have you done it?” asked Kate as she pushed past me as I opened the door to her.

“I told you not to keep coming here; the neighbours will see.” I protested. “We need to give it more time.”

“To hell with the neighbours; I want proof that you love me,” replied Kate. “Show me what you learned at the cake decorating class.”

I thought she wanted to see the Christmas cake I’d iced, but she went to the living room and stood before the fireplace.

“Nice work!” Kate announced. “I’m proud of you for what you have done for me. Is she..?” she asked, pointing at the newly plastered wall.

Icing cakes not only helped me get a new job as a professional cake maker but also taught me how to plaster the remains of my wife’s body behind a brick wall of the fireplace.

Photo looking down at the top of an iced Christmas cake with figures of Father Christmas and a snowman, and a Christmas tree and iced stars with silver balls on the edges of the stars.
An iced Christmas cake with decorations

Written for Esther Chilton’s writing prompt – Feeling Proud.

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Image of a space age midwife holding a newly delivered baby in her hands inside a spaceship

Flash Fiction – Time To Leave, Time To Arrive

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts41 Comments

Time To Leave, Time To Arrive – by Hugh W. Roberts

“Good afternoon, transport helpline; how may I be of assistance?”

“Is that the transport helpline?”

“It is, yes. How may I be of assistance?”

“I’d like to book some transport, please.”

“For you, or is the transport for somebody else?”

“It’s for me.”

“Have you used us before?”

“Yes.”

“For security purposes, could you provide your password’s first and fourth letters?”

“W and T.”

“And your date, time and place of birth.”

“January fourteenth, Twenty-One-O-Five, St Mark’s Hospital, Cardiff, Wales.”

“Thank you. You are a little young to leave now, although you can book the transport up to twenty years in advance. Are you sure you want to go ahead and book now?”

“Yes.”

“And when would you like your transport to arrive?”

“Within the next hour, please.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Let me check if your driver is available. Some chillout music will play to keep you relaxed while we check your driver’s availability. Please hold the line.”

(Several minutes later)

“Good news, your driver is available and will be with you at ten past eight. Please ensure you have the correct payment. We no longer accept American Express.”

“Thank you.”

(Ten past eight.)

“Your driver has arrived. Enjoy your trip, Mr Evans. Thank you for visiting. We hope you enjoyed your stay.”

“Hello, Mr Evans, I’m Mary, your driver. You probably won’t remember me, but I transported you into this world. Mine will have been the first face you saw and the first hands to touch you.”

“Hello, Mary. Pleased to meet you again.”

“My goodness, did you scream when I delivered you into this world. You screamed the hospital down. Already had enough of this place, yes?”

“Yes, they’re destroying this planet. It’s time to move on. Please transport me to my next destination. I hope your hands are warm this time.”

Image of a space age midwife holding a newly delivered baby in her hands inside a spaceship
Time to leave, time to arrive

Written for Esther Chilton’s writing prompt – Transport.

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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – August 2024

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts

Did you see these nine blog posts that got readers talking, asking questions and wondering? If you haven’t joined the conversation yet, why not jump in and let us know what you think!

  • I don’t write book reviews. But this book has helped me change my mind. Read on for more details.

Book Review: Borrowed Time by Russell Dean @RussDeanWrites

  • Question: Did you watch the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?

Olympics – London 2012 – Closing Ceremony #WordlessWednesday #Photography

  • WordPress users often face problems, but they may not always be caused by their blogging platform. Device issues, internet browsers, poor blog housekeeping and retired themes can all contribute to problems. My post outlines what to do if you’re experiencing issues with using WordPress.

WordPress Problems: Don’t Panic! How To Solve Issues Quickly

  • Question: Do you grow fruit or vegetables in your garden or allotment?

Homegrown #WordlessWednesday #Photography

  • He’d been promised gold, but he only found a dusty trail. But where did it lead?

Flash Fiction – Gold

  • Are you following too many blogs? 7 common mistakes to look out for before following a blog.

7 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Deciding Whether To Follow A Blog

  • Question: What strange garden objects have you found?

Strange Garden Objects #WordlessWednesday #Photography

  • Question: What are the signs in your part of the world that summer or winter is ending?

End Of Summer #WordlessWednesday #Photography

  • Are you following too many WordPress blogs? This is how easy it is to unsubscribe from those you want to unfollow.

5 Easy Ways To Unfollow A WordPress Blog

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Flash Fiction – Gold

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts33 Comments

Gold – by Hugh W. Roberts

Heading up the dusty trail, a nine-gallon cowboy hat adorned his head while he wobbled around in spurred boots one size too big; Barry remembered the words of his now-deceased bachelor uncle.

‘The trail leads to gold.’

But where was the gold? There was no gold here, just dust, some of which was dirtying his new boots and making him sneeze.

Just as he was about to give up, a building with flashing signage appeared in the distance where the trail ended. As he walked nearer, he could make out its name – ‘Dusty’s.’

Barry’s heart leapt when he opened the venue’s doors, releasing butterflies into his stomach. A brightly-lit room full of music and cowboys, all line dancing together.

He’d struck gold.

Photo by shy sol on Pexels.com

Written for Sunday Stills, hosted by Terri Webster Schrandt – Theme: Yellow/Gold

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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – July 2024

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts

Did you see these nine blog posts that got readers talking, asking questions and wondering? If you haven’t joined the conversation yet, why not jump in and let us know what you think!

  • After a decade of crafting short stories and flash fiction on my blog, I’ve learned valuable storytelling techniques, which I shared in a guest post. But what helped me write better stories that many readers love? Read on for more details.

How To Write Fantastic Stories That Will Impact Readers

  • Question: Would you swim to the boat or wait by the lamppost for somebody to bring it to you?

An Interesting View #WordlessWednesday #Photography

  • WordPress has relocated the ‘Discussion’ setting to a more visible and accessible position, simplifying the control of comments and pingbacks. My post outlines where to find the ‘discussion setting’ and when you should consider turning comments off on specific posts.

WordPress: How To Close Comments: What You Need To Know

  • Question: What would you have liked to have been behind the shutters?

Behind The Shutters #WordlessWednesday #Photography

  • You can now add images to WordPress posts directly from your phone using the Jetpack app, with simple resizing options. Read my posts for all the details.

Blogging Simplified: Adding Images From Your Phone To A WordPress Post

  • Question: Have you seen signs of nature fighting back?

When Nature Takes Over #WordlessWednesday #Photography

  • Time is the enemy for all of us, especially Mr Kingston, who needs to frantically clean his house before time runs out and his visitors arrive. But why the panic?

Flash Fiction – Has Anyone Seen Felix?

  • Question: What kind of creature is this?

The Nighttime Visitor #WordlessWednesday #Photography

  • Question: Have you ever attended the Olympic games?

Olympic Rings – London 2012 #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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Flash Fiction – Has Anyone Seen Felix?

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts33 Comments

Time! I never have enough of it. Do you?

I have so much to do today and need more time before my visitors arrive. They’ll be here anytime. I don’t know the exact time, but it’ll be today. The anticipation is killing me.

But at least I have everything I need to do those household jobs. I only cleaned the house last week, but it needs cleaning again before they arrive. I hate visitors coming to a dirty house, don’t you?

I’ll grab the mop with the frayed handle and start with the kitchen, scrubbing every corner, even the ones that don’t need it. Then, I’ll move on to the bathroom, ensuring it’s spotless without a speck of anything suspicious. I need enough time to ensure I get rid of any proof of my recent visitor. I had better check that the stairs carpet is also free of fluff and fur and give it a good vacuuming.

When the supermarket delivery driver arrived with all the cleaning products I’d ordered, he asked if I had a bad cold. ‘It’s not a cold, just an allergy to cat fur,’ I told him. ‘I didn’t know you had a cat,’ he replied, his eyes widening in surprise. ‘I don’t,’ I responded. He looked at me as if I were some mad person. But at least he was on time. ‘And why all the bleach?’ he asked. ‘It was on offer,’ I lied to him. ‘You know how it is; can’t resist a good deal,’ I added nervously. For a moment, I thought he was on to me.

87 minutes later

Phew! Where did the time go? I’m finally done. And just in the nick of time, because here come the visitors. Don’t they look smart in their uniforms? Just like they did last week when they visited. Right, I better answer the door. I can’t help but wonder if they’ve figured it out yet. They’ve had enough time. They look like they’re here for a friendly chat, but little do they know I’m onto them.

“Mr Kingston. We meet again.”

“Yes. I thought you’d be back. Is this the third time?

“The fourth. I’m Constable Summerfield, and this is my colleague Constable Jones—-“

“There’s no need to show me your identity cards; I know who you are; come on in.”

“We need to ask you more questions about the recent disappearances of the neighbourhood cats. This time, I intend not to waste any more police time than I have to. Is that bleach I can smell? Every time we come around, you seem to have just finished cleaning. I wish I had the time to keep my home as clean as yours. Now, about those missing cats…”

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Written for Esther Chilton’s writing prompt – Time.

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How To Write Fantastic Stories That Will Impact Readers

Published on by Hugh W. Roberts6 Comments

As a dyslexic writer, I’ve been improving my writing for a decade by crafting short stories and flash fiction on my blog. Throughout this journey, I’ve gained valuable insights into the art of storytelling from fellow blogging community members and authors.

Excitingly, I’ve crafted a guest post detailing what I have learned and sharing tips that have empowered me to create short stories and flash fiction, which I take great pride in.

SCY3 # 1 Tips: How To Write Fantastic Stories That Will Impact Readers is available on Masha Ingrao’s delightful blog, ‘Always Write.’ Click the link to go straight there.

If you have questions or are eager to contribute tips and advice on writing short stories and flash fiction, feel free to share them in my post on Marsha’s blog. I’m closing comments here so that they all appear in one place.

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Are you a short story or flash fiction writer? Share your writing tips with us.

Thank you, Marsha, for inviting me to write the guest post. It’s the first of several writing tips posts as part of her blog’s wonderful ‘Story Chat’ feature. My story, ‘You’re It,’ was the first to be featured in year three.

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