Short Stories – Hugh's Views & News

Flash Fiction Friday – The Gift Wrapper

Published on November 25, 2022November 25, 2022 by Hugh W. Roberts24 Comments

November 21, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase, “Oh, my.” It can be used in storytelling or dialogue. What is the cause for such a response? Have fun with this one! Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

The Gift Wrapper – by Hugh W. Roberts

Reggie always helped me with packing Christmas gifts.

He had an eye for matching tags and ribbons with the right paper. All the gifts looked terrific.

“Thanks for your help again, Reggie,” I said while putting away the remainder of the Christmas wrapping paper.

I always got the same reply when he looked at me with deep brown eyes.

But this year was different. No brown eyes were looking up at me.

“Reggie?”

Silence.

“Oh, my!”

There was no sign of Reggie. Surely my pet rat hadn’t crept into one of the fifty-wrapped boxes sitting under the Christmas tree?

***

Photo of heavy snowfall in a street of houses — Image Credit: Charli Mills

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

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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

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Flash Fiction Friday – Jobs

Published on November 18, 2022November 18, 2022 by Hugh W. Roberts39 Comments

November 14, 2022, prompt: Write a story that includes a lie in 99 words (no more, no less). What is the lie? It can be subtle or blatant. Who tells the lie and why? Is it an unreliable narrator? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

Jobs – by Hugh W. Roberts

“How was work today?” asked my wife.

“Good,” I replied as I stuffed notes into a pair of old boxer pants at the bottom of my sock drawer. She’ll never look there.

“Are the people nice?”

“Yes.”

“Will I meet them someday? Perhaps we’ll bump into them when out?”

“Maybe.”

But they’ll never know who she is. And she can never know who they are.

I told her my new job paid well and would take me worldwide. It does both.

I may have lied about what I do, but becoming a male escort is my best job ever.

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

Image of a pair of crossed fingers behind somebodies back — Image Credit: Charli Mills

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

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Flash Fiction Friday – The Squeaky Husband

Published on November 11, 2022November 11, 2022 by Hugh W. Roberts23 Comments

November 7, 2022, prompt: Write a story that includes something squeaky in 99 words (no more, no less). What is squeaky and why? How does it move the story or disrupt a character? Listen, write, and go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

The Squeaky Husband – by Hugh W. Roberts

“Can you hear that squeaking sound?” Gemma asked her husband.

Peeking over his newspaper at his wife, Malcolm shook his head.

“You must be able to hear it! It’s coming from your direction.”

“I don’t hear anything, darling,” came the reply.

It wasn’t until Malcolm’s death that the squeaking stopped. But as his body began its journey into the ground, Gemma was convinced the squeaking was back.

“Where’s that squeaking noise coming from?” she asked the other mourners.

But nobody could help Gemma because only she could hear the squeaking because only Gemma knew where she was burying Malcolm.

***

Image of a dish of squeaky cheese — Image credit: Charli Mills

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

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Flash Fiction Friday – The Ghost Bones

Published on October 28, 2022October 28, 2022 by Hugh W. Roberts39 Comments

October 24, 2022, prompt: Write a story about bones in 99 words (no more, no less). It can be any genre or tone. Is it spooky, irreverent, or poignant? Go where the prompt leads!

The Ghosts Bones – by Hugh W. Roberts

Death ruled in Aunt Marjorie’s apartment.

When I returned, she wasn’t there; only her bones remained.

The floorboards still creaked, and Mrs Sinclair was still next door.

“When is your Aunt Marjorie due back?” she’d asked.

Shrugging my shoulders, I wish Mrs Sinclair had minded her own business, but I had invited her in.

The whiteness of the human bones wasn’t as bright as the white light that appeared when Aunt Marjorie killed me in her apartment or when I killed Mrs Sinclair for murdering my aunt.

Now we roam the earth as murderous ghosts. Yes, ghosts are murderers.

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

Image of the skull of a bird — Image credit: Charli Mills

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

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Flash Fiction Friday – The Hunger Game

Published on October 21, 2022October 21, 2022 by Hugh W. Roberts40 Comments

October 17, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that references “I see the light in you.” You can use the phrase or demonstrate it in a story. Who is shining and why? Who is observing or reacting? What is the setting? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

The Hunger Game – by Hugh W. Roberts

It was the light in her eyes that lit up my life.

As she gently dragged her long fingernail over my adam’s apple to the hair on my chest, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I’d undone the buttons for temptation, and it worked.

I wasn’t shocked when she hissed, as the light in her fed our desires. I gasped when she revealed two fanged teeth behind the bright red lips of her closed mouth, even though I knew what to expect.

She never saw the wooden stake I was holding.

Now I could feast.

***

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

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Image of colourful lights mixed up — Image credit: Charli Mills

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

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Flash Fiction Friday – Afternoon Tea With Doris

Published on October 7, 2022October 7, 2022 by Hugh W. Roberts45 Comments

October 3, 2022, prompt: Write a story about any ritual involving tea in 99 words (no more, no less). It can be a daily afternoon tea prepared specifically or reading tea leaves in a cup. What do you know? What do you imagine? Is your story deep and ponderous or bright and flash? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

Afternoon Tea With Doris – by Hugh W. Roberts

Every Sunday afternoon, I attended the ritual afternoon tea with Doris.

I never got a word in edgeways. Doris talked through cups of tea, plates of cucumber sandwiches and dainty pastries.

Natter, natter, natter. She never shut up.

But today was different. Everything seemed the same as I took my place at Doris’s table. She remained silent until her mobile phone rang.

Natter, natter, natter. Christ, does she never stop talking?

“Yes, I do miss Hugh. Sunday afternoon tea will never be the same again without him,” chirped Doris. “Why don’t you join me, the person reading this story?”

***

Image of a mug of tea next to an open book — Image credit: Charli Mills

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

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Flash Fiction Friday – An Unlikely Affair

Published on September 30, 2022September 30, 2022 by Hugh W. Roberts43 Comments

September 26, 2022, prompt: Write a story about a broken arm in 99 words (no more, no less). What happened? Is there a cause and effect because of the broken arm? Was the injury faked? Why? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

An Unlikely Affair – by Hugh W. Roberts

Fiona was furious.

“What the hell are you doing? You promised me!”

Shocked, Nick was embarrassed to see his wife had found him out. Not even the broken arm she’d given him had stopped him from seeing Bella again.

“All she wants is your money!”

“But she loves me. And I love her.”

Bursting into tears, Fiona made a beeline for Nick, who thought she was about to break his other arm. As he stepped back from Bella, he watched in horror as his wife broke Bella’s arm.

“Keep away from fruit machines, Nick. You’re going to bankrupt us!”

***

Image of a broken arm in a plaster cast — Image Credit: Charli Mills

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

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Flash Fiction Friday – An Annoying Speck

Published on September 23, 2022September 30, 2022 by Hugh W. Roberts40 Comments

September 19, 2022, prompt: Write a story about mud on the tires in 99 words (no more, no less). The tires can be from any conveyance or serve as an analogy. How did they get muddy, and why? What impact does mud on the tires have on the story (plot) or characters (motivation)? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

An Annoying Speck – by Hugh W. Roberts

It was the tiniest speck of mud on the tyre, but it annoyed him. He couldn’t leave it there on such a special occasion.

“MARSHALL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” bellowed a voice.

“But sir, there’s–“

“I DON’T CARE. BACK TO YOUR POSITION, NOW!”

“YES, SIR!”

A few seconds before setting off, Marshall retook his chance and removed the mud while his leader turned his back.

Then, on the sound of his boss’s bellowing voice giving orders, Midshipman Marshall joined the other 97 royal navy sailors in towing the carriage containing the Queen’s coffin as the sound of bagpipes played.

***

Images of mud on the tyre of a vehicle — An Annoying Speck

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

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Flash Fiction Friday – Future Things

Published on September 16, 2022September 16, 2022 by Hugh W. Roberts16 Comments

September 12, 2022, prompt: Write a story about balloons on a bumper in 99 words (no more, no less). Is it a spectacle, an occasion, an eccentricity? Why are the balloons there? Who is involved? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

Future Things – by Hugh W. Roberts

“Why pink balloons?”

“I feel that in 50 or so years, pink will be the colour for people like us,” replied Giles.

“I hope they don’t damage the bumper of my new Ford Model C Ten,” responded Roger.

“Damaging the bumper of your new car is the least of our worries. What happens when we get there matters more.”

“Yes, you’re quite right. We may not be married in law, but the reaction of our parents when we tell them we married each other is something I dread. I wonder if same-sex marriage is a thing of the future?”

***

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

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Flash Fiction Friday – Kate’s Date

Published on September 9, 2022September 9, 2022 by Hugh W. Roberts34 Comments

September 5, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the word “swimmingly.” which means “smoothly or satisfactorily.” What is the situation? Who is involved? Let the word take you into a story. Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

Kate’s Date – by Hugh W. Roberts

Kate couldn’t believe how swimmingly her date with Vera had gone.

They may have both been in their eighties, but sixty years ago, when they first started dating people of the same sex, life was more difficult. You could hold hands without drawing much attention, but a passionate kiss on the lips was a no-go area. Murdering someone was easier.

Looking at Vera’s lifeless body, Kate carefully removed the poisonous lipstick from her lips and took a swig of the antidote to be on the safe side.

Murdering someone was still as swimmingly as it was sixty years ago.

***

Image of a dog swimming in water — Kate’s Date

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

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Flash Fiction Friday – The Toy Car

Published on September 2, 2022September 2, 2022 by Hugh W. Roberts29 Comments

August 28, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that features a red convertible. Who is driving or riding? Where is the car going? Maybe it isn’t even a car. Have fun and go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

The Toy Car – by Hugh W. Roberts

I’d spent all my pocket money. Mum wouldn’t buy me the toy red convertible car, so I stole it after hearing somebody say the seller was blind.

That night, I woke to the roar of a car engine and was shocked to see the toy car I’d stolen now full-sized.

Behind the steering wheel was a figure I recognised with dark glasses, who was shaking a white cane.

My screams got drowned out by the constant sound of the car horn while full-beamed lights blinded my eyes. Now I’m deaf and blind.

I wish I hadn’t stolen the car.

***

Image of a red convertible car in a graveyard — Image Credit: Charli Mills

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

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Flash Fiction Friday – The Blame Game

Published on August 26, 2022August 31, 2022 by Hugh W. Roberts50 Comments

August 22, 2022, prompt: Write a story exploring shame as an emotion or theme in 99 words (no more, no less). Consider how to use shame to drive a cause-and-effect story. How does it impact a character? Is there a change? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

The Blame Game – by Hugh W. Roberts

“What are these cuts and bruises?

I got them when I fell over.

How did I get my black eye?

I walked into a door.

Am I sure this is how I got these injuries?

Yes.

But I’m sorry for the tears. If I told you the truth, I’d bring shame on myself.

The truth is that I’m a victim of domestic abuse.

Why does that bring shame to me?

Because I’m male, and men don’t admit to being victims of domestic abuse when being beaten by their wives, do they? Can you imagine the shame if people knew?”

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