First Campaigner Challenge

I saw a challenge that Lee at Tossing it Out is doing.

Now, I didn’t know who Rachael Harrie at Rach Writes was, but when I went to her site to read about the challenge and saw the first sentence, well…it made me feel creepy and I LOVE CREEPY.  So, she must be cool.

Here is the First Campaigner Challenge (due February 24, 11:59 p.m. EDT) blurb.

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “Shadows crept across the wall”. These five words will be included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), do one or more of these:

• end the story with the words: "everything faded." (also included in the word count)

• include the word "orange" in the story

• write in the same genre you normally write

• make your story 200 words exactly!

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Lessons Learned

Shadows crept across the wall and the floor of the cave outlining hundreds of hairy tarantulas.  Beyond my reach, I could see freedom in a sunset of orange and yellow through the cave door.

“I shouldn’t be here,” I growled at my soon to be ex-husband.

“There’s no one else I’d rather see this migrating miracle with, before we part ways.”  He kissed my head as we sat side by side.

 “Did our last fling need to include arachnophobia?”

 “It’ll be hard for you, Debi, but make no knee jerk decisions,” he chuckled.

A moan stalled in my throat. “Bart, I’m freaking out. The spider fear is from my childhood. Remember?” Then I felt the tug on my sleeve as two youngsters attempted to climb over me to join the others.  

“Move back into the cave.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“You’re the idiot for leaving me.” He pointed to the arachnids above my head.

I couldn’t help it I screamed and scooted backwards with racecar speed, until—I fell. It was the pit in the cave floor and my soon to be grieving scoundrel of a husband that got me, not the spiders.

A lesson learned too late before everything faded.

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After reading my short story/flash fiction of 200 words, if you want to vote for it you can pop over to Rach Writes and Like my entry.  I'm #186-I think.

Happy Weekend!

Teresa