Hello everyone and a warm welcome to PART 3) of the entries for my weekly: “Fiction in A Flash Challenge” Week #28.
Today I’m featuring a contribution by Gwen Plano.
Last week I set the following Challenge:
Hello everyone and welcome to my new “Fiction in A Flash Challenge!” Each week I’ll be featuring an image and inviting you to write a Flash Fiction or Non-Fiction piece inspired by that image in any format and genre of your choosing. Maximum word count: 750 words.
Here’s the image prompt and the contribution by Gwen Plano.
This image brought me back to my youth. My dad would take my sibs and me for rides over the dunes. Sometimes we ventured into the bombing range, where there were signs similar to the prompt. Most said, “Do Not Enter.” Dad was a very law-abiding man, but occasionally, he’d bend the rules for buggy riding.
THE LAST RIDE
James, you saw the sign. We can’t do this.
Says who?
The authorities! You know what the sign means.
Yeah, but I don’t see any aircraft, do you?
No, but they could arrive at any moment.
And what of it? If we spot one, I’ll turn back.
You still broke the law.
It says road closed. It doesn’t say anything about goin’ off-road.
Well, the meaning is clear.
Ah, come on, Lauretta. I just want one more ride!
You’re not a kid anymore, James.
Yeah, one of the reasons I need to do this.
Wait, I hear one. Maybe two.
The bombers? I don’t hear em.
James! Listen!
Okay, I hear em. I won’t go near the target.
That’s not good enough! The new pilots are practicing!
Just a little further. One more hill. I need to see it.
You’re a stubborn old mule, James.
Let me turn the buggy around. There! Take a gander, Lauretta. Ain’t she beautiful?
Oh my … a patchwork of fields. You’re right, the valley is beautiful.
Nothin’ quite like it. I just needed one more look before it’s time.
You’ll have many more years, James.
Doctor says otherwise and you know it.
Oh my gosh, that was a close one! Let’s get out of this bombing range.
Well, my love, buckle your seat belt. We’re gonna fly over these hills!
~~~~~~~~~
Thank you so much for stopping by. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. I’ll be posting further entries as I receive them.
I may be contacted here …
Thank you, Soooz, for hosting my short dialogue today. I so appreciate your support and encouragement. 💗
LikeLiked by 3 people
As I do yours, my friend. ❤
LikeLike
Disobeying the rules can be fun, but usually very dangerous!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are so right, Anita. I was always scared when dad went into the range, but he lived until he was 97 and had a very full life. 😊
LikeLiked by 4 people
A great take on the prompt, Gwen. Love it! 🙂
LikeLike
This was a fun adventure Gwen took us on! Thanks, Soooz!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for stopping by, Jan. 😊
LikeLike
I can feel the thrill and the fear in this piece, Gwen- exciting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed this piece, Gwen. The fine line between fear and excitement grabs us all at some point. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a way to bend the rules, but yet I felt the need too. Great poem and insight, Gwen.
LikeLike
Great story, Gwen. Your Dad sounds like he was a lot of fun. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person