Category: Flash Fiction

Home free

johnboat on lake shore
~ Tara R. ~ 4 Comments

Rose could hear the searchers calling her name as they hunted the woods for any signs of her. The voices were moving away from the lake shore. Perhaps they feared finding her bloated body floating facedown in the water. Instead, they seemed to be moving back up the hill toward the house. She imagined them … Continue reading Home free

Measure thrice

wooden carpentry ruler
~ Tara R. ~ 4 Comments

He pulled the ruler from a narrow, side pocket of his overalls, snapping it open with military precision. Despite his workingman métier, his appearance was always meticulous. A razor-edged crease ran down the center of each pant leg; his white oxford shirt, starched and buttoned to the neck; and his nails free of grime, were … Continue reading Measure thrice

The Downturn

black and white image of leaves
~ Tara R. ~ 2 Comments

Copper jackets plinking on the ground sounded like rain. The lingering petrichor from a recent shower was cloying compared to the stringent scent of her spent shells. Margie fired off more rounds, the acrid smell of gun powder washing back over her. She could feel the tension release from her shoulders. The trail exercise always made … Continue reading The Downturn

Tin woman

tin toy female robot
~ Tara R. ~ 3 Comments

The story so far... Old Wives’ Tale James Carson huddled with Pappy for a long time after the travelers left the bus. His contempt for Charles was palpable. Amelia was grateful for James’ careful attention to her bag, and Olivia’s welcoming embrace. From Pappy’s bus, James unloaded their belongings. He let Amelia hold her duffle in … Continue reading Tin woman

A family matter

park bench black and white
~ Tara R. ~ 2 Comments

The story so far… Old Wives’ Tale “This don’t concern you, Roxie,” Roger said. “I don’t even know why you’re here, it’s none of your business.” Roger was on the defensive the minute Marshall and I arrived. He refused to talk about his aunt and became hostile when I told him about discovering the bodies … Continue reading A family matter