Aria Glazki blew me away with her Flash! Friday Prompt. I had to share it with you. Please comment and let Aria know what the story said to you. To learn more about Aria, she would love to have you visit Aria Glaki’s blog.
Flash! Friday: Prompt #43
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Flash! Friday is upon us! Almost at the deadline, but here is this week’s story: 150 words, +/- 5 on this photo:
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Teaching Abroad
Throwing children out of windows isn’t normal. At the height of their trajectory, they float for a heartbeat in the air. Orange light paints over their skin. It’s almost beautiful, but it isn’t normal.
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Some of the older kids understand, and they all fight our holds instinctively in fear. But we’re stronger, and we’re determined. Their wiggling and crying cannot slow us down.
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Screams tear through me, but I don’t even pause.
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“I hate heights,” the little boy in my arms whispers.
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“Close your eyes,” I can’t help whispering back.
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The second he does, I clench my jaw and toss. His arms flail as he flies. Fourteen.
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I pray the hands outside will catch him.
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We search the smoky room for any small bodies left behind. The flames lick at my feet through the remaining patches of floor.
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This isn’t what I signed up for.
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(145 words)
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Very nice, full of tension that kept me going. 🙂
That’s for sure. Thanks Emaginette for stopping by.
I knew exactly where Aria was going with this because it brought me back to when I was little and my firefighter dad would come home from work and tell us about an especially bad fire. ‘Especially bad’ fires always involved children. I’m typing this in chills; good one Aria. Thanks for sharing, Sherry, I must have missed the email.
Firefighters are a unique breed. I think it takes a very special person to be able to do what they do. Kudos to your dad for being one of those wonderful people. Have a great day Donna.
Beautifully written. Gripping in just a few short words. Well done, Aria! Thanks for sharing this, Sherry.
Hi Taylor. Aria is very talented in putting together riveting and thought-provoking stories in very few words. I am happy to share such an excellent one!
I am so honored you chose to share this, Sherry! Not to mention by your very nice comments 🙂
Thank you to everyone for their feedback! I am so glad this story resonates and evokes the intended scene. Hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the weekend!!
It is excellent and I mean it when I say it blew me away. I felt I had to share such a fantastic story. I look forward to more. ^_^
Oh goodness, how can I ever live up to such expectations?? 🙂
I have every confidence that you will. ^_^
It took me a moment to see where this was going. You’re right Sherry. It blew me away too. Thanks for sharing. I must not have opened her post yet.
Me too. I thought of Goodbye Nothing by Beck Sherman and then I breathed a sign of relief. lol