Before the end, Flora liked to dress in boys’ clothes and catch the train to the city, just for the hell of it. She wore trainers for speed, put her hood up, and slouched. She practiced saying ‘yeah’ and ‘nah’, as if she was bored by everything. Sometimes she even painted stubble on her chin using stage makeup.
She only stole small things – lighters, matches, pocket torches, one-size-fits-all gloves. She was a fast runner and never went back to the same shop a second time.
Then, when the end came, she was lucky: Flora was a boy, with items to trade.
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Another Friday Fictioneers 100-word story, inspired by the picture, provided this week by Rochelle herself. Click here to read other people’s or here to join in. And do let me know what you think about mine.
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Click here to find out about my novel, published early next year by Fig Tree / Penguin in the UK, Tin House in the US, House of Anansi in Canada, and various other publishers around the world.
I really like this one. My favorite so far this week.
Thanks Adam. That’s a great compliment.
Claire
Life is funny like that.
Lucky indeed. Nice one.
Thanks Sandra. Glad you liked it.
Claire
Ironic, truly ironic.
Nicely done, Claire!
Thanks, glad you liked it.
Claire
Liked the pace of this one. Not sure what the end meant, but that’s probably just my brain not playing ball 🙂
It was a bit cryptic. It’s meant to be after the apocalypse or some terrible disaster. I think it would be better to be male, and have a few things to trade.
Claire, this reminds me in some way of the short story you had online, the one that was read aloud. This is something different from you, it seems to me. I like the sci-fi, end-of-times feel with the unusual twist. You’re one of the authors on FF whose link I always click on with anticipation, knowing something well-written is awaiting me.
janet
Thanks Janet. What a lovely thing to say. And yes, that was what I was trying to get at end-of-times – a good way to put it. (And Baker, Emily and Me has a similar theme – and in a way, my book.)
AH.. this made me think. that end took me by surprise…
That’s what I like to hear. Thanks Bjorn.
Claire
Different take. Your book covers look fab 🙂
Thanks. I find it quite hard to get inspired by cities. But something came to me eventually.
Claire
The end of civilisation? The big bomb? This left me guessing.
Absolutely right. Something like that. I’m not sure exactly what. But you’d want to be a boy and you’d some things to trade.
Claire
A little confuse by “when the end came,” but that’s ok. I seem to be confused a lot lately. Loved the pacing of this. Easy yet a tiny bit edgy.
‘When the end came’ is meant to imply after an apocalypse, or something bad that has happened to the world. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Claire
I thought that, then I didn’t, then I did. Like I said – easily confused these days. : – )
I really liked this one. Lovely play on the ‘before the end’ and ‘after the end ‘ imagery. Am I wrong to sympathise with her? Loved the character 🙂
I definitely sympathise with her, even though she steals. She’s a survivor.
Claire
Ah yes, after the end… I thought it might be the end of society, but then wondered if that was my own outlook colouring the story. In any case, resourcefulness and an ability with disguise will undoubtedly be an asset.
Cheers
KT
No, you were right. If in doubt always go for the end of society.
Dear Claire,
At least Flora had lots of practice, didn’t she…or he? Lovely writing as always. I’m with Janet. I always look forward to your stories.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle, that’s a lovely thing to say.
Claire
I bet she didn’t realise how useful her little “hobby” was going to be “after the end”. Great story and a unique take on the prompt, very enjoyable.
I think you’re right. I’m sure she wasn’t anticipating the end of society.
Claire
a bit intriguing in the end
Thanks!
Claire,
This is such a unique twist on the apocalyptic fiction that crops up now and again in Friday Fictioneers. The ending caught me for a moment as I had assumed “the end” meant simply the end of Flora, and I like how you surprised me with a different “end.” Just enough of a jolt to make the brilliance of your heroine shine. Nicely handled.
All my best,
Marie Gail
Thanks Marie Gail. I’m pleased it made you do a double-take.
Claire
I do enjoy your writing, Claire. And, as far as apocalyptic hoarders go, it was amusing to see it in the actions of a small time thief. Unique and fun.
Just shows that thievery can pay off in the end. 😉
Dear Claire,
I went much darker than the end of the world, thinking that the end for Flora was that she was caught, sent to jail and there, due to her proclivity for cross dressing, found her life a little easier through trading ‘items’ that she had.
There is a tone in this piece that sets it apart from others. Measured and careful, it made me pay attention throughout. Another in a long line of quality stories.
Aloha,
Doug
Ahh, I see what you mean. She wasn’t trading the items she had stolen but something else. Doug, your mind is very dark.
Claire
Interesting piece, even if you didn’t get the end. To me, the ending is cryptic and open to multiple interpretations. Nice job!
Looking at the responses I’ve had I think you’re right. I like an open ending.
I’m glad I read your opening comments! I liked the story very much and couldn’t figure out what “the end” could be … but on the other hand it kept me thinking … Bravo Claire!
Always good to keep the reader working! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Claire
Smart one, you! 😀
I’ve had to read the others to get the ending.
So, great little story, great gal.
Sorry I had to make you work to get there. But thanks for reading and commenting.
Claire
So, in the end times it’s good to have fire starting materials. I’ve made a mental note. I very much like the description of Flora’s calculated behavior. Thought provoking story.
Yes, and one-size-fits-all gloves. Although I’m not sure what use those will be put to!
Claire
She has an interesting name for such a character – old-fashioned and so feminine. I like that irony. She’s a survivor, and I like the understated way you’ve shown that. She does what she has to do, and uses what she has. Good story.
I hadn’t thought of that. Perhaps her parents hoped for someone different…
Claire
I like that this turned another corner after I thought I knew where it was heading. I’m sure you are right.
Thanks Hilary. Surprise is always good.
Claire
Thats a nice portrait of the thief as a young boy.
Thanks, glad you liked it.
Claire
The subtle references to time and changes in life, left me with a chilling sense of darkness… really well done, Claire!
Thanks, glad you liked it.
Claire
What twists endings bring to our lives. This was fun and would develop well I to a full story.
Well, Flora does appear in the novel I’m writing now, but the end of society (luckily) doesn’t. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Claire
I am glad of that. I sometimes feel society could be tweened a little though.
Claire, I didn’t quite understand until I read your explanation. That’s right. In that atmosphere, being a boy with useful things would be much safer. Well written as always. 🙂 — Susan