Flash fiction: The Reunion

/ Claire Fuller

Roger Bultot

It was Sylvie’s idea. She sorted the date, the diner, booked the motel; she sent the emails. They’d met twice before – at the hen do and the wedding, but that was years ago. When they’d almost arrived – all three women driving from different directions – Sylvie texted that she couldn’t make it, some family emergency.

At first there was awkward conversation about their journeys, the weather and the cherry pie. They ordered cocktails, wine, they laughed and swapped stories, mostly about their mutual friend; went to bed late. They arranged to meet again. None of them invited Sylvie.

*

It’s been a very long time since I last wrote and published a Friday Fictioneers flash fiction piece. I’ve been writing my third novel (hopefully more news on that in the coming weeks). Novels allow a lot of wriggle room, so it’s lovely to be back and being forced to write so tightly. If anyone wants to join in with their own 100-word story inspired by the picture above, click here. Or if you’d like to read some others visit this page. Picture supplied by Roger Bultot.

*

Tonight I’ll be in Ealing (West London) at The Pitshanger Bookshop talking about my second novel, Swimming Lessons. And on Saturday I’ll be at the Wimborne (Dorset) literary festival. Do come if you live nearby. More information here.

68 thoughts on “Flash fiction: The Reunion”

  5. Dear Claire,

    I’m happy to see you’re here this week to fill the Claire-shaped void you left. A bit of irony leaves me wondering why no one invited Sylvie. Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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  7. I just was talking to wife about you and we agreed your writing is sorely missed. It’s good to see you back. I’m immersed in novel number four, a book with a much larger scale than my previous work. Still, I have come to relish these short prompts because they allow me to clear my head and do something wholly different. I think the discipline has helped my other writing, too.
    Lovely story. Great rhythm in this piece.

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  11. Lovely to see you back here, Claire – you and your lovely fiction! This is a great tale, and poor old Sylvie missing out on the fun (though TBH, she sounds a bit controlling, so they’re probably glad to be rid of her!) Congrats on writing the thrid novel – wonderful stuff

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  13. So very glad to see your mug in the “Hollywood Squares” this morning! Your stories never disappoint and neither does this one.
    I say, the ladies should thank Sylvie for getting the ball rolling and maybe invite her next time. At least give her a chance!
    Ooohhh… a third Claire book! Can’t wait. No pressure. 😉

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  21. I’m not quite sure where I sit on the Sylie fence. I would like to see her invited next time and tend to feel her friends are rather petty, but when people keep failing to turn up, I’d be thinking twice.
    xx Rowena

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  27. Initially I felt sorry for Sylvie after her effort, but your last line and them not getting in touch suggests she’s not that nice a woman, or at least not one they feel they need to bother with. Cleverly done – giving us a happy story for some, a sad one for one, and leaving us thinking about both.

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