The spot of light, perfectly circular, roamed her bedroom, over her clothes and the dead fern on the windowsill – a sudden wincing flare as it crossed the mirror. At the window she craned her neck to find its source, but saw no one. The wavering beam sought her out while she backed into a dark corner, and followed her as she scrabbled under the bed. She ducked and weaved, and when she cried out she felt the heat on her tongue and down her throat as she swallowed. Below her beating heart, through flesh and skin she saw the glow.
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This is a 100-word piece of flash fiction inspired by the picture above, supplied by Dale Rogerson (thanks Dale!) and as part of Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (thanks Rochelle!). If you’d like to write your own story and join in, click here to find out how, or here to read other people’s.
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This week I was very pleased to find out that my third novel, Bitter Orange, has received a starred-review from Kirkus.
A new genre for you? I loved the detail of the fern
I suppose. Although still some sort of mystery. It depends what you want to see the light as.
Never look at the light, that’s all I know
Dear Claire,
Very visual and mysterious. Your story left me on edge. Good job.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle. I was a bit pushed for time this week, but thanks again for hosting.
She’s in a tight spot, great tension.
Thanks, Iain.
She is in big time trouble. Lovely detailing, Claire.
She is! And thank you.
Mmm, a sort of giant fire fly, or a bright alien creatures. A lot of fear of the unknown in this, a good read.
Yes, I have no idea what it is.
I read this as her being on drugs, if so it is deadly stuff for her,
Oh, could be. I hadn’t seen it like that, but perhaps.
Splendid visuals here. It leaves the reader wanting more. Well done.
Thank you.
I’m glad someone did something with that light “orb.” Really wanted more…so there is the success.
Thanks. That orb was more interesting to me than the sun.
Frantic fiction! Nice one Claire
Wow! Scary stuff. Did she have some idea of what was going on, that made her hide under the bed?/ I suppose a light that seems to have no source would be pretty scary, mind. Very intriguing piece!
Not quite a restful little story, is it. Blankets over the head tonight.
Haunting and horrifying.
Love it.
Wow, Claire. That one demanded to be read twice. Excellent.
I love how you focused on the spot (caused by a dirty lens… ahem…) and created such a tense situation. I was thinking of a laser light (like on a gun) chasing her but that it was a living thing… I dunno. I just want her to get the hell out of there!
Would love to know what happens next…
Me too!
I wanted to read more!
You really pulled me in.
Very descriptive.
What next I wonder, she’s in a pickle I’d say!
Enjoyed the visual appeal of your story thoroughly! Would be reading more of your work 🙂
Thank you!