Flash Fiction Friday: Walk the Plank!

The YA Buccaneers are running an end-of-year “Walk the Plank” challenge. The rules require participants to compose a piece of flash fiction no more than 200 words long and starting with the phrase, “It was a great year, but I wish I’d…” Extra kudos to those who use exactly 200 words.

So here’s my piece for the challenge, and because I like the uber-challenge (and the kudos), it’s exactly 200 words long:

The Letter

It was a great year, but I wish I’d read Warrini’s letter.

It came with the usual New Year’s Eve Christmas cards and bills. As I walked back from the mailbox, I glanced at the red “Urgent! Open Immediately” printed on the white envelope, and stuck it at the back of the pile. It ended up on the coffee table, next to the TV remote, which I picked up and proceeded to watch a Downton Abbey marathon.

I moved it to the mantle when I went to bed that night, intending to read it in the morning. But I woke to a call saying I’d won the New Year’s Lottery. $10,000. Then there was the party, and the cruise.

It was April when I noticed the envelope again. Right before I got the call about my promotion, and the five weeks of training in the Bahamas.

I nearly opened it when I returned, but Julie called wanting to get back together.

Now it’s New Year’s Eve again. I finally read that letter this morning:

“Call me tomorrow or 2014 will be your last year.”

It was Warrini who cancelled my flight to New York on 9/11. I suddenly feel sick.

There’s still time to join in the challenge if you want–but only just! Check out the YA Buccaneers blog for details.