Now or Never
It’s the start of week 3 of the A-to-Z Blogging Challenge. I’m writing 100-word flash fiction stories based on prompts given by YOU! Of course, there’s always the chance that no-one will comment, leaving me with no prompts and nothing to write about. We came close to that over the weekend, but thankfully Dena Pawling and One Of Us Has To Go saved the day with some great suggestions. Of the prompts they offered, I went with one of Dena‘s:
NOW OR NEVER
I knew the window would be small. Thirty seconds max. Some think that’s plenty of time, especially for a professional.
They don’t understand.
It takes a steady hand. Concentration. Thirty seconds is no time to get in the zone.
Especially when Security is maybe thirty-one seconds behind you.
It’s not that I hated the guy in my sights. Seemed nice enough. But if you want your candidate to advance, you’ve got to do what’s necessary.
I had it. Perfect shot. Three… two…
A bullet hit my arm. I dropped the rifle.
“Threat neutralized,” a guard shouted. “Inform Chancellor Hitler immediately!”
What will be the theme of tomorrow’s story? I’m sure you have some excellent “O” words or phrases to offer. I’ll pick the one that inspires me most. 🙂
P.S.: Don’t forget to leave a link to your blog if you’re also doing the A-to-Z Blogging Challenge!
Another great story with a twist Colin! Well done😊 I will really miss my daily emails when you’ve finished! Jane x
The Orangery
Oscar the orangutan (I think that’s how you spell it; a huge, orange hairy ape😊)
Awww, thanks Jane! I guess I need to keep working on the stories and novels! 🙂
Damn & blast eh? So close & yet so far … ‘n all that stuff 🙂
Oblique, oxytocin, Oxford
A-Zing this year at:
FictionCanBeFun
Normally found at:
DebsDespatches
This could have been a time travel story where someone goes back to 1933 and assassinates Hitler. But I thought a different twist would be someone who tries to kill him simply for political gain, unaware of how much his act would change history if he succeeded. To me, that gave a bit more depth to the “now or never” theme.
Oooh, wasn’t expecting quite that twist.
There are only two words worth offering up for O…octopus and octogenarian =)
Excellent! You know I love it when I pull off a surprise ending. 🙂
Glad you could use one of my suggestions!
O is for Orange marmalade. Oxford comma [the only way to write!]. Orange you glad I’m not a banana [from my high school years ugh]. Onward and upward! Obfuscate. Old Spice. Old Navy. And Oh man can you write flash fiction.
Dena
https://denapawling.blogspot.com/
Thank you for suggesting it, Dena! Well, I didn’t place in Janet’s flash contest, but I managed to enter which is probably an accomplishment itself this month! Anyway, the finalists were all great, so I’m not too disappointed. 🙂
that was a surprise. it seems your subject matter has rose toward a bit macabre lately, hasn’t it? it’s okay.
suggestions:
often overlooked
orphans, operas and other ordinary things
have a lovely day.
Cool! I’m glad you were caught off-guard there, lissa. Yes, I guess I do lean a little macabre-ish. Not everyone’s cup of tea, I know, but I try not to be too nasty. 🙂
Really liked it. Didn’t expect that ending.
And incidentely, I’m blogging about HItler of my blog today too…
https://theoldshelter.com/nsdap-nationalsozialistische-deutsche-arbeiterpartei-weimar-germany-atozchallenge/
Thanks, jazzfeathers! Your blog is fascinating, especially for anyone who wonders how on earth someone like Hitler could ever gain power. Just imagine if that death sentence in 1923 had been carried out. History is full of moments like that, which inspires stories like mine. 🙂
Only one obstacle, Only one option, Only one opinion for tomorrow’s O.
Thanks, OneOfUs, for some more options! 😉