Maybe it’s the devious prompts from Sarah Faxon, or maybe the unusual summer heat that we’re experiencing in San Diego right now. Whatever the cause, my short story, based on her Flash Fiction Friday prompts, is a little bleak. Maybe next week, she can suggest puppies and rainbows.
PROMPTS:
You main character is runner up in a live competition show.
Your story is set in a dry, dusty desert landscape, where only one tree sits on the horizon.
Of course, I chose both.
OUTWIT OUTPLAY OUTLAST
The race is over. It has been for almost three hours now.
Camera drones still circle overhead, broadcasting live images to screens everywhere. Their cicada buzzing melds with the ringing in my ears. The ringing started on the second day with no water.
SURVIVOR: CONVICT EDITION is pretty simple. First one across the desert wins—no voting, no immunity, no runner up.
Ahead is the winner, their back against the only tree for miles.
Arriving, I see unblinking eyes, gun in limp hand. Opening the chamber, a single shell falls into my palm. Engraved on its side---FIRST PLACE WINNER.
This is excellent! Do you watch Survivor? Sal and I are huge fans! Also... this week will not be puppies and rainbows, but it will be superhero themed!
The Winner in the afterlife: "I don't know about you, but I had a blast."
😅. A terrible pun in response to a wonderfully dreary tale. Excellent drabble!