Flash Fiction Tuesday – I have to wonder sometimes

Posted on April 3, 2012 | 12 Comments

I figured I’d try something different.

I’ve never done flash fiction.  I thought I’d give it a try… at least as a distraction from my current WIP.

Now, I know that there really isn’t a market for Flash, so I figured I’d post it here.  If you’re not into it, don’t worry, it will only be once a week until I get bored with it.

I was going to do Flash Fiction Friday, but I already have a Friday slot, and I don’t want to freak out the Friday people, and Tuesday is feeling so neglected.  I don’t normally post on Tuesdays, so this is my way of giving Tuesday a little love.

I’m not sure where I will go with this… if I will actually create little stories, or just scenes, or simply stream of consciousness.

I am going to start with a random sentence, and see where it takes me in five minutes.  Today, I will start with “I have to wonder sometimes”.

Okay… here we go.

I have to wonder sometimes, what true happiness is.  Why do some people lead gold-plated lives, and others continually suffer?  But are those gold-plated lives really as great as they seem?  Are those people really happy? 

I watch the rich man walking out of a department store, overflowing bags in his hands.  He fumbles with the keys of his Mercedes, while fighting with his wife.  They walk right by the homeless man, leaning against the building, resting his head on his knees.  The wife, eyes glaring, pushes past her husband and gets into their car. 

The homeless man lifts his head, and smiles as a young child runs into his arms.

“Hey Buddy.  How was school,” the man asks.

“Great!  I got an A on my math quiz.”

“That’s fantastic.”

The boy fumbles with his bag, and pulls out a loosely wrapped napkin.  “Here, Dad.  I bought you half my lunch.”

The man opens what looks like half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and splits it in two.  “Tell you what.  Let’s share this for dinner.”

They sit together, leaning against the building, giggling as they begin the child’s homework.

I wonder sometimes, what true happiness is.

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12 responses to “Flash Fiction Tuesday – I have to wonder sometimes”

  1. Writerlious | April 3, 2012 at 10:31 pm |

    Love this! It’s an interesting topic, because most people don’t realize how many homeless schoolchildren there are. I live in a small city, and we have a lot, even here.

    Btw, I think some litmags are pubbing flash. I was just researching zines for SS and saw some accepting flash.

    See?! Maybe this Flash Tuesday thing will pay off. 🙂

  2. Jennifer M Eaton | April 3, 2012 at 8:16 pm |

    Thanks guys. I was nervous about this. You all made my day.

  3. char | April 3, 2012 at 12:47 pm |

    I loved that piece! It makes you really stop and think. Thanks, Jennifer. You are a very talented writer.

  5. Em | April 3, 2012 at 11:50 am |

    Chills here and a wet smile. Well done.

  6. tmso | April 3, 2012 at 11:35 am |

    Look up Flash Fiction Online, an ezine. And Duotrope lists quite a few flash markets you should try. Just a thought. Nice story.

  7. Barbara Forte Abate | April 3, 2012 at 7:44 am |

    Love Flash Fiction, and don’t do it enough myself. Yours is wonderful — very thought provoking. I look forward to the next installent of letting your mind loose 😀

  8. kford2007 | April 3, 2012 at 6:41 am |

    Great job! Powerful message. There are some flash fiction contests out there. You should try to enter some.

  9. Darlene Steelman | April 3, 2012 at 5:13 am |

    Wow, that was wonderful. I guess everyone’s version of happiness is different.
    Good job.