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ESCAPE WITH DIGNITY

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Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge. The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

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Thank you Ady for our prompt photo this week

The boatman’s organisation were paid thousands to smuggle the family onto the mainland. They were escaping from a brutal regime that would have jailed Mr Shah and sold his wife and children into slavery. When they saw the transport for the last leg of the journey they were shocked. The boatman assured them all would be well as they would never be considered suspects on a paddle boat. That would be considered a pleasure trip.
A patrol boat sped by as they were halfway across the bay and ignored them. The family raised fishing rods and pretended to fish when a helicopter flew overhead. They reached land-fall, when a patrol ordered them to stop and produce their papers. With their hearts in their mouths, Mr Shah reached for the forged papers in his wallet. A radio crackled into life and the patrol instantly sped off on their motorcycles in the direction of the waterside. The family breathed a united sigh of relief and made their way ashore to a new life.

(175 Words)

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

This is in response to a challenge hosted by Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. If you would like to participate in this challenge or need more information, please click the following link:

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

A DECADE AFTER

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Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge. The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.
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Image © Dawn M Miller

Dawn broke, sunlight filtered through trees at the side of a placid lake. Not another human being stirred at this early hour. Kelly settled down on a log on the bank.

Ashes to ashes, she thought, you were a stubborn brute during the years of our marriage, callous, cruel and unfeeling to everyone around you. I despised you when you cold-bloodedly allowed the abortion of our grandchild and insisted that Shelley go ahead and abort the foetus in spite of my feelings and the look of horror on my only child’s face. A stronger man would have stood by her, now she is in hospital having treatment for severe depression.

I knew I had to kill you to remove a cancer from my life, your body burned slowly in our boiler as you stubbornly refused to succumb to the flames. In the end I reduced you to a pile of ashes and scattered your dust and detritus into this calm placid lake.

It is ten years since I reported you missing. You deserved your fate………..

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

This is in response to a challenge hosted by Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. If you would like to participate in this challenge or need more information, please click the following link:

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

(175 Words)

AFTERNOON TEA

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Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge week 8. The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

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AFTERNOON TEA

by John Yeo

Esmeralda was having afternoon tea with the members of the local sewing circle. It was a wonderful afternoon and they settled down on her porch to chat and enjoy the occasion.
There was a very loud roar as two motorcycles revved up and roared around the block to screams of delight from the riders. That pesky gang from around the corner were out on their bikes, roaring round and round the block, racing and laughing to one another.
Esmeralda and Olivia dropped their needles in anger, picked up a couple of broomsticks and flew across the road to confront the Hells Angels. Esmeralda marched up to the biggest rider and demanded he call his friends together and get the hell off her doorstep and clear off.
The shock in the bikers eyes was a sight to behold and he called his friends together, In a moment of bravado, he spat on the ground as he said to his gang, “Let’s get out of here before these Witches put a spell on us.”

(172 Words)

Copyright (c) Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

This is in response to a challenge hosted by Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. If you would like to participate in this challenge or need more information, please click the following link:

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

TEARS

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Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge week 7. The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

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Thank you to pixabay.com (free to use photographs) for this week’s prompt photos.

TEARS

by John Yeo

The acid attack was horrific, Joey screamed, penetratingly loud, as pain raced through his head. Skin was burnt to shreds from the structure of his face, Joey’s crowning glory, his hair, was burnt off in seconds. He passed out and was raced to the burns unit at the local general hospital.
One year later after many operations by plastic surgeons some semblance of normality returned. Joey refused to be seen in public and became a recluse. He left our town and disappeared, it was rumoured he had joined some gypsies and was travelling the countryside by caravan.
One day Lisa our daughter, came home from school very excited, “Daddy the circus has come to town!”
Saturday night we had the best seats in the big top and Lisa was laughing merrily at the antics of Joey the clown. He came to speak to her and Lisa asked “How did you become a clown Joey?” His painted smile never altered hiding the tears of a clown.

(165 Words)

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Copyright  © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved.

This is in response to a challenge hosted by Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. If you would like to participate in this challenge or need more information, please click the following link:

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

Witty ~ 100 Word Challenge ~ Verbal Verbosity

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100 words on the word “WITTY” in response to the latest challenge from VELVET VERBOSITY
http://www.velvetverbosity.com/blog/2015/3/23/100-words-418-witty

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Image from the net

APRIL FOOL

by John Yeo 

Our landlord passed away very suddenly yesterday. He was a very witty man, always playing practical jokes. He will be well remembered by everyone, always good for a laugh to cheer everyone up. The other day we all got a letter to say our rent would be doubled. My wife and I were shocked until we realised it was April fools day, and he was only up to his old witty tricks. The police came to arrest our neighbour George today, he also received a letter. Some people have no sense of humour. Landlord’s funeral is tomorrow
What’s for tea?

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

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SAFETY SHOCK

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Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge week 6. The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

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Thank you Vanessa Rodriguez for this week’s prompt photo.

SAFETY SHOCK

by John Yeo

We live at the top of a very steep hill in the centre of town. Although the crime rate in this locality is low, Father had fitted a burglar alarm above the door, clearly visible from the road and we had a steel gate in front of our front door. Our neighbours in this very quiet road had never been burgled, always smiled at Father’s over-enthusiasm for security.
I will never forget the night of the break-in. There was a sound of breaking glass from the rear of our house, Father went to investigate carrying a baseball bat and he was quickly overpowered by three men wearing balaclavas. Mother and I hid in the bedroom, she had called the police who were on the scene in minutes, sirens blaring and lights flashing. The robbers fled, having tied Father up, and escaped with nothing.
From that day, although our security is strong, we have never felt safe in our house again. Our private space was irreparably violated.

(167 Words)

Copyright (c) Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved.

This is in response to a challenge hosted by Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. If you would like to participate in this challenge or need more information, please click the following link:

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

HOTEL TEMPLE

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Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge week 5. The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

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Thank you to pixabay.com for their “free to use” photograph, for this week’s prompt

HOTEL TEMPLE

by John Yeo

On Koh Samui, an island soaked in tropical sunshine, stood the imposing Hotel Temple. The hotel in an ornate converted temple, has a five star rating, attracting many visitors.
Aran and his twin sister Isra were thirteen years old. Sold to the hotel owner by their parents, they were trapped, working twelve hours a day for a pittance, waiting on rich tourists.
A very famous European singer and his entourage of roadies and musicians checked-in, after performing in Bangkok. The singer ordered tea to be brought to his room and requested Isra to bring it personally. Aran was suspicious and waited outside, listening intently. When he heard his sisters piercing screams, thirteen year old Aran rushed into the room to find her struggling with the singer. Aran had a very sharp kitchen knife and went for the rapist who pushed Isra away. Aran grabbed her and they ran from the room. No charges were pressed, the singer was very famous. The hotel proprietor just shrugged, Aran and Isra were just replaceable slave labour after all.

(175 words)

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

This is in response to a challenge hosted by Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. If you would like to participate in this challenge or need more information, please click the following link:

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

ROMANCE ON THE RIVER

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Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers-

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge week 4. The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

imageROMANCE ON THE RIVER

by John Yeo

The reflection of the beautiful blue sky on the surface of the calm waters of the river boded well for our romantic afternoon. The hampers were packed, stacked and loaded with several cases of champagne in the cold room. Family and friends of family began to arrive and the three barges we had hired were ready to go. Beautiful music was made by a trio of musicians on the central barge.
Suddenly Wagner’s famous “Bridal Chorus” was softly and melodiously sounding as you arrived at the quayside in a white Rolls Royce. Escorted by bridesmaids and pages you boarded our barge, smiling happily behind your veil. I stood by your side and the priest uttered the timeless words, we both responded, “I do”. We were now to spend the rest of our lives together.
Two majestic white swans glided by on the surface of the river, followed by six cygnets.You grinned, then laughed and said, “No not six Darling!”.
(159 words)

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Image from the net

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

This is in response to a challenge hosted by Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. If you would like to participate in this challenge or need more information, please click the following link:

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

THE HAUNTED AVENUE

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Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers-

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers is a new weekly fiction writing challenge. The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

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THE HAUNTED AVENUE

by John Yeo

This is the place where the dream was created, deep in Arden forest. A beautiful peaceful sight in daylight with this tree-lined path running through the middle. There are fairies and many little people living here, only visible after dark. The biggest puzzle is the man with the head of an Ass, who is rumoured to have been magically transformed here. The fact is debatable, as there are many Ass-headed beings in the real world, visible wearing the heads of ordinary folk. The tree-lined avenue pictured is haunted by the Lady Arabella who was murdered by her husband after she was caught having an affair with an Ass-headed farmer. The tenant farmer was ostracised and thrown off his land. Now he wanders the woods after dark, broken-hearted looking for revenge, with a pack of hounds ready to tear the foxy killer apart. His Lordship only hunts and walks by day.

(150 Words)

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Image © pricelessjoy

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

This is in response to a challenge hosted by Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. If you would like to participate in this challenge or need more information, please click the following link:

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

ABANDONED

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Pen n tonic Creative Expressions

Each week on Tuesday Pen’n’Tonic will post a word, a phrase, a picture, or an idea that will constitute a prompt from which to submit a poem, a flash fiction piece (not longer than 250 words), an original photograph, an original artwork, or a combination of these things that you think applies to the week’s theme.

This week, I give you for your prompt one of my own original paintings entitled “Abandoned.” Need I say more? Get writing. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

https://penntonic.wordpress.com/2015/03/03/creative-expressions-12-abandoned/

ABANDONED

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Image (c) supplied by Pen’n’tonic

by John Yeo

We have been travelling through the Winter storm for hours. The horses pulling the sleigh are badly in need of rest and food. We are desperately looking for shelter and we are a long way off our planned route. The storm, although abated now has been very fierce.
Then as the sun sets on the horizon, a house looms up, outlined and pictured beautifully in the dimming twilight. There are no lights burning and the chimneys are not smoking, we also find it strange there are no footprints in the snow to reveal a path to the front door. Quite spooky really!
We are not surprised to find no-one at home and we manage to stable our horses in an outbuilding attached to the house. As we enter, we are puzzled to find an unfinished meal for two in the dining-room and signs of a hasty departure. The occupants have left without even bothering to lock the doors and windows. We decide to settle down for the night and keep warm and as comfortable as possible. We light a fire and and eat food from tins stacked in the well stocked larder, there is even a bottle of good quality wine. Very tired from our journey we settle down for the night.
The next morning the reason behind the hasty abandonment of this house becomes clear. We have wandered into an abandoned village near a huge nuclear power complex. There is a signpost along the way that reads CHERNOBYL 2 kilometres.

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(250 words)
Copyright (c) Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved