55 - Brain Depository

He pondered what to do. He couldn't run forever.

With a sigh, he slipped his brain through the after-hours slot.

Had he remained capable of thinking, he would have marveled at how civilized the zombies had become.

Had he retained a memory, he might have missed his brain.

Now he was just like everyone else.


About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Partial Least Squares

Everything was variable; nothing he observed was as predicted. He analyzed all the factors, trying not to project his expectations. Would he find a model that made sense of the whole? In despair, he realized linear thinking was to blame. He had regressed, needed a new relationship. Being square was the least of his troubles. 

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Zoltar

It seemed an innocent bit of fun;
offer a coin, hear what he'd won.
He read the directions, saw how it's done,
then waited for words from the wise one.

His ears were suddenly filled with the sound
of prophesy, fortune, tales to confound.
Hazards and escapades would soon abound.
Destiny was an adventure profound!

Yay to the The G-Man, who has been given a clean bill of health after being much in need of good fortune these past couple of months!

55 - Hot Springs

They came from far away, navigating treacherous roads in search of health and vigor. Stone structures were built for those who would take the waters. A tiny community thrived. But the water's power was stronger than human ingenuity. Bit by bit the land eroded, toppling the buildings until only stones and warm muddy water remained.

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Boquillas Entrepreneurs

Clever hands fashion trinkets for sale: walking sticks, bracelets, scorpions and roadrunners of beads and wire. Daring men brave the river and rangers to place them for sale. An honor system. Donations also accepted.

Rich tourists, for whom a few dollars is nothing, admire the offerings, discuss, then reject. International law and obedience to authority trump all.

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Aloft

I told him he wouldn't get very high
in that big wicker basket he just had to try.

As I watched him climb in, I refused to lie:
No way would he ever sail up to the sky.

He insisted on going. I stifled a sigh.
I gave him a kiss, then wished him good-bye.

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Don't Feed the Animals

She watched with anxious eyes as they made their way to a table. There were good things on their plates, she just knew it! But although they waved at her, snapped pictures and jabbered in their nonsensical way, they never offered to share their bounty.

"Please Don't Feed the Animals," read the sign.

Damn tourists.

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Night Road

Delayed along their journey. Too many stops for food, photographs, the rare clean restroom. Now behind schedule, their reservation in doubt, they press on, their high beams the only light on the darkened road.

Certain of the rightness of their persistence, she counts the reflectors, sighs and takes his hand.

They'll be there before morning.

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Almost Famous

The boy was brought before the tribal council. The charge: defacement of property. His so-called "art" wasn't even very good. He was a disgrace to his people!

"Young man, what do you have to say for yourself?" the tribal leader asked.

The boy just lifted his chin and smiled. "Someday my art will be famous!"

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Road to Pietown

A long and dusty road.

A craving only one thing could satisfy.

Miles from nowhere, he despaired of finding
the object of desire that would fill his inner need.

And then he saw it.

Nirvana!

He slumped in the booth and soon saw before him

(hot and bubbling)

the freshly baked pie of his dreams.

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Doll Collector

It's a most unseemly quality
to covet each doll you see.

(Different!)
(New!)

You scheme until you have her.
You enjoy her for awhile and show her off.
Then you put her with the others;
one more dolly on a shelf.

Are you off to collect another?

It's a most unworthy hobby for a man.

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Operator

"Delaware sixty-five ten, please."

"Chesapeake seventy-eight nine one is also very nice."

"Delaware sixty-five ten, please."

"Are you sure? Sometimes once you've called, you find you don't want to talk to that person after all."

"Are you telling me I don't know what I want?"

"No, lady. I'm telling you I can't reach the connection!"

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Rapture

He thought his troubles would be over. No more meaningless job, no more frustration over the woman he used to love but who was now changed.

Yes, he had looked forward to the apocalypse, but now his biggest worry was the leftover brochures. Perhaps they'd make a good fire to take the chill off reality.

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Splat!

She wasn't one to look at signs;
it was her greatest folly,
and so she hurried down the steps
of the well lit tourist trolley.

With a cheerful call-out to a friend,
she said to meet her across the street.
And that is how she came to be
smeared blood and guts on concrete.

Splat!

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - All Activities Monitored

Each day at 3 o'clock she came to this place alone. Thinking herself unobserved, she made silly faces, danced and twirled, her lips moving in silent song. Then one afternoon she saw the sign:

Now each day at 2:55 she brushes her hair and touches up her lipstick. One never knows who might be watching.


About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Pirate

I bided me time, me hearties, waiting for me captors to make a wrong move. I spied an opportunity when the dirty bilge rats let me out for what they called a picnic. I escaped while their afts were turned. What wailing when the lubbers couldn't find me! Avast, I have me freedom once again!

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Holiday

She had been promised a holiday of exciting nights and glorious days. Luxury and adventure were to be hers. As she gazed at the decrepit sign, however, she realized with chagrin that she had been duped. Her stay would not be luxurious, but if she played her cards right, she just might have an adventure.

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Safety First

He peeked inside the cabin and was daunted at what he saw. Nothing had prepared him for this adventure. The responsibility was enormous, but in spite of the ripped vinyl, rusted valves and antiquated displays, he felt up to the challenge. Gingerly, he took his seat.

Only he would be responsible for what happened next.

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Destiny

“Yard Sale of Destiny,” the sign said. In need of ideas, she gave it a shot. At the stated address she found cardboard boxes of old sheets, VHS tapes, costume jewelry and paperback novels. Was this shabby detritus her destiny? Disturbed by the implications, she signed up for a yoga class on the way home.

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!

55 - Shipwreck

She was sent to sea with such high hopes, only to be tossed one stormy night onto the rocky beach of a small island. Now her rusted hull offers opportunity of a different sort. Captured in artists’ oils and watercolors, her image pixelated in the photos of tourists, the little ship will live on forever.

About Friday Flash 55: The challenge is to write a complete story in fifty-five words. If you've written a 55-flash, go let The G-Man know!