For Charli Mills’ writing prompt—a 99 word story about ‘just one’.
She glared down at the village in fury. They had no right! She pulled up a clod of turf and slung it down the steeply sloping mountainside. The friable earth flew as it bounced over the edge and out of sight. The village winked smugly in the sun. Church steeple, neat little houses, neat little lives, and they chased her out. Not in so many words. They just made her life hell. The sky was blue but her thoughts grew darker and darker. She chose a rock, hefted it in both hands, tossed it and waited for the thunder.
Jane Dougherty Writes 
Interesting. I’m intrigued by the “…waited for the thunder.” part.
It’s meant to imply the thunder of an avalanche. I maybe pared away too many words. I could have called it ‘Avalanche’ but that would have given away the end.
I figured that’s what it meant. You didn’t pare too much. 🙂 Just intriguing at how devastating the avalanche would be, and how it would affect her afterward. You did a good job.
Thanks! Glad it wasn’t too obscure. I reckon most mountain villages were originally built where the risk isn’t high, but with climate change and a bit of human effort, that particular village might not be so safe after all.
Ohhh–I didn’t quite get the avalanche. Perhaps I read it too quickly. I thought she had magic powers. 🙂
I loved, “The village winked smugly in the sun.”
It’s rather elliptical, I grant you 🙂 I hope, for the villagers’ sakes she doesn’t have magic powers and all they have to contend with is a small avalanche 🙂
🙂
“The sky was blue but her thoughts grew darker and darker.” great line! (K)
Sometimes we’re not in sync with the sky 🙂
I’ve noticed that.
Love the imagery and fast pace…great story!
Thanks! There’s maybe a sequel coming up.
Then I’ll have to follow you to see that 🙂
Why not? It’s free 🙂
Oooh interesting! Without annoying you, there is a backstop here I’d like to know more of. I didn’t realise the thunder meant avalanche either, although now I know it is rather obvious! 😁
I might add a bit to this story. I haven’t decided what she’d done yet 🙂
Look forward to that then!
Your wish…
Sounds a rather nasty lady, but I wonder why they chased her out of the village?
I wonder that too. I ought to know really, but she hasn’t confided in me yet.
Maybe we’ll find out?
Some secrets are best kept 🙂
Aha! You got the first prompt in there, too (avalanche)!. Love that description of the “friable earth” and how it makes me think community in the village has crumbled. It might look like a perfect town, but it can’t be if it ousts instead of helping or embracing.
Thank you! Nice analogy between the social set-up and the physical. I hadn’t thought of that 🙂 Small enclosed communities get like that.
I missed the avalanche, too. I thought she had powers. Actually I read this as her being a Demi-God (Goddess). Either way, great flash. 💗
Thanks Sarah! No, she was just a woman with a chip on her shoulder 🙂