FICTION | DRABBLE WRITING PROMPT | RANDOM WORD
A Father’s Unexpected Horror
A moment of indifference becomes a life-altering decision.
Random Word Drabble Challenge Day 32 Word Is Fire
Albert was walking home when he heard a girl’s screams from the alley.
He quickened his step as if his pants were on fire. He was late coming from work, and his wife and daughter were probably holding dinner for him. He couldn’t get involved.
His wife wailed as he came in, “No time for a shower; the police called. Stephanie was attacked downtown, and she’s in the hospital.”
The doctor announced, “I’m sorry, we did all we could.”
Like a gut-punch, the cop’s words crippled him with guilt, “She might’ve made it if someone would’ve answered her screams.”
The next time you hesitate to get involved, imagine if it was your daughter or family member. Would you want someone to get involved?
A drabble is exactly 100 words, no more, no less. In this case, the random word to build the story around is “fire.”
Thanks to Nancy Oglesby and Fiction Shorts for the daily challenge.
Here are three other drabbles for your enjoyment.
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Stephen Dalton is a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Also, a Top Writer in Bitcoin, Business, Investing, Nutrition, Travel, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, and Short Story.