avatarEva MacInnes

Summary

Sara, a circus performer who joined the circus to escape her parents, faces her fear of heights and performs a death-defying tightrope act, ultimately meeting a tragic end despite her desire for thunderous applause.

Abstract

The narrative "Thunderous Applause" is a 100-word drabble that encapsulates the story of Sara, a young woman who sought refuge from her parents by joining the circus. Her newfound family in the circus unexpectedly thrusts her into the spotlight when the regular tightrope walker falls ill. Despite her fear and the immense height, Sara is driven by the promise of applause. Midway through her perilous walk, the rope snaps, leading to a fatal fall. The story concludes with Sara smiling as she falls, suggesting her acceptance of fate or a final act of defiance. This piece is part of the "100 Story Challenge" by Zane Dickens and invites readers to engage with the author, Eva MacInnes, who is also a writer, artist, and freelance editor specializing in romance.

Opinions

  • The author implies that the pursuit of applause and recognition can drive individuals to take extreme risks.
  • The story conveys a sense of irony, as Sara's desire for applause leads to her demise.
  • The circus is portrayed as a place of escape and a surrogate family for those seeking refuge from their past.
  • The audience's reaction, including screams and parents shielding their children, contrasts with Sara's calm demeanor during the fall, highlighting her inner strength or resignation.
  • The author's note at the end expresses a desire for reader engagement and provides information about the author's other works and services, suggesting a personal connection with the audience.

FICTION | FLASH FICTION | HUNDO | DRABBLE | 100 STORY CHALLENGE

Thunderous Applause

The best circus acts were always rewarded…

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

This drabble (100-word story) is a response to Crush Hundo Edition’s word prompt. Today’s word is THUNDEROUS.

Sara joined the circus to get away from her parents. It seemed like a solid plan at the time. They became her new family.

But when the tightrope walker called in sick, the last thing she expected was to be asked to take her place. And now she stood, shivering, one-hundred feet in the air.

However, she was practically guaranteed thunderous applause. And she wanted that so bad.

She was mid-way through her walk when the tight rope snapped. The audience screamed and parents covered their crying children’s eyes. But Sara, well… she smiled the whole way down.

This 27th drabble is written as part of the “100 Story Challenge” by @Zane Dickens.

Thank you for reading my drabble. I’d love to hear your responses.

You can check out some more of my writing and follow me here. (She, Her) I am a writer, an artist and a freelance editor. I edit all genres, and I specialize in Romance. I write a little bit of everything, whatever is on my mind at the moment. Get an email when I publish a new story. And if you could buy me an iced latte it would be greatly appreciated.

Fiction
Flash Fiction
Hundo
100 Story Challenge
Drabble
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