If you missed any of the chapters of “THE BOMB IN THE SHED…” here are all the links - CHAPTER 1 - CHAPTER 2 - CHAPTER 3 - CHAPTER 4 - CHAPTER 5 - CHAPTER 6 - Chapter 7 - CHAPTER 8 - CHAPTER 9
Hi Everyone
Here’s another FLASH FICTION story. This one is based on a true story and features a character, Lily, who is going to feature in one of my future novels. It’s only 250 words so it really is an exercise in short form story telling.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy it. Here you go…
The Quiet One
“Has no one done their homework?”
Silence.
Thirty two children frozen in fear. No one had expected the headmaster to take over their English class, but that was no excuse.
“Detention for all of you.”
The class groaned.
“Silence, text books out.”
There was a frenzy of scraping chairs, bags moved, opening and closing of desks.
And then a single hand raised at the back.
“I have, Sir.”
Lily Hunter. The quiet one. Most likely to have written the story, least likely to volunteer to read it aloud.
“Ok, Lily, up you come.”
She seemed to shrink in size with each step forward. Once at the front she turned, opened her exercise book and started to read, her eyes scanning the pages as her exquisitely crafted story unfolded. At the end the classroom stayed silent. This was what teaching was all about: these rare, exceptional moments.
“I think Miss Hunter just saved you all from detention.”
The class cheered as Lily made her way back to her desk, still looking as though she wanted the ground to swallow her whole.
“Hold on. Can I see your book, Lily?”
She returned and handed it over impassively.
The first page was empty. And the next. Then every page after that. It didn’t have a single word of writing in it.
“Am I in trouble, Sir?”
She’d even remembered to turn the pages as she’d invented her story.
“No, Lily, you’re not in trouble. Why don’t you go and sit down.”
That’s it, hope that was interesting. Any comments or questions let me know.
Jonathan
I’d love to hear your thoughts…
Interesting to hear what you think about short stories…
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Or send them this link to Chapter 1 - https://justbeyondordinary.substack.com/p/chapter-1-is-live
Thanks!
Liked it, and my 9 year old son did too. Nice!