Every week, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (thank you, Rochelle!) hosts a flash fiction challenge, to write a complete story with a beginning, middle and end in 100 words or less. Post it on your blog, and include the Photoprompt and Inlinkz on your page. Link your story URL. Then the fun starts as you read other peoples’ stories and comment on them!
Photo prompt © Dale Rogerson
Oops!
“I won’t have turkey,” said Kate to herself, “in fact, I’ll try and make the day as normal as possible. And I’ll start now by going for a run. Bah! Humbug!”
Snow gleamed and winter sunshine glinted on the icy lake. Despite Brad’s absence, Kate felt her spirits lifting as she ran lightly along the gritted pathway.
She paused, breath steaming, at the bandstand by the water’s edge, and smiled as she remembered Brad playing the saxophone.
Her phone chimed.
“Can’t do Xmas without you. On 14:15 from Delhi. Love, Brad”
“Heavens! Where can I buy turkey on Christmas Eve?”
Inlinkz – click here to join the fun!
Autumn Leaves 
Loved the last line
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neil
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad the last line caught your fancy!
With best wishes
Penny
LikeLike
So much for always being prepared!
That was a fun romp!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Dale
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m delighted you felt the story was fun.
With very best wishes
Penny
LikeLike
It definitely was!
LikeLike
Ha, I’m sure he will understand if they have to survive on baked beans and toast for Christmas dinner! Great fun Penny.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Iain
Thank you for reading and for your kind comment. I reckon she’s got about four hours to find suitably festive fare – the Co-op is open until seven on Christmas Eve. Go for it, Kate!
With very best wishes
Penny
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful holiday surprise for her. I enjoyed your story very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jade
Thank you for reading and for your thoughtful comment. Brad’s visit will be her very best Christmas present. I’m delighted you enjoyed the story.
With very best wishes
Penny
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome and happy holidays, Penny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Last line was wonderful. Made me laugh 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Linda
Thank you for reading and for your kind comment. I’m glad the story made you laugh!
With very best wishes
Penny
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Penny,
This story, particularly the last part just made me smile all over. I think they’ll have a glorious Christmas–with or without the turkey. Lovely.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rochelle
Thank you for reading and for your lovely comment. I’m sure Kate and Brad will have a wonderful Christmas!
Shalom
Penny
LikeLike
Aw, that Brad. A sweet surprise but he didn’t give her much notice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ali
Thank you for reading and commenting. No, he didn’t give her much notice. I don’t think he knew himself until the day he caught the plane. It was one of those totally spontaneous things when you realise there’s something you must just do, no ifs or buts.
With very best wishes
Penny
LikeLiked by 1 person
i think he’s a turkey for such a late notice. if he knows what’s good for him, he’ll eat whatever you serve him. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Plaridel
Thank you for reading and commenting. I love that you call Brad a turkey for his late notice! I’m sure Kate will find some festive food that he will enjoy, and the couple will have a wonderful Christmas.
With very best wishes
Penny
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think Brad cares about the turkey, though great last line. A very heartwarming story. Loved it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Brenda
Thank you for reading and for your kind comments. I think you’re right that Brad doesn’t (really) care about the turkey – but I think Kate probably does. She wants to make his holiday perfect so that he will always remember it – their first Christmas alone together!
With very best wishes
Penny
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the lightness of touch of your story, and how you take us to the bright snowy scene with her run. Delightful Penny.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Francine
Thank you for reading and commenting. You are very kind to refer to the lightness of touch of the story. I really wanted to write an upbeat story this week!
With very best wishes
Penny
LikeLike
Ah, Penny. I wondered if you were going somewhere dark with this story to begin with. Then you confounded my downbeat expectations with a tale of love and togetherness. Just what we need this Christmas, too. I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas, Penny, and all the best for 2020.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lynn
Thank you for reading and for your kind comments. As for your expectations of dark – well, I have form, don’t I?! I’m glad the transition to love and togetherness was successful – I really wanted to write a happy ending this week!
And thank you very much for your Christmas wishes. Daphne and I aren’t expecting family this year, but we’re still planning turkey and Christmas pud – and wine of course.
I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas, and a prosperous New Year
With very best wishes
Penny
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a lovely Christmas you’ve got planned, Penny. Quiet and cosy, just three two of you. Thank you for your good wishes. Will see you here when it’s all over 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it! I’m sure he’ll be happy to go without turkey just to spend Christmas together!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Tasha
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m sure you’re right that Brad won’t worry about the absence of turkey!
With best wishes
Penny
LikeLiked by 1 person
I smiled at the uplifting end. I don’t think that the food – turkey – is all that important her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear James
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m sure Brad and Kate will enjoy Christmas with or without turkey!
With very best wishes
Penny
LikeLiked by 1 person
Plans change–as do attitudes. What a wonderful turn of events for Kate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Russell
Thank you for reading and commenting. Yes, Kate was delighted!
With best wishes
Penny
LikeLike