Blog Archives - Friday Flash Fiction

Damn It, by Virginia Ashberry

16/5/2025

Editor's Choice

Do I want more than just a flat white? He thinks hard.

Maybe a treat.

Then he catches himself.

He’s promised himself that this week he will try to live hand-to-mouth. In solidarity with people suffering out there.
He thinks of them most often while in the shower. A daily necessity for him, but a far-off memory for so many.
He recalls the image of a woman squatting in filth, trying to keep flies from crawling into her babies’ mouth.

So far away. So unknown in his life.

Damn it he thinks, as he points to a salted caramel muffin.

Senior Rider, by Louise Arnott

16/5/2025

Dee leaned on her cart as she unloaded and paid for her few items. Sighing, she hefted the bag.
“Here, ma-am. I’ll take those for you.”
“Thank you. We’re over there.” She directed Marcy to the handicapped stall.
Stunned, Marcy stammered, “That’s yours?”
Dee’s step lightened as she neared her ride. Folding her cane, she slipped it and the groceries into the storage bag. She donned helmet and gloves and clamoured onto her Honda Gold Wing. “We’ve travelled many a mile and we aren’t done yet.”
She revved the motor and yelled, “I ride a motorcycle to keep me wild.”

Linear, by John O’Keefe

16/5/2025

Logical Man was supportive of our idea. “You guys seem to have cracked it wide open. Getting rid of the Devil would cleanse us of our sins and frailty since he’s behind all that’s wrong with this world. As we well know, the Devil is in the detail, so if you find a way to eliminate every detail, he’ll have no place to hide.”

After a mildly promising start our crusade quickly came crashing down, and we had no choice but to give up.

Logical Man explained: “While you were busy annihilating details, the Devil created twice as many.”

Ascending, by Sarp Sozdinler

16/5/2025

He could hear the other swimmers breathing, their chests rising and falling along the pool’s edge, as parents settled into the stands, chanting their loud support. Phones rose like periscopes in their hands—snapping photos, filming clips, proof that they were the showing-up kind, unlike some others.

Maybe it was the pre-race nerves. Or the thickening heat. He tallied everything that could go wrong next. He didn’t turn to meet his father’s gaze.

Later, he would tell the school paper that he swam the whole race imagining he was a butterfly. That he was free, after all.

Drowning, by Adil Alam

16/5/2025

She sat at the counter, rapt in her favourite novel. Without looking up, she scanned the book, printed the receipt, and handed the purchase back.

"Thank you for visiting The Colophon. We hope you enjoy the read," still drowning in her book.

"Thank you, dear. I hope you enjoy that book in your hands," he replied and turned toward the exit.

She recognized his voice from the countless interviews she had heard him give. She turned to the back flap to confirm her suspicion.

Feeling her heart race faster, she called out after him. By then, he was already gone.

Fool Me Once, Fool Me Twice, by Tony Covatta

16/5/2025

Widowed Frances, recovering from the death of husband Dave, dull in bed and in life, found passion with flashy Fred. One night, as their lovemaking burst into flame, he sighed: “Sally!”

Fred explained “I was with Sally for years. Mere habit, babe. You’re the only one.”

Besotted Frances, accepted frenetic Fred’s, explanation. But weeks later, at the wrong moment Fred blurted, “Wow, Sandy!” Fred promised: “Mere flirtation. Never again. Honey, you’re the only one.”

Months later, twice forgiven Fred slipped again: “Ohhh, Amanda!”

“Amanda? Who?

“Don’t know, sweetheart. You’re—”

“Only one. You’re at three. We can’t be two. Goodbye.”

The Runaway, by Lillibit Ray

16/5/2025

At 7 years old, I decided to run away. I filled a fabric sac with an alarm clock, toothbrush, one hoodie, and 3 pairs of shoes. This seemed all that I needed.
I told mother, “I’m running away.”
“And why would you do that?” she asked.
“I need a change,” I said.
“Well, happy wandering. Dinner’s almost ready,” she said.
I walked around the block, seeing father home from work, my siblings staggering in, the oldest stopping to take my hand, love in her smile, and understanding me. Gently she hummed while leading me back. Lasagna on the table. Home.

D Plot, by Hayley Igarashi Thomas

16/5/2025

This sitcom is called Bonnie’s Buddies, but Sammy is only the delivery driver, so she may not qualify.

A plot: Bonnie accidentally invited her ex-boyfriend to game night. Again!

B plot: Bonnie’s roommate might be allergic to soft cheeses.

C plot: Seriously, who thought a pet lizard was a good idea?

Look outside, Bonnie. On the doorstep, a woman lingers. She knows how you like your lattes, burritos, and sandwiches. She’s not a stalker; she’s just lonely.

Bonnie’s Buddies is all warm light and walls crammed with photos. The world outside is grayer.

The doorbell rings.

D plot: “Food’s here!”

Maybe Don’t Try, Try Again, by Susmita Ramani

16/5/2025

As Bernard leaned in, I offered him my cheek.

“Thanks!” I said. “It’s been really great, but I have a big day tomorrow.”

Bernard burst into tears.

I squinted. “Uh…you okay?”

“I’m a shapeshifter,” Bernard said. “Besides tonight, I’ve been your last three unsuccessful first dates.”

I gasped. “What?!”

“I was Rob, the blond preppy guy who nervously talked too much,” he said. “I was Pierre, the mixed race sporty guy who ate too slowly. And I was Antony, the short Italian guy who droned about astrophysics until you fell asleep.”

“Wow.” I patted his arm. “Read the signs, buddy.”

Astrology Conversion, by Sue Clayton

16/5/2025

I don’t believe in astrology, but I always take a tongue-in-cheek peek.

Today you will experience the wonders of the natural world.

Black ants march in a trail across the kitchen sink.

Newly hatched pantry moths flutter out when I open the door to get the coffee jar.

A big hairy-legged spider catches my eye as I turn on the morning news.

A maggot-ridden crow lies feet up in the garden.

An irritating whine disturbs my sleep; a mosquito intent on ensuring that I experience the wonders of the natural world.

Astrology has a new convert.

Names, by Kingston Marsch

16/5/2025

She was born on a Wednesday, so they christened her Wodena, hoping for a female personification of that ancient English god of wisdom. Instead, she grew into a pedestrian dullard.

Unlike her younger brother, christened Peter, "The Rock". He turned out to be flighty and air-headed, not at all grounded.

Ah, well. Parents don't always get the children they would like, even if they try to conjure up qualities for them through hopeful naming.

When a third child was born, and christened Serena Placida - "The Serene One" - both Wodena and Peter sensed that trouble was on the way.

Legacy, by Don Tassone

16/5/2025

In the year 2525, a man and a woman came to a rock ridge and peered over it. Beyond lay a vast desert.

The man pulled out a small device and aimed it at the desert. Suddenly, floating in the air, the image of a snow-capped mountain range materialized before them.

She gasped.

“That’s how it looked?” she said.

“Yes, and only 500 years ago.”

“Erosion?”

“Yeah, but not natural erosion.”

“What do you mean?”

“Dirty air and water supercharged the normal wearing away and removal of the Earth’s surface.”

“What made the air and water so dirty?”

“Our ancestors.”

Graduation, by David Sydney

16/5/2025

“Members of the graduating class, as president of this university, I congratulate you and wish to give you the good news and the bad news going forward. You are about to go into the real world with the education we have given you. And, now, for the good news. I see many parents in the audience who have supported you so far. We, at this university, understand the important role of parents. So, on your future journey, whether you stay at home or rent an over-priced apartment, I expect they'll have at least a year of funds remaining, possibly two…”

Sleepless Nights, by Tom Baldwin

16/5/2025

After yet another sleepless night Nick rose at daybreak. He showered, made coffee and poured himself a bowl of muesli in the silent house, then switched on the radio for some company. The announcer was over-cheerful, so he changed to a music station. It didn’t help.

His phone pinged, signalling a new email. It was from the insurance company, saying how much they would pay out for his wife’s car and life insurance. The amount was smaller than he expected, but he didn’t care.

All he really wanted was his Carrie back to fill the house with love again.

The Bus in the Blitz, by Guy Fletcher

16/5/2025

Bombs were exploding all around the London bus during the Blitz. There were only two people upstairs: a soldier on leave and a young woman, who sucked greedily on a cigarette with terrified eyes.

The man left his seat and held the hand of the frightened woman to a cacophony of explosions.

"It'll be all right. We'll live to fight another day," he said in a reassuring voice.

She saw smoke much thicker than she emitted from her cigarette across the street but mercifully they remained unscathed.

Now many years later he holds her hand again...for the final time.

Paula Submits a Story, by Gordon Lawrie

16/5/2025

I promise this is fiction. Just – Editor

Week 1: Paula submits a 100-word story to Friday Flash Fiction. The top box contains only a title, her VPN’s on and she’s red-flagged as a serious fraud risk. Rejected.

Week 2: Paula submits exactly the same story, same way. Rejected.

Week 3: As above.

Week 4: As above.

Week 5: Paula demands to know the reasons for rejection Weeks 1-4. Won’t pay the fee. Says she’s an established author who shouldn’t be rejected. To get rid of her, the editor lists her mistakes for free.

Week 6: Paula submits exactly the same story as before, the same way. Rejected.

Apartment 140, by George Kraft

16/5/2025

At first, she thought a cat was mewing in the bedroom, but what came next proved her wrong.

“Please, son… let me out… I’ll be good this time…”

Soft crying followed. She stiffened, her mouth fell open, but her new neighbor just continued to sip his tea contently. He carried on with what soon became an increasingly disturbed, one-sided conversation, and she muttered a hastily thought-out excuse for leaving immediately. However, she only made it halfway to the front door when a sudden wave of dizziness felled her. The last thing she heard before losing consciousness was something about tea.

Arts and Farces, by David Milner

16/5/2025

Weak from his toes to the tip of his nose Old Oakes was shoved into a room that might be the last he will ever know.

“Anything to say?” Came a voice from behind.

“A lick of paint wouldn’t go amiss.”

“Still with clever dick remarks.”

“You came all this way to arrest me?”

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

“I’m nobody.”

“Nobody is nobody these days.”

“I’m hardly a threat.”

“We enjoy giving the elderly and so-called educated a rough time.”

Old Oakes had made a joke or two, all those years ago…
Nothing personal.

Only our Beautiful Leader never forgets.

Hearts to Hearts, by Pamela Kennedy

16/5/2025

One look across the room made Brad realize that there was no longer space for him in her heart. Their days of caring, comforting, and cuddling would become a distant memory for Michelle.

Daryn, the ex who left her behind...the ex for whom she still secretly yearned for in spite of the hurt he caused her, had unexpectedly returned and wangled himself into their lives.

Love is funny and it is fickle. But love is still love and a heart is at its mercy. It hurts when a heart is broken. Brad wondered if his would ever mend.

Jet Airliner, by Gerard F. Derochie

16/5/2025

In the summer of '77, it seemed like you'd hear Steve Miller Band's "Jet Airliner" everywhere you went. Quite timely, considering I was about to take my first airplane flight. A short trip. Detroit to Chicago.
Luckily, my assigned seat was next to an attractive brunette. Determined not to appear nervous about flying, I took out a paperback and pretended to read.
She introduced herself. "I'm Marilyn."
With a tense smile I shook her hand. "Gerry."
"You seem anxious. First flight?"
"Is it that obvious?"
Marilyn chuckled. "Well, yes! I can't help but notice you're reading your book upside down.

Rivalry, by Allison Symes

16/5/2025

Shirabelle’s wand kept backfiring. It was Mirazex. Fairy godmother role on offer, the two fairies as candidates.

Sharable could ignore it, expose Mirazex, or better her.

When the anonymous letter reached the Queen, Mirazex was summoned to the High Council.

Shirabelle was on hand with sympathy when Mirazex left, red faced.

'That job's yours, Shirabelle.'

'You wanted...'

'Not now. I've been accused of tampering with Marywell's spell books.'

'You wouldn't… you’re professional.'

‘Thanks. Watch out. If some anonymous sod can destroy my career, they will destroy yours.'

Shirabelle looked worried. It hid her thoughts.

Not if you write the letter.

Another Bruise, by Robert P. Bishop

16/5/2025

Parker was selecting apples in the fruit and vegetable section when a voice behind him hissed, “Being married to you was like a bad case of malaria.”

Parker laughed, knowing neither he nor his ex-wife had ever suffered any disease except each other. Enraged by his laugh, she said, “You bastard, you never take anything seriously.”

“If this is a plea for us to get back together, it isn’t working.”

She stormed away. Parker picked up another apple then put it back. It had a bruise, and he didn’t need another bruise, however insignificant, in a life full of bruises.

A Strange Encounter, by Rebekah Lawrence

16/5/2025

“’Excuse me’, she said.

My eyes met hers, slid into her soul, and found only dark bleakness. I looked away quickly.

She laughed.

The sound pricked my eardrums as if she wielded a voodoo doll.

‘You gave me your seat.’ she stood to whisper in my ear. ‘First nice person in …years. Get off at the next stop.’

I didn’t argue. I waited at the doors, first to alight, and rushed towards the entrance. I needed fresh air.

The alarms went off.

People running. Pushing. I don’t know what happened.”

“Lucky escape, mate.” I replied “Bridge collapsed. No survivors found.”

Lady Luck, by Remmie Thomas

16/5/2025

My grandmother, Tanya, was at the Siege of Leningrad. 150,000 civilians died of starvation that winter of 1941.

One night, Tanya was too weak to reach the air-raid shelter and watched Nazi bombs obliterate it.

“You’re a lucky lady,” said the driver of an evacuation truck, lifting her into the back of his overcrowded vehicle.

On the Road of Life, the evacuation route across the frozen Lake Ladoga, the trucks either side got destroyed by German artillery.

When they reached safety, the driver helped Tanya from his truck.

“You’re my lucky lady,” said the man who would become my grandfather.

May the Fourth, by Eric Delong

16/5/2025

“Mr. President --- You want --- A military parade?” a bemused Secretary of State asked.

“You got it. I want units and marching bands, from the Air Force, Space Force, Land Force, Coast Force and Shore Force.”

“Sea Force? Land Force? Coast force? Shore Force?”

“I’m re-naming the army, navy, coast guard and marines.”

“Why?”

“We’re reforming the English language, to make it more American. You know, like they did in England, in 1984, with newspeak.”

“But sir, 1984 is just a story.”

“No, 1984! Like the year before 1985!”

“Well then. May the Forces be with you, Mr. President.”

"Classic"
100-Word
Stories

Friday Flash Fiction
Rules

Kinda obvious, really...

Fiction only
Stories of 90-100 words only
Don't be nasty or cheat
Include your name and a story title

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Each week, our editor selects a story or (occasionally) a poem as 'Editor's Choice'.

It's a personal favourite, no more. Do you agree?

Please feel free to comment (nicely!) on any stories – writers appreciate it.
Naturally, we reserve the reserve the right to remove comments we feel are inappropriate, or where there's a possibility they may come from a source associated with online spam or abuse. If you have one, please switch off your VPN and don't post from a public server.

Since Friday Flash Fiction began in September 2013, 100-word stories have remained its 'beating heart'.

Normally, 100-word stories are scheduled for 07.00 BST (GMT in the winter) on the following Friday. However, where a larger number of stories (more than 25) are due to be published on the same day, we publish the later ones EARLIER around 4.00 am. On the rare occasions where there are more than 50 stories, we'll post an even earlier set, probably around 2.00 am UK time.

We have a FACEBOOK PAGE where regular contributors can share ideas and discuss stories. Why not join in?

We occasionally send out little newsletters running competitions – and subscribers are also our voting panel. If you'd like to join us, please click the Subscribe to newsletter button below.

Subscribe to Newsletter

No spam, we promise!

Archives

May 2025
April 2025
March 2025
February 2025
January 2025
December 2024
November 2024
October 2024
September 2024
August 2024
July 2024
June 2024
May 2024
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
November 2013
October 2013
September 2013