99 word prompt: not all is lost
June 21, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about “not all is lost.” It can include recovery from disaster, an unexpected insight after a fall, or however the phrase moves you. Go where the prompt leads.
If you want to participate, here’s the link: https://carrotranch.com/2018/06/22/june-21-flash-fiction-challenge/
<_><_><_>
My mind in fog, the car wandered through a mall parking lot the day after New Year’s. A few empty spaces waited near an expensive store and I walked past a perfume counter with one goal.
I needed a black dress.
Passing the cosmetics counter, I heard wailing. No one scrambling to call 911, no sirens, just 2 high school girls consoling their friend over a broken nail.
I laughed at the irony. Should I tell the 3 Stooges, “Not all is lost?”
No. It was the first time I’d felt like smiling since my husband had passed away.
WOW!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. 🙂
LikeLike
OMG, I was smiling happily, until, BAM-that last line!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t you just love the “BAM” factor?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah! You’re so good at it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really like this; it smacks of reality.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loosely based…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stupendous ending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s about what we write and what we can leave out. Finding the balance is fun, and when you get it, the 99-word story can be so powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!
LikeLike
Bam! You delivered the last line like a punch. Good job, Joelle! With the narrator passing through the perfumes and cosmetics, I was thinking “a little black dress” as in a cocktail party.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having to put so much into 99 words teaches so much! I appreciate the feedback, and the compliment. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Great setup for a powerful punch at the end. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Not All Is Lost « Carrot Ranch Literary Community