Friday, March 22, 2013

New Story: Seed of Doubt at Untied Shoelaces

Untied Shoelaces of the Mind published my flash story, "Seed of Doubt," in its seventh issue. The online fiction magazine features quality stories of many genres and provides an audio version of each story. Here is an excerpt from the very short story:







"He's an illusion. I can erase anyone I want because I control reality."

"What?!" Bobby scrutinized Madison's expression. She seemed dead serious. The notion was nonsense. But what exactly should he say? He glanced again at Dean. "He's right there, stupid." 
"To you."
Bobby pointed. "To anyone."

She rolled her eyes. "He's an illusion. Only morons can't tell the difference. And if you don't leave me alone, I'll erase you. "

Bobby's neck tingled. Madison's threat was hollow. But if he didn't prove it right now she would think he believed her. He had to call her bluff.

Bobby drew a steeling breath. He sidestepped Madison's plastic structure, stopped ten inches from her and planted his hands on his hips. "Go ahead."

"I don't want to."

"Do it."

"I don't have to."

"I dare you."

"I don't feel like it."

Her expression remained fixed. She did not seem intimidated. If anything, she seemed even more arrogant. Bobby could not let this continue. His heart pounded. He grabbed her arm. It was thin and weak. He balled his right hand into a threatening fist. "Now!" he insisted.

Her lower lip quivered. He felt strong.

"Maybe I will!" she snapped. "You can hit me and I won't feel it. You'll be gone, and it won't be real!"

Bobby squinted.

She tightened her lips and glared.
Bobby has his pride, and Madison has a plan. Does one prevail over the other? Please read the story and decide.