MFtS: Memories of Orchids

Posted on by Louise Bunting

Here’s this week’s entry into Monday’s Finish the Story flash fiction challenge, run by Barbara W. Beacham. This challenge gives you a picture prompt and the first line and asks that you finish the story in 100-150 words. The given line is in italics.

Photo Prompt : © Barbara Beacham
Photo Prompt: © Barbara W Beacham

Memories of Orchids

“Are you laughing at me?”

“No…”

Connie glared at her brother-in-law. “It isn’t funny, Johnny – you have to help!”

“He’s your husband, Connie. You’ll think of something.”

“Anything he wants, he buys!”

“You could get him a plant – an orchid, maybe.”

Connie shuddered. “Ugh. No. Besides-” She broke off as her phone rang, her sister’s number flashing. “Hey, Lils,” she answered.

“Hello, Connie.” That wasn’t Lily’s voice.

“Avery…?”

Memories of the life she’d fled six years earlier swamped her: the cramped apartment with the sickly scent of orchids; Avery’s fits of violence; the increasingly illegal moneymaking schemes.

“I want a million pounds by tomorrow or she dies.” The call ended.

“What’s wrong?” Johnny asked.

Her hands shook. She’d never talked about her past before. She didn’t want to now but every shameful detail cascaded out. “William will hate me.”

“Not if he doesn’t know.” Johnny’s eyes narrowed. “Now this I can help with.”

Word Count: 150

The story is a part of the series begun with Blameless and continued in The Pizza delivery. I did say I’d write some more of it when inspiration struck. Chronologically it falls after The Pizza Delivery but before Blameless. Hopefully that’s not too confusing. 🙂 I’m also hoping it stands alone for those of you who don’t feel like reading the other parts, though I’m not entirely sure I succeeded with that one.

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To read other entries or to submit your own, click the little blue frog.

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24 thoughts on “MFtS: Memories of Orchids”

  3. Another masterpiece! And a good blending of pulling in the other stories you have written! Be well my dear and I look forward to what you come up with for the next challenge. It involves someone losing their head! 🙂

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    1. Thanks! I was a little worried people might just be confused by it – it’s been some time since I wrote the other parts, after all. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂

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  7. Nice work Louise ~ A very sinister twist in the tale ~ Hopefully Johnny will take up the gauntlet. ~ Unless Connie has another sister? ~ Her brother-in- law, has a very powerful interest.

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  8. It’s a great feeling when, all of a sudden, a story flows together through a random series of prompts. The story tells itself when it wants to.
    Great installment!

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    1. I’m glad. I know some people don’t like or have time to read serials and I wanted them to enjoy the story as well. 🙂 Thanks for the feedback.

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  10. I personally can’t keep up with the different continuations so I appreciate it when they also make the stories stand alones. I enjoyed this story Louise, and I believe Johnny is going to save the day.

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  13. Love it when someone is brave enough to continue a story through several prompts. I tried and failed…
    Must read your other episodes….

    Hope Johnny can save the day.

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