This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy. This week’s photo prompt was provided by Etol Bagam. Thank you, Etol! The challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the picture prompt below. I hope you like it.
Withered Dreams
The buzz of excitement was almost palpable as Sarah eased through the crowds of chattering theatre-goers, her ears still ringing from the applause that had thundered as the curtain fell. She’d felt such a glow of pride as Gemma took her bow, the audience on their feet.
Creeping envy was forcibly quashed.
Her sister’s dressing room was filled with people, alcohol flowing in celebration. Curious eyes turned in Sarah’s direction.
“Sassy – you made it!” Gemma pulled her into an excited hug.
“So this is the enigmatic sister,” a deep voice said. “You also act, I’m told.”
“I…”
She and Gemma had always dreamed of becoming actresses. As children they’d performed before audiences of stuffed toys. It was with the onset of teenage insecurities that nerves took over. Even the thought of a sea of faces caused nausea to rile.
“My next play is about sisters,” the man continued. “I’d be interested in seeing you audition.”
“Think about it, Sassy.” Gemma grinned. “Stage fright can be overcome.”
Sarah’s breath caught as withered dreams blossomed anew.
Word Count: 175
An Enchanted Place 
Lovely story Louise, and yes all it takes sometimes is the right kind of encouragement. Beautifully done.
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Thanks, Michael. 🙂 Hopefully with her sister’s support and encouragement her stage fright will be overcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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Great story! You managed to fit a lot of character work into one scene.
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Thank you, J.A.! It was originally quite a lot longer. I always try to condense the wording without losing any content. 🙂 I’m glad you liked it.
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I often end up going over on these things and having to cut them down. Condensing the stories can be very difficult.
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It can! When I first started writing flash fiction there were always odd words that could easily be trimmed and sentences that could be rearranged. My writing has become quite a bit tighter now and I find it much harder to trim down without losing elements of the story that I really want to keep!
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I agree with J.A. Lots of character. I know first hand about stage fright. I was a Theater Arts major in college and performed but always hated being on stage. Your story brings it all back!
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I never used to be able to perform on stage at all – but then, I used to find even talking to people difficult! Working as a kids entertainer got me past a lot of that, though when there are adults watching as well as kids I still get the jitters. 🙂 Thanks for the visit.
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Wonderful story Louise! I felt I could feel the disappointment, the insecurity and then the hopeful anticipation in Sarah through your story. Very well done! You are so good at this! Thank you for participating in the challenge!
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Thank you, PJ. 🙂 This story came into my head as soon as I saw the prompt yesterday, though it took me a little while to work out how to tell it! It was another dialogue-less piece for quite a while and I really wasn’t happy with it. I’m very glad you liked the final version. 🙂
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I loved it!
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🙂
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Very lovely story!!
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Thank you, Lynn. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
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I did, it was interesting and I like the two sisters! I felt sad then happy! very nice!
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I became quite fond of the sisters while writing it. 🙂 I’m pleased the emotions came across clearly – it was quite a lot to fit in to the word limit!
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yes I am sure that would be difficult!
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I love it. Reminds me a little of myself and many others who let fear of failure and insecurity hold them back. Not anymore! I have a feeling Sassy will be fabulous in her new starring role.
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Her second chance!! ❤ I love the duality of her emotions, and the bond of sisterhood. I just want to hug you for writing such a touching, truthful piece. Truly, thank you so much for sharing this with us.
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It is! All she has to do is conquer her stage fright. Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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Easier said than done, for sure!
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Definitely!
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Wonderful story. I love the conclusion “Sarah’s breath caught as withered dreams blossomed anew.”
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Thank you, Graham! That final line was actually a very late addition. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
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A beautiful story of hope!
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I’m glad you liked it, Aletta. Lets just hope she can get past her stage fright… 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
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You paint such a clear and emotional picture, nicely done. And “withered dreams blossomed anew” was a perfect way to end it, so lovely.
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Thank you, Joy. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
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oh I do relate to that fear!! Very nice tale Louise with a lovely message of sisterly support.
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Thank you, Cybele. 🙂 It’s a fear I can relate to also. I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
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How lovely! Hope she achieves her dreams of acting, m sure with her sister’s support she can do it.
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I’m glad you liked it, Huma. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
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Awww,gosh this is beautiful. I though this was going tone about sibling rivalry, but you made it even better! Sisters coming together to help each other’s dream. Loved it.
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Thank you, Ameena! I’m really glad you enjoyed it. I considered taking it down the sibling rivalry route but that really wasn’t the story I wanted to tell. 🙂
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