This post is for the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge, run by Priceless Joy. The FFfAW challenge is that you write a story of 75-175 words inspired by the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt is from Pixabay.
Breaking the Silence
Edan’s steps faltered, halting his furtive progress as faint strains of music reached his ears. His breath caught in his throat, eyes falling briefly closed as he listened. It had been so long…
Such sounds had once been commonplace, although Edan’s recollections were vague: listening to music whilst his mother danced, cheerfully banging on instruments with friends. Clearer were memories of massive bonfires consuming the seditious items beneath the new regime’s watchful gaze.
Remembering the danger, he opened his eyes, glancing quickly around. Hopefully no one else had heard the forbidden noise. But the streets were empty. Deserted. It was past curfew, after all – few citizens were foolish enough to risk the Council’s wrath by venturing out after dark. Even fewer were willing to risk breaking the laws against music.
Everyone knew: there were always ears listening.
He didn’t make a conscious decision to follow the melodic cascade of notes; he was drawn, inexorably, onwards. The music set fire to his rebellious spirit.
A single certainty consumed him – he needed to find the musician responsible.
Word Count: 175
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An Enchanted Place 
I couldn’t live in a world without music! Good story 🙂
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Me neither! I’m glad you liked it, Angie. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
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What a great story. A land where music is outlawed…what a horrible place to live.
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It’s not a place I’d ever want to live! A life without music definitely doesn’t appeal to me. I’m glad you enjoyed the read. 🙂
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Wonderful, Louise!! He’s on a quest to find the musician since music is banned. Great build-up to the ending! Loved it.
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Thanks, PJ. 🙂 I’m glad you liked it.
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I should have put on my comment that he was looking for the musician for a good reason, because he loved the music.
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Despite the danger finding the musician will put him in, he can’t stay away from the music. 🙂
I think he also senses a kindred spirit.
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Yes, that is what I got from it too. I loved it!
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A world with out music horrible! I can see why he’d be so drawn to the notes and need to find where they come from. Great job!
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No music! That’s awful! I can’t imagine a world without music. Enjoyable story.😊
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Thank you, Jessie. 🙂 I’m glad you liked it. A world without music would be a very miserable place.
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Very cool (in a chilling way!). Sort of “Fahrenheit 451” but with music instead of books.
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I’m glad you liked it, Ali. 🙂 Fahrenheit 451 is one of those novels that has been on my to read list for a long time now – somehow I never seem to get around to it!
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Oh I like this. I wonder why they banned music?
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Thanks, Chioma. 🙂 I think it was probably banned because of the role it so often plays in political and social activism. Music is the universal language, after all, and there are few better ways to affect the emotions and opinions of large groups of people. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. 🙂
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He was starved for music. Can we blame him? Very nice response!
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I like that he was rebellious already – out when it was dangerous, and now searching for the musician. This reads like the opening of a great story.
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It must be terrible to live in a land where there is no music!!
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I would find it truly hellish. I adore music. Life without it would be miserable. 🙂
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I hope the poor musician who dared to rebel against orders was not harmed? What a miserable way to live.
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I think they’re safe on this occasion but they’re definitely walking a dangerous path. Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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