MFF#4: Disposable Heroes by Dan Wright

Welcome to Unwritten's  May Flash Fiction challenge! Every story (600 words max) begins with this sentence: 

 I never expected to be in this position so soon, saying goodbye to my son.

It's the news no parent wants to receive. Yet, countless families of fallen heroes around the world must say goodbye to their children in this way. Read this story by author Dan Wright and feel free to share your own experiences. Most importantly, don't forget to keep the men and women in our armed forces in your thoughts and prayers!

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Disposable Heroes

 

I never expected to be in this position so soon, saying goodbye to my son.

It’s never the easiest thing for a parent to say goodbye to their child – even though we know that sooner or later we must let them leave the nest, it still fills us with fear, sending out children out to the world. But we let them go, because we know it’s the best thing and goodbye doesn’t have to mean a final farewell – sometimes we know that our children will return to us.

But this time, when I said goodbye to my boy, I knew that he wouldn’t be coming back.

I held my head to my son’s chest, hoping that I could still hear a vague heartbeat. There was none. His heart had stopped beating long before he was brought to me. Yet he looked so peaceful, as if he was sleeping. I shook him, as I did when he refused to wake up for school, hoping that he was only asleep and fooling around. His eyes did not open. I placed one hand over his face, hoping to feel warmth, but touching only cold flesh. I beg, I pray, I ask my son to open his eyes – but I can barely see him anymore as my eyes are filled with tears. It makes him look as if  he is underwater.

Why him? Why? What did he do to deserve this? He was a good boy, a good husband to his wife, a good father to his daughter. He never did anything wrong in life. All he wanted was to do his duty. Was this the price for his loyalty?

I scream at the heavens, begging them to bring him back to me. Surely this wasn’t his time – he was too young. I scream until my lungs explode, hoping that my prayers would be answered. But even that isn’t enough. It’s a cruel irony that we are taught to show Him undivided attention and love – but when we need something from him, he tends to go deaf.

They tell me that he was a hero that he would be remembered for all time. He would be honoured, given a ceremony, his name going down in history and that I should be proud of him.

I was always proud of him. He was my son. He didn’t have to go through this to know that I was proud of him.

What do I have to proud of now? Proud that I must bury my son when he should be burying me in years to come? Proud that I must now tell his daughter that her Daddy won’t be coming back? Proud that I have to tell his wife my son died in service to his country?

If that’s something to be proud of, then I’d rather be ashamed.

I wonder if any of those people would say that I should be proud if it was their child that they lost?

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Dan lives in the UK, his hometown being Canterbury, Kent. A huge fan of both Fantasy and Manga, he has a style that combines both within his writing, which lets him tell stories that are both dramatic and tongue-in-cheek at the same time.

Dan also runs his own website, blog and even a wiki page that goes into detail of the world of Draconica. He is also a reviewer for the website Read2Review and will soon be reviewing books independently on his own website.

Authors who have inspired Dan are Douglas Adams, J.R.R Tolkien, Harlan Ellison, Alan Moore, Joss Whedon and Hiromu Arakawa.

Contact Dan via the following links:

WEBSITE: www.pandragondan.co.uk

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/PandragonDanWright

TWITTER: @PandragonDan

EMAIL: pandragonpublishing@gmail.com

Books currently available – check out website for details

MFF#3: The Bulldancer by Jenny Twist

Welcome to Unwritten's  May Flash Fiction challenge! Every story (600 words max) begins with this sentence: 

 I never expected to be in this position so soon, saying goodbye to my son.

This short and sweet entry from author Jenny Twist reminds me of that immortal line: "Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." I'd also add: "And man is clueless as to how it comes about." Hee hee. Read on!

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THE BULL-DANCER

I never expected to be in this position so soon, saying goodbye to my son. He is chosen as one of the twelve. My husband says I should be proud. They only take the best as bull-dancers.

I am proud of my strong, beautiful son, but I am not proud of my husband. If I were a man I would not meekly offer my son up for sacrifice. I would raise an army. I would sail to Krete and destroy the Minotaur.

But I am a woman with only a woman's weapons. I have wrapped my son in magic – the strongest I possess. He is fair shining with it.

They are sailing under a black sail, the twelve chosen ones. My son says he will return. He will slay the Minotaur himself and he will return. He will return under a white sail as a message to say he is alive and victorious.

I look sideways at my worthless husband, smiling and waving as the ship leaves the harbour.

I have reserved some of my magic for him.

If the ship returns with a black sail, I shall cast him onto the rocks and he will be swept away by the sea!

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Jenny Twist left school at fifteen and went to work in an asbestos factory. After working in various jobs, including bacon-packer and an escapologist’s assistant, she returned to full-time education and did a BA in history at Manchester and post-graduate studies at Oxford.

In 2001 she and her husband moved to Southern Spain where they live with their rather eccentric dog and cat.

Her published novels are Domingo's Angel – a romance set in Spain - and Take One At Bedtime – an anthology of short stories. All in the Mind –  about an old woman getting younger – will be released Sept 2012.

MFF#2: A Sudden Farewell by Dixie Barnes

Welcome to Unwritten's  May Flash Fiction challenge! Every story (600 words max) begins with this sentence: 

 I never expected to be in this position so soon, saying goodbye to my son.

Mothers worldwide can relate to this story by Dixie Barnes. How many of you have said goodbye to a son who's leaving for the military? Perhaps it went something like this:

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A Sudden Farewell

I never expected to be in this position so soon, saying goodbye to my son.  I know every mother understands that eventually her son will be graduating from high school and leaving for college, a job, or the military.  But it’s something you tend to pull a Scarlett O’Hara about.  Just like in Gone With The Wind, I always pushed that thought to the back of my mind with the thought “I’ll think about that tomorrow.”  Somehow, tomorrow never came.

So, when Brady got up one bright summer morning and came downstairs for breakfast, and announced that he was taking a job in California and would be leaving in two days, I was blindsided.  My mouth dropped open.  My heart started racing, and my knees were shaking.  I grabbed the back of the nearest chair to support myself until I was able to sit down.  I felt the beginnings of a pounding headache.  I know I turned pale, because Brady ran over to me and put a hand on my arm.

“Oh my God, Mom, are you ok?”  Brady quickly got a glass of water and offered it to me to drink.  He sat down in the chair next to mine and gave me a hug.  I stared at him with eyes wide and moist.  I nodded.

“Yes, I’m ok…I think,” I stammered.  “When did this all come about?  I thought you were going to college next fall.”

“Yeah, well, I was planning to, but I got a call from this job recruiter for a demolitions crew.  They go around imploding all those old bridges and buildings.  You know, Mom, like we watched on tv last week.  They demolish a lot of the old Las Vegas casinos that way.”

“Uh.  Isn’t that pretty dangerous, Brady? No, I don’t think this is a good idea at all.  You need a college education.  I think you’d better stick with the original plan to go to K-State this fall.  Demolitions is very risky.”

“Not if you know what you’re doing.  They will train me to do it right.  They make awesome money, Mom.  After I’ve worked there a while, I will go back to school and study engineering, like I talked about before.”

I sat, staring at my son, like he was someone I barely knew.  I realized at that moment that my son was no longer the little baby or the little boy I once cradled in my lap. 

I patted Brady’s cheek and reached for him with both arms, hugging him as tightly as I could.  “So, what are you going to need?  Should we go shopping? 

“Whoa, Mom!” Brady laughed, holding up his hands to ward off any more questions.  “I think I’m ok with the clothes, and the company has the tools. The only thing I’d like to do is…”  Brady looked at me, unsure of himself suddenly.

“Yes?  What is it, son?”

“Well, I was wondering if I could have a few of my friends over for a quick party.  Nothing fancy.  But I want to tell them all goodbye before I leave.  I was thinking maybe just some sandwiches, cookies, and some tea or something.  I know you’re busy, but could we do that before I leave?” 

“I think that would be a wonderful idea, Brady.  You need to say your goodbyes to your friends.  You make some phone calls while I run to the store for sandwich supplies and cookies.”  I grinned and hugged him again so he wouldn’t see my tears. "My baby’s all grown up to be a man. Oh Good Lord, what next?” 

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Dixie Barnes is a registered nurse who dreams of writing and illustrating children’s books. She lives in Kansas with her husband of over forty years, and two Shih Tzu dogs.  She loves spending time with her three children and nine grandchildren. She mentors the F2K Free Writing Fiction class in Writer’s Village University and writes fiction, including YA novels and short stories, essays, and poetry, which she posts on her blog Living Fossil Images at http://livingfossilimages.blogspot.com/2010/09/living-fossil-images.html?spref=fb.  She paints in watercolors and oils, and enjoys working in colored pencil.

MFF Entry #1: Say Goodbye by Tara Fox Hall

Welcome to Unwritten's  May Flash Fiction challenge! Every 600 word or less story begins with this sentence: 
 I never expected to be in this position so soon, saying goodbye to my son.


And kickin' it off is this thriller of a flash from author Tara Fox Hall. I'll be posting stories regularly as they come in, so do stay tuned and be generous with comments. Read on!

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SAY GOODBYE

            I never expected to be in this position so soon, saying goodbye to my son...

            Forcing a smile, I reminded myself that this wasn’t goodbye, really. Brandon was just going camping overnight in Chenango Park with his father, Kirk. Kirk has promised to have Brandon call tonight to check in. I should be thinking about how to pamper myself for the first time in five years instead of sitting here worrying…

            Glancing up into the rearview mirror, my eyes widened in horror at the sight of Brandon’s bag peeking out from behind a trashcan. I threw open my car door, scrambled out, and ran for the bag. Ripping down the zipper revealed not just the clothes I packed so lovingly, but also my cell phone I’d loaned Brandon.

            I’d put the bag in Kirk’s SUV myself. Someone had taken it out, deliberately.

            Kirk’s black Forrester had left a good ten minutes ago.

            I darted for my car, already dialing 911.       

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            I parked, then shut the phone off, furious. The police had said that Kirk didn’t have so much as a parking ticket, and told me to go home and relax. Not likely. Relations with Kirk had been strained since our divorce. He’d fought hard for custody of Brandon. After losing, he’d bitterly sworn revenge. Later, Kirk had apologized, saying he’d overreacted. He’d been the model dad these past few months, which had lead to this camping trip.

            God…what if they hadn’t come here at all?

            I gripped the steering wheel with white fingers and tried to remain calm. Not only did I need to find them, I needed some help. The best place for that was the park office, only a few feet away. I pasted a smile on my face, then got out, walking quickly to the building.

            A woman manned the desk, texting busily.

            “Hi,” I said. “I hope you can help me. My husband and son are here, and they forgot his bag. Can you point me to their campsite?”

            “We don’t require names for camping, Ma’am—”

            I resisted the urge to shake her. “Can you give me any help at all?”

            “I can.” A park ranger stepped out of the back room, flashing me a friendly smile. “A father and son just came in and asked for our best campsite—”

            I squinted at the tiny nametag. “Thanks, Art. Can you guide me there?”

            He nodded. “Sure can.”

***

            Ten minutes later, we pulled up at a secluded campsite with a small campfire and—to my absolute relief—Brandon.

            I jumped out of the car, and grabbed him in a hug, blinking back tears. “Brandon.”

            He hugged me back. “I’m glad you’re here. Dad’s been saying some strange stuff—”

            Kirk came out of the trees, his expression murderous. “What the hell are you doing here?”

            “What are you doing with those berries, sir?” Art asked. “Those are poisonous.”

            Kirk colored, dropping them. “Nothing, just giving Brandon a nature lesson—”

            “That’s not what you said!” Brandon accused. “You said we was gonna go to Heaven and be together forever.”

            Kirk charged. “You’re not taking him away!”

            Brandon screamed and I bolted for the car. A grunt of pain made me stop and turn, just in time to see Kirk crumple.

            Art shook his hand, grimacing. “Haven’t done that since high school.” He took his cell phone out and dialed 911. Kirk laid in last years leaves for the duration of the call, out cold.  

            I hugged Brandon. “Say goodbye to your daddy, Honey. You won’t be seeing him again for a long time.”

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Tara Fox Hall’s writing credits include nonfiction, horror, suspense, erotica, and contemporary and historical paranormal romance. She also coauthored the essay “The Allure of the Serial Killer,” published in Serial Killers - Philosophy for Everyone: Being and Killing (Wiley-Blackwell, 2010). Her first full-length action-adventure novel, Lash, published in April 2012. Her vampire series begins in June 2012, with the 1^st novel Promise Me. Tara divides her free time unequally between writing novels and short stories, chainsawing firewood, caring for stray animals, sewing cat and dog beds for donation to animal shelters, and target practice.

Tara

www.tarafoxhall.com

tarafoxhall@gmail.com

Tara'sBlog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5286654.Tara_Fox_Hall/blog

Tara's Facebook Page:

 www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Fox-Hall/151813374904903

For info on my recently published work, Lash, click here: http://www.amazon.com/Lash-ebook/dp/B007UJ6KGC

For my latest interview, click here: http://lasrmysteryguests.blogspot.com/2012/03/interview-tara-fox-hall.html

Third Review for Serenya's Song!

Nora Weston's review 

May 03, 12

Read from April 26 to 30, 2012

Between a rock and hard place…or even worse, Serenya Crowe finds herself caught between her tyrannical husband, Sebastian, who is the Earl of Summerwind, and the wood-elf of her dreams—Jayden Ravenwing. Set in the fantasy realm of Tallenmere, Ms. Parker holds nothing back in “Serenya’s Song,” as Serenya’s life spins out of control due to ghastly visions, dark secrets about her true identity, wild escapades involving a ferocious need to feed, and the unstoppable attraction she feels toward Jayden further complicates this woman’s life as well.

Against all odds, with hopelessness ready and willing to destroy her, Serenya continues with her dangerous quest to understand her past so she’ll have a bright future. In doing so…she becomes a force to be reckoned with, indeed. I loved that this half-elf commoner was beautiful and intelligent, free-spirited, and mostly that she had inner demons to deal with, because complicated characters are always more interesting! At times tough as nails, and other times desperate for love and a sense of belonging, Serenya is a very likable character who feels the full weight of her mistakes causing her much pain and regret. However, Serenya is a strong woman and knows the future is worth fighting for.

Jayden Ravenwing, oh my…he is a good wood-elf! If you’ve read Ms. Parkers’ “A Ranger’s Tale,” then you’ll see how far he has come from Leogard and his failed marriage to Caliphany. Brave, charming, a gifted musician (like Serenya), and ready to sacrifice his happiness for hers…Jayden loves Serenya the right way—with his mind, body, and soul. Jayden and Serenya are so good together that I hope their story continues.

A powerful story, “Serenya’s Song,” is a joy to read and will linger in your thoughts because it shows how determination and courage, mixed with the support of others, can make dreams come true. Ms. Parker takes you through this whirlwind of a fantasy story quickly and with great skill. Some of my favorite parts are…

“Dull and lifeless, the cabin offered no solace. Without Caliphany there to greet me with a kiss, without Mollie reaching for me with her chubby little arms, I had nothing but my own thoughts as company. I wished I hadn’t visited the tavern tonight. That song had reminded me of everything I missed—Mollie’s giggles, Caliphany’s warm body sleeping next to mine, even the smoke from her cooking attempts. The floorboards groaned as I closed the door and strode to the table.”

“As I spoke, I fixed my eyes on the painting. This one had not been a dream, but a memory. The sun set over nearby mountains blanketed with snow, and below them, a forest community set among towering ebonwoods, some as wide in diameter as the cabins of the village. I rolled my shoulders around in a useless attempt to quell the itching on my back. I felt Jayden’s stare.”

“I leaned against my side of the carriage. Tears dripped on my cheeks. I turned my face away to hide them. All I needed was a little affection, some tenderness from him. His cold desire and my physical need for him tore at my heart. I pushed away memories of Jayden’s gentle touch. I had to put it behind me. I’d made my choice.”

“We dismounted and walked the last stretch, leading our horses toward the Haddo burial mounds. The forested road opened up to a wide meadow, where large, round hills full of tombs, one for each clan, dotted the landscape. Wildflowers and lush green grass topped each one of them. The Sandleton clan’s mourning song drifted on the breeze. We reached a low stone wall that spanned across the path.”

Okay, I’m about to “insert” the entire book! It is marvelous. If action/adventure, scorching-hot passion, deep dark secrets, and ridding a fantasy realm of an ancient evil appeal to you, do check out “Serenya’s Song!”

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Making the Rounds

Serenya and Jayden are making the rounds through the worldwide web, and here are some places you can them in action:

1st Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/312804857

Interview with TD Jones: http://writingonthego.blogspot.com/2012/04/hiya-peeps-im-jazzed-to-announce-second.html?spref=fb

Interview with Jess C. Scott:http://jesscscott.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/interview-mysti-parker/

Guest Post at Dan Wright's Blog: http://www.pandragondan.co.uk/apps/blog/serenyas-song-a-guest-post-by-mysti

**Win free copies at these three places:

Giveaway on Kayla’s Reads & Reviews: http://kaylasreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/2012/04/guest-post-and-giveaway-of-rangers-tale.html

Goodreads Giveaway: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/24619?utm_medium=api&utm_source=giveaway_widget

Buggie4Book: http://buggie4book.com/mothers-day-giveaway/

I LOVE to hear from my readers—please leave some comments at the links above!  ~Mysti

MFF = May Flash Fiction

It's that time you've all been waiting for. It's May. Spring is in the air. Bees are buzzing. Birds are singing. Wildflowers and creativity are blooming.With all this positive energy in the air (or is that pollen), I thought it was high time we held another contest here on Unwritten. 


They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, or some such thing, so I've been inspired by NPR's Three Minute Fiction to host my own flash fiction contest in which you will be all be prompted to write a story beginning with the same sentence. And it is:

I never expected to be in this position so soon, saying goodbye to my son.

My blind judge, who is my husband and not blind at all, declared that since he is usually recruited to help judge these things, then he should be the one to pick the prompt. So, there ya go! 


Here are the rules:

1. Submit a complete flash fiction story of no more than 600 words to mystiparker @ yahoo.com (no spaces), with MFF in the subject line. No scenes or excerpts!
2. You must use the prompt sentence as written as the very FIRST sentence in your story. You cannot modify it in any way. After that, your story can evolve into anything you wish, as long as it begins with that sentence.
3. Please keep your submissions PG--no heavy profanity, nudity, sexual acts, etc. If you aren't sure, ask me first.
4. Edit your story to the best of your ability before submitting. I will not be editing them for you.
5. Along with your stories, send in a profile pic (if you have one), short bio (45-100 words), and any book covers or links you'd like to share.
6. I will be posting selected stories as I receive them, depending on number of entries. Your comments will be greatly appreciated!
7. Deadline is May 29, 2012 at 12:00AM EST. Anything received after that will not be considered.
8. Winner(s) will (hopefully) be chosen by our blind judge (my husband, who is not blind) during the first week of June. Prizes are:

1st Place: One print copy of The Emotion Thesaurus by Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman, One print copy of The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman, one first-page critique by one of the authors of The Emotion Thesaurus, and an interview on Unwritten!

2nd Place: One PDF of The Emotion Thesaurus, one first page critique by one of the authors of The Emotion Thesaurus, and an interview on Unwritten!

3rd Place: An interview on Unwritten!  

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Ready, set, GO!!!


~Mysti