Flash Fiction (under 200 words)

The following piece of flash fiction won the One Word Challenge on the Talkback forum of Writers News. A new word is set each month and entrants need to write a poem (max 40 lines) or a story/prose (max 200 words). The word for this particular month was 'Poised'.


‘She was about to start university, you know. She wanted to go into medicine. Ironically.’

‘So sad, So very sad.’

(It’s not sad. I can still go. When I get up.)

‘Do you think she can hear us?’

( I can hear you.)

‘Some of the doctors think so.’

‘She was about to begin such a wonderful life.’

(I’m still going to.)

‘Geoff’s coming in later. We’ve had a meeting with the consultant and we’ve made the decision.’

(Decision? What decision?)

‘They don’t think she’ll ever wake up then?’

(I will wake up, mum.)

‘Well, there’s been no sign - not one single flicker in all these years.’

‘I suppose it’s been a long time.’

’It’s been 23 years, Maggie. I’ve sat here every single day. Never missed.’

(23 years? What are you talking about? I’m only 18. I’m starting university soon. I’m going to be a doctor.)

‘It’s today then?’

‘We’ve been considering it for so long and we’re ready now.’

(Ready?)

‘Oh, look Julie, here’s Geoff and the consultant. I’ll see you later. Looks like they’re ready. Be brave. It’s for the best. Let her go, peacefully.’

(Go where? Mum? No! Not now! What about university?)