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    Flashes of Splashes: A Flash Fiction Collection
    Flashes of Splashes: A Flash Fiction Collection
    Flashes of Splashes: A Flash Fiction Collection
    Ebook99 pages1 hour

    Flashes of Splashes: A Flash Fiction Collection

    By Elizabeth McCleary

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Water, water everywhere.

    An unusual filtration system...
    A 'No Swimming' sign worth heeding...
    A frightened girl fetching water for her mother...

    Bubbles or ice...
    Saltwater or fresh...
    Wide-open seas or places more arid...

    And storms raging on the horizon...

    Refreshing and delightful, you never know what might be lurking below the surface in this collection of 31 aqueous tales.

    Dive right in! 

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherOrange Pear Media
    Release dateSep 28, 2017
    ISBN9781386566670
    Flashes of Splashes: A Flash Fiction Collection

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      Book preview

      Flashes of Splashes - Elizabeth McCleary

      Flashes of Splashes

      Flashes of Splashes

      A Flash Fiction Collection

      Elizabeth McCleary

      Orange Pear Media

      This is for my friends and family who share a love of sunshine and open water. I hope it makes a splash.

      And for those of you who prefer a rainy night and

      crackling fireplace? This is for you, too.

      Author’s Note

      This collection is a little bit different. Partly it’s because I’m a little different, but mostly it’s because of how it came together.

      In April of 2017, I joined the A to Z Blogging Challenge. My chosen medium was flash fiction.

      In addition to writing 26 stories, I wanted a theme. Something to tie all my stories together. And what I landed on (in?) was water. Every story would reference water in some way. It didn’t need to be the key element of the story, but it had to be important.

      At the end of April, I was thrilled to have a cohesive collection of short-short fiction. For this book, I’ve replaced a few of my original stories with ones that work a bit better. I’ve also added a few extras especially for the benefit of those who followed my blog.

      Most of these stories fall into the speculative fiction category in one way or another. Fantasy, science fiction, magical realism… even a couple that would qualify as horror. Hopefully there’s something here for everyone.

      So grab a refreshing beverage (water might be the logical choice), put your feet up, and be prepared to have these stories wash over you.

      Elizabeth McCleary

      12 September, 2017

      A is for Aquarium

      I want this one.

      Carol looked on as her daughter stood, nose pressed to the side of the pet store aquarium. Sandy’s slender fingers tapped gently on the glass next to her cheeks.

      That one costs a lot, Carol said, her eyebrows climbing at the figure on the shelf tag. We can buy more if you choose something else.

      The little girl didn't budge. She was too busy staring at the shimmery, green fish. Its scales reflected bits of blue and pink and gold as the tail flicked back and forth.

      A new dog would be easier. They already had all the stuff for a dog. But Sandy said she wanted a fish, so Carol had promised fish.

      I know Buster isn't coming back, Sandy said as if responding to her mother’s thoughts. She glanced over her shoulder at her mom before letting her eyes stray to the dog treats farther down the aisle. Not even if we got him a new toy.

      Carol sighed. No, sweetie. Buster isn't coming back. Sadness crept into her voice as she repeated the lie. He had to go home to his dog family. They... they needed him. Because, how do you tell a 6-year-old that the stray you'd taken in, the one who became her best friend, ran away again? When someone's family needs them, you have to let them go.

      I know. Sandy’s curls bobbed along with her affirmation. He had to go back to his family. Her attention shifted back to the fish. They almost seemed to understand each other.

      Carol sighed again. The aquarium they purchased had been expensive. The shimmery, green fish would be too.

      At least a fish couldn't disappear or be hit by a car.

      Carol finished setting up the oversized tank in Sandy's room while the little girl watched, bouncing lightly on the bed. I think you'll really like this. Elbow deep in the water, Carol pressed tiny palm trees into the rainbow gravel. You won't need a night light anymore because the purple light in the tank will stay on all night. She turned to her daughter. You won't be able to play with a fish the way you played with Buster. You can watch her swim around, though, and talk to her as much as you want.

      I know. said Sandy.

      Carol untied the plastic bag with the fish inside. Sandy had wanted to do it right away, but waited patiently for the full three days as instructed at the pet store. Okay, fish. Go do your thing. Carol tipped the bag and the fish swam out. The shimmery, green fish appeared to be right at home.

      Sandy hopped up off the bed and pressed her nose to her new aquarium, watching the fish circle slowly.

      Sandy, said Carol, just keep your hands out of the tank. Okay? This fish cost a lot and we don't want her getting sick or anything.

      Her name is Lucy, Sandy replied without looking up.

      Sandy sat in bed, blinking the purple light out of her little-girl eyes. She heard something. Something more than the soft bubbling of Lucy's tank. Covers pushed aside, she swung her feet to the side of the bed and slid them into her fuzzy pink slippers.

      As Sandy approached, Lucy circled then jumped out of the water, transforming in a flash. When she stopped, she placed tiny elbows on the rim.

      Hi, said Sandy.

      Hi, said Lucy. Do you think your plan will work?

      Sandy nodded at the miniature mermaid. I can help you go back to where you belong. But you'll be harder than Buster. He could walk by himself. Besides... Sandy hesitated. Mommy will be mad if she thinks I put my hands in the water.

      B is for Bubbles

      I don’t understand the point of an expensive water bar. Calvin Wentworth looked around uncomfortably. He sighed as they found seats at a tall table made of hand-blown glass. I’d rather have a beer .

      Jasper never looked at him. Enough. We’re here now. Get over it. He waved at one of the scantily-clad water waitstaff who acknowledged him with a nod. Besides, people will see you. People will talk. It’s all good for the public profile. Just roll with it. He popped his friend’s chest with the back of one hand.

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