Flash Fiction

Watching from the shadows

Competition Notes ▼

Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  (13+) Enter your story of 300 words or less. #896794 by Arakun the twisted raccoon

Comp Winner - 298/300 words - 3 word prompt

I’m a monster. I have been all my life. At least that’s what They tell me. I can’t remember when I was anything different, or called something else, so it must be true.

I've heard the fear in their voices as I eavesdrop on their hushed conversations. I know the stories they tell, full of rumour and lies. The people I've confronted are cruel. Animals ready to inflict pain without question or reason. As punishment I’ve been hunted. They’ve chased me from my home, forced me to flee. I’ve seen my family and friends tortured, and yet, I’m the freak.

Now I’m here. It hasn’t been long, a week, maybe less, and by morning I’ll be gone. Off to find somewhere new to build my home.

I’m crouched, in tight confinement, trying to conceal myself from the girl.

She’s a pretty little thing with blonde pig-tails and red wellies, and giggles that bounce around as she splashes through the puddles. But she shouldn’t be here. Not alone. In the dark. It’s not safe. Anything could be lurking amongst the tombstones. I am.

My limbs begin to twitch. They’re heavy with anticipation, preparing for my next move. I should strike while I have the element of surprise, but I remain still. Continue my watch and bide my time.

Her rain dance stops a few feet from my hiding place. I hold my breath. She sees me. Her eyes are wide. Her mouth poised to scream, and yet she doesn’t. Instead she just stands there, silent and still, regarding me with big baby blues. I blink and the spell is broken.

Gingerly she reaches out her hand, calling me closer. Her is skin soft and her voice melodic. Innocent. My eight legs dance across her palm. She laughs. Maybe humans aren’t so bad.