Nudge in the Right Direction (1st Place)

“I know what you’re trying to do, Sis, but really I don’t need a woman in my life right now.” Travis eyed Nell then produced a broad smile to show he meant what he said.

“You know. It’s ok to date. It’s been almost two years since she left,” Nell said.

“I’ll just take my time,” Travis replied.

“Of course you will…” She mumbled.

“What’s that?”

“Nothing.” Nell scanned the pile of dirty dishes in the kitchen sink and shook her head. She rolled up her sleeves and started the hot water.

Travis plopped down on the couch and grabbed a bag of chips. He looked around for the remote. When he lifted a pile of magazines amongst the muddle of cans, pizza boxes, and Chinese take-out containers, she spotted an XXX on the side of a DVD case.

She glanced around the kitchen. More beer cans littered the countertops that looked like they hadn’t been wiped down since the last time she was here a week ago.

“You know, Travis…”

“Yeah?” He replied mindlessly as he still searched. He lifted up one last stack of papers and snatched the remote. “What was that?”

“If you keep watching those videos … alone… if you catch my drift. You’ll go blind.”

Travis’s eyes widened and he peered down at the DVD case. His face tinged red.

“That’s an old wives’ tale,” he retorted.

“Maybe. But then again, do you want to take that chance?” Nell stared Travis down.

“Well… I. I’m just not ready.”

“I could give you Crystal’s number. I have it right here.” She punched a few buttons on her phone and offered it to him.

Travis eyed Nell then scanned the rest of the room like he was seeing it for the first time.

“I see your point.”



Flash Story
Limited to 300 Words


Must contain the line: "That's an old wives' tale"

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