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Author, Fiction, Flash-Fiction, Life, Love, Micro Fiction, Nostalgia, Relationships, Singapore, Stories, Writing
The train fumed angry hissing steam as it slowed to a squeaking stop.
From the carriage, Madrilène scanned the busy platform. What are the chances of seeing him in a city swollen with people?
Then, she felt a burning sensation on her cheek.
There stood Ben, with a drooping cigarette on his lips and open newspapers in his hands.
He smiled.
She froze and felt her heart race.
“Hello, Hon.” Michael had returned with their coffee.
She greeted him with a sweet smile, sweeter than usual. As Michael settled, she casually turned towards the platform.
Ben nodded and stepped back.
———— Copyright @ Eric Alagan ————
Have not written flash fiction in ages. Last Saturday, I read Janna TWrites (click on the link) and decided to dust off the cob webs and try my hand.
Do pay Janna’s blog a visit – I love especially her flash fiction.
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Flash fiction abounds,
Appearing in a great blog,
Eric is the man!
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Well now – that’s cool, Ron
You’re the man too for the weekly dose of humorous forecasts – daren’t start the week without them 🙂
Cheers,
Eric
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Thank you, my friend. Have a great week, if you can, after this weeks prognostications. LOL
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Smashing flash, Eric. And I must say, I like the changed photo of you – lovely to see your smile 🙂
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Thank you, Polly
Thank you again – that photo was taken in January 🙂
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Hello Eric,
I love flash fictions! And it’s good to read another one from you, my esteemed friend.
I’m curious about what Ben might do next. Though I wonder how he knew that Madeleine would on that train. I’m also keen on Michael. Was this meeting some plan for a larger set-up?
I’ve missed reading a lot of your works. But it’s something I’ve to do because I love the vigour your writing style reflects.
Blessings. I will read your archives when I return again. I want to know where Tara’s on her mission in Africa.
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Hello Uzo, my friend,
You’ve dropped off Blogsville and very happy to see you return.
My good friend, Paul Grignon, posted several continuation episodes (all 100 words) and you can check them out here > http://paulgrignon.wordpress.com/
Take your time buddy and catch up – my blog is not going anywhere 🙂
I pray and hope that all is well with you,
Eric
P/s I wonder whether you plan to continue We Are Not Cursed
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Yes, Eric. The story continues and I am glad you are still keen on reading the rest of it. I will resume posting episodes of it from Tuesday, next week. .
I’ve not been able to blog because of family matters alongside other engagements. But I’m a lot freer now.
Thanks for the link to Paul’s blog. I’ll definitely go into it.
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I didn’t even know about this writing exercise. but really enjoyed reading it. I am just a teller of tales , but I do love reading a writer’s writing !
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Hello Anne,
I used to run 55-word and 33-word flash fiction invites but discontinued these due to time constraints. Interestingly, I was thinking of restarting these next week.
Stay tuned 🙂
Eric
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Brilliantly conveyed in a few words and I love that you haven’t lost your naughty touch my lovely buddy! 🙂 Xxx
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Thank you, Jane dear
What I realised writing flash fiction is – it’s actually quite easy to hold readers’interest.
Now, getting someone to remain invested over the length of a full novel – many baulk before starting the journey. This compels authors to pull out all the stops and more.
Many thanks for the compliment 🙂
Luv and hugz,
Eric
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The mystery and the tension lies in everything that is left unsaid! Nicely done Eric!!
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Yes, Madhu – the door opens to many paths and each harbours its own story of love, faithfulness, betrayal, joy and sorrow.
My friend, Paul Grignon, actually posted several follow on episodes on his blog. Marvellous little reads.
All good wishes,
Eric
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Hello, Eric!
Yes indeed, ceramic is a better choice. I have since changed it to porcelain. But I thank you for pointing out the bygone era.
I enjoyed your post so much I continued the story line on my blog, and have encouraged others to visit your excellent blog!
Thank you for the kind words, and it remains a distinct pleasure to read your words, good sir.
Have a fabulous weekend, and may the writing Muse always be by your side.
Take care, my friend,
Paul 🙂
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Pingback: 100 Word Flash Fiction… | Paul Grignon
Hello Paul,
My apologies for the delay as I’m quite preoccupied with a new book due for publishing.
The episodes you posted above are simply marvellous and you do me great honour with your profuse compliments.
Hereunder is another string (100 words):
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Wine, thought Michael as he limped his way along the narrow corridor to the Dining Room in the last carriage. She never did like wine, but ever since the war.
He pulled out his pocket watch and pretended to study it. He kept his eyes diverted, not wanting anyone to read his thoughts.
What brought this on? Fear wrecked his mind as he rubbed his right thigh; felt the metal plate. That man; that look they had exchanged.
“Sir?”
“Thank you,” said Michael with a perfunctory smile, and he hesitated before gulping the wine in one go. “Two more, please.”
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All good wishes and thank you for your friendship,
Eric
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Eric, this is wonderfully well done! The tension is built so well in so few words. Love it.
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Hello hello hello 🙂
Glad that you love it, Val. I believe many of us (moi included) have been in a similar situation.
Cheers,
Eric
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That was a tense 100 words, Eric. I only exhaled when Ben steeped back. 🙂
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Hello Celestine,
Thank you and guess, Madrilene held her breath too, when she saw Ben 🙂
Cheers,
Eric
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Laughing so hard, 🙂 I could be her you know.
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That is a great post Eric I really enjoyed it!
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Thank you, dear
I simply love the images you upload on your blog posts.
Cheers,
Eric
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100 words well spent. Very enjoyable to read.
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Thank you, Joshua
I notice a spike in readers/visitors when I load short posts. Understandable.
Cheers,
Eric
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There’s a lot of great tension and lingering mystery here. The reader can fill in the blanks, although I’m curious how Ben knew she was going to be there.
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Hello David,
Good point and thank you 🙂 There could be many takes on this:
1. It was a sheer chance encounter – after her marriage, every time the train stopped at that station, she recalls her former love and scans the platform. Then one day –
2. They had a rendezvous planned – she was supposedly visiting her grandmother but at the last moment, Michael managed to get a day off and decided to join her on the trip
3. They had communicated beforehand and were expecting, at the very least to exchange glances – the husband, Michael, treats her (and many other women) as a trophy while our lady seeks true love
4. Ben is her twin who had fallen out with her husband, Michael – they look but don’t communicate as Michael had forbidden her
And so on and on
As you said, the reader can fill in the blanks.
Peace,
Eric
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Hmm, I hadn’t considered some of those. You could write a Choose Your Own Adventure for adults by writing a book with all those possibilities. Let the reader choose which one they like best. 🙂
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You haven’t lost your touch!
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Thank you, GP
Appreciate this vote of confidence 🙂
Cheers,
Eric
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Great writing, Eric! The compelling scene unfolds and now what? Will there be a continuation in 100 words yet to come? 🙂
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Ah, Lauren,
My good friend Paul did the honours with a sequel and I’m going to leave it there. However, if you or anyone else wants to continue – post it in your blog and alert me. I’ll certainly visit and comment 🙂
Cheers,
Eric
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Darn, okay, and no, I’m not good at writing fiction, so I won’t be continuing your great story, but thanks for the offer, Eric…maybe someday! Have a great day! 🙂
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“Everything ok, honey?”
Madrilene paused before answering.
“Yes, Michael. Everything is…perfect.”
Michael stared at her for a moment and then settled back into The New Yorker.
Madrilene held the cup in her hands, and felt the warmth of the coffee through the porcelain. She remembered how warm Ben’s hands were, after he cradled her in his arms when she stepped back and stumbled at the fair.
Could it really have been two years ago?
Now here he was, his trademark Galoises perched between his lovely lips, that faint constant stubble above his mouth…
“Next stop is ours, Sweetie!” Michael said.
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In at 100 words, Sir Alagan. I couldn’t resist adding the next episode! Great flash fiction, Eric, and it seems you have not lost your touch in the least, despite those pesky webs. 🙂
Excellent little story there and, as many others have commented, the story line can go…anywhere. Ah, the intrigue!
Great read, my friend, and it’s good to be back reading your excellent work!
Take care, and warmest wishes,
Paul 🙂 🙂
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This is marvellous, dear Paul.
I replaced the ‘styrofoam’ with ‘ceramic’ in keeping with the bygone era as hinted by the hissing fuming train. I hope you don’t mind.
Yes, one is tempted to write a part three but I shall let it go – best not to have Madrilene do something that would probably lead to regrets.
The next stop is certainly theirs and not Ben’s 🙂
All good wishes my friend and always a pleasure to have you visit,
Eric
P/s Updated to ‘porcelain’ as your missive – 22 Mar 2014 🙂
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Reblogged this on Curator of Curiosities and commented:
Flash Fiction. Let’s give it a try, sounds exhilarating.
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Hello Barbra,
Thank you for the re-blog 🙂
All good wishes,
Eric
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Powerful flash fiction – I suspect that this moment is not uncommon and you expertly bring it to life!. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy this genre of writing when the author squeezes so much into so little. I also and thank you for giving the reference to Janna’s site. I am going to be there a lot. Cheerio, Jane
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Hello Jane dear,
I haven’t got round to reading your Hippo story yet – but no worries, as I’ve book marked it 🙂
Very true that such moments are not uncommon. Many times after breaking up, one does wonder of the other person when back in once-shared environs. Most of us can relate to the varied feelings and emotions, I reckon.
That’s great as I’m sure you’ll love Janna’s blog posts. She’ll love your blog posts too, I’m sure.
All good wishes,
Eric
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The drooping cigarette says it all–she’s better off leaving Ben on the platform and staying with Michael. Ben’s a good ‘one-who-got-away’ fantasy.
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Hello VB,
Yes, sometimes a drooping cigarette more than a drooping Fu Manchu style moustache, says it all. Some catches are best to let slip, you’re right 🙂
Peace,
Eric
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I guess naughty thoughts usually materialize to heighten temptations. Who is to know – Ben may be seeking out Michael and not Madrilène. So many possibilities.
You got our thoughts run wild on this. Enticing post.
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Ben and Michael – oh, dear and so naughty too 🙂
I reckon your thoughts have taken flight here, Jasey dearest – good one! LOL!
Luv and hugz,
Eric
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wonderful and you can really pack a punch with just a few words, eric )
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Hello Beth,
Nice to see you here and thank you.
With a tight word count, we need to make every word count. If we extend this to short stories and then, onto full length novels – Wow!
All good wishes,
Eric
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So, Eric, what you have, weighed against what you could have, …weighed against the thought can you have both? 🙂 … Love flash fiction, makes you think outside the box. xPenx
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I think you pretty much covered all angles from a bird’s eye view, PennyG 🙂
Very often, it takes a few words to say much, I reckon.
Peace,
Eric
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Yup, indeedy! 🙂 x
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At last, I always like your short pieces. Nice one Eric.
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Hello Jane,
Wow! I could almost hear your sigh – what lovely sentiments, you’ve expressed.
Thank you dear,
Eric
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I liked this story a lot. It’s amazing how a break recharges your batteries, isn’t it?
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Hello Alastair,
True – Nothing like stepping away a bit and coming back again.
All good wishes,
Eric
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Nice to see oneof your flash fictions again…this scene is a cliff-hanger. One wonders what’s behind the story…though the obvious triangle comes to mind, but there seems to be a mystery in the making here. One of the things I like about flash fiction is how much you can get into a story with so few words. Loved it…have a great week Eric!
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Hello Georgia,
You are right about back stories. Flash fiction is like tossing a pebble into the brushes – one never knows what flutters (or, gulp) charges out!
You too, Georgia dear, have a lovely week ahead,
Eric
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🙂 too true! Here’s reading you! Georgia
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Ah, but now she knows Ben will be at the back of the crowd watching where they settle in the big city, and when the opportunity arises he will materialize to take advantage of the situation. Naughty Ben! Naughty Madrilène
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This little episode has so many tangents – anything is possible, including some clandestine carrying-on.
Have a great week ahead, Ian 🙂
Eric
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Ha ha….so typical of women isn’t it? The psycho drama is quite intense in your 100 words 🙂
The heart yearns and mind turns away… lol
enjoyed it Eric!
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Ha ha – typical of men, too 🙂 You’re right, of course, because it does take two.
Thank you, Aparna dear, for your visit and comment,
Eric
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Ouch. Her heart seems divided. I feel for Michael, who may wind up a casualty when it’s done. I’m glad you decided to write some flash fiction 🙂
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The Chinese have a saying – something about crossing a river in two boats – with a foot in each boat.
Yes, I missed writing flash fiction too and your post last week triggered it – all your fault, Janna, dear 🙂
All good wishes,
Eric
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Nice story. It’s amazing how much tension can be built up in a few words.
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Well, hello and welcome aboard 🙂
Yes, quite often the less said, the more revealed I reckon.
All good wishes,
Eric
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