It's time for the first Campaign Challenge, and there are so many good entries already. Seriously. If you haven't read them yet, please do--and read the details here if you want to enter for yourself.
*Deep breath*
Here's my entry (which is, by the way, my first ever piece of flash fiction):
Trial
The door swung open with a whine, and I put my hand out to stop it before the noise caught my husband’s attention.
I slowly let out my breath and reached into the cupboard to trace the edge of the envelope. I could just throw it away. Forget it ever came. I’m surprised Emerson hasn’t done that already, he’s so pragmatic.
296 days until Elsa’s fifth birthday, I think. The doctors like to remind us that we probably don’t even have that much time left. They also like to use words I don’t understand—cerebellar ataxia, hypotonia, microcephaly. But I do understand that no child in Elsa’s condition has ever been cured. Ever.
Yet the envelope hinted at a miracle, if you believed in that sort of thing—and oh, how I wanted to. The drug might give Elsa time and relief. It might even make her better.
But results couldn’t be guaranteed—it was a trial, after all. Research. What if something goes wrong and it takes her from us even sooner? How can we risk a life that is already so fragile?
I heard Emerson coming down the hallway and stepped back, watching as the door swung shut.
(200 words)
The sense of uncertainty is tangible ... she feels so torn over this subject ... it's so unfair ...
My entry is no.#59
Oh, this one is heart-wrenching! So well done for your first try - impressive!
Great job! (Though I am curious what the letter said.)
Very touching. I really feel for the parents and want to know what happens next, so great job pulling the reader into the story.
Her pain and uncertainity come through strongly. What a sad situation. well done.
Oh! What a gripping scenario you painted here! She would die without, and maybe die with. Talk about a conundrum! Great job! :)
Loved that she has to make a decision like that because soe many parents do. Great job!
awe, this tugged at my heart strings- really really great job for 200 words. And what an awesome blog you've got here! Glad to discover it:) New follower
You have no worries, your entry it great! Having lost a sister from a trial surgery and a son with a genetic disorder this really touched my heart. A parent would do anything to save their little ones. So very moving!
I would have thought you were well acquainted with flash fic after reading this one. Great job conveying the terrible choice these parents have to make.
Thank you, everybody! You are all so kind. :)
*sniff* If this is your first fast fiction piece, I think you should do more! :D
so sad
Congratulations – you’ve been shortlisted in the first round of judging, so you’ve made it through to Round 2 of 4!
This is poignant and touching and beautiful. Well done!
oh, good one! You are such a writer, Jess :)
Intriguing and heart twisting, what a dilemma! ; )
I loved your work--very compelling! You capture the torn heart of a mother accurately! Thanks for popping by to visit my blog and congrats on going to the next round. :)
That's a great entry, especially for a first attempt! And you have such a gorgeous blog!