It was mid-summer and the stars felt nearer in the cool of night. I see a strange orange glow below the horizon. There are no houses there. Two miles tops. I return indoors. ‘There’s a forest fire behind the beach!’
‘Where!?’ He walks out unconvinced.
He rings emergency services. They ask the location.
‘Thanks. We know.’
Flames rising. The wind was headed our way. Best not to overthink.
Flashing lights drive south in a loop to the beach. No traffic. No siren. Only the sound of fire cracking filled the room.
Fifteen minutes later night smothers the coast in black velvet once more.
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My story followed prompts from the post below from Erica Drayton, although I realised afterwards it is supposed to be a Friday’s post. Never mind. as
said, it was a great exercise in writing so concisely. I had more difficulties cutting it down to a hundred than I imagined!
Brilliant - love it Pip! It’s not easy is it the 100 words thing..! But I am dying to write another...as soon as this week is over..! 😬xxx