I wrote this for Chuck Wendig's Flash Fiction Challenge. I hope you like it!
Parallel Lives
by A.R. Williams
photo by dhannte
Alejandro clutched the tiny flag that the woman at the desk had given him, bundled up in his fist. The overly bright lights in the room cast a harsh glare against the windows, making it hard to see out. He perched on his toes, elbows digging into the grate of the A.C. unit, face pressed against the glass and stared both at the road that led to the building and the twinkling blackness of the night sky. They hadn’t started yet, there was still time.
Alejandro nibbled on his lip and tightened his fingers about the flag. The officer at the door, ordered everyone to rise and form a line. Alejandro’s father stood, pulled him away from the window and into the group of adults. Trapped between them as they shuffled forward, Alejandro marched out into the humid night.
Headlights shone over the horizon, white hot like the stars in the sky. The bus pulled up just as everyone finished exiting the building. It stopped in front of them, engine growling, brakes screeching. The doors hissed open.
“Let’s go people, get on board,” the officer yelled.
They bunched together and slowly began to board, one by one. Alejandro and his father were near the front of the line. Climbing the steps, Alejandro raced to the back, weaving between people. The radio blared in the background.
“Yankees versus Rangers, bottom of the ninth, and what could possibly be the last batter of the game making his way to the plate.”
Alejandro jumped into the back seat and stared back at the building. The seat moved as his father sat down beside him. Was he too late? Did he miss it?
A crack split the air like the sound of wood breaking.
“It’s a home run. He’s going home! Rangers win! Rangers win.”
The bus lurched forward, forcing Alejandro back against the seat. He kept his eyes glued to the sky, waiting patiently. Just as he was about to turn away, it happened. Fireworks burst into the air: Red, White, and Blue. Alejandro smiled and unfurled his flag, waving it from side to side.
“Papa,” he said, pointing.
His father looked and nodded, then turned back around.
(C) copyright 2011. A.R. Williams
In the wake of the destructive tornadoes which ripped through Alabama on April 27th, 2011, Southern Fried Weirdness Press is proud to present the charity anthology, Southern Fried Weirdness: Reconstruction. This collection of poetry and short fiction features 46 pieces from 40 different contributing authors. It spans multiple genres and presents an eclectic mix of voices. All profits will be donated to The American Red Cross to aid disaster relief efforts.
Now available at Smashwords in multiple formats. Here is the link to buy: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/595
The Table of Contents:
Editor's Note
1.) They Are Not Gone Forever by Stephanie Osborn
2.) God in the Sky by An Owomoyela
3.) Make Your Bed Downriver by Jens Rushing
4.) Live Bait Works Best by Brian Rosenberger
5.) The Music of Bremen Farm by Mike Allen
6.) Out of Natural by Jason Huskey
7.) In The Days When Blocks Were For Tires, And The Dusk Chose A Sideways Approach by Jason Huskey
8.) In the Ghost Hours by Jason Huskey
9.) The Old Man's Sweet by Jason Huskey
10.) Planting by Mari Ness
11.) Talking Alligator (Blues) by Sara Amis
12.) Sisyphus Explains by Sara Amis
13.) Lady Glory and the Knave of Spades by Nicole Kornher-Stace
14.) Meditation on a Deer at Night by Berrien C. Henderson
15.) Navel Gazing by T.J. McIntyre
16.) Directions by T.J. McIntyre
17.) Why by T.J. McIntyre
18.) The Fisherman's Tale by T.J. McIntyre
19.) Swimming in Old Spring by Eric T. Marin
20.) Giant Cicadas and Other Odd Indignities by Dr. Philip Kaldon
21.) Billy Anne's Box by Charlotte Jones
22.) Commander Perry's Mystic Wonders Show by Jaime Lee Moyer
23.) The New Elementals by Marshall Payne
24.) Judy and Norman by Darby Harn
25.) The Moon and the Stars by Marian Carcache
26.) Pride and Joy by Gustavo Bondoni
27.) Square Hills by H. Courreges LeBlanc
28.) The Wind by Marcia Gerhardt
29.) I Keep a Vine Woven Basket by the Front Door by Rae Bryant
30.) Up Above the Dead Line by F. Brett Cox
31.) Annabelle Tree by Carrie Cuinn
32.) Who Mourns for Washington by Fabio Fernandes
33.) Suffer the Rains by Craig Wallwork
34.) The Yearning of the Lighthouse Fairies by Brenda Blakey
35.) The Groundskeeper's Tale by Wendy S. Delmater
36.) The White Months by Christopher Woods
37.) Your Enemies Will Devour You by Richard Thomas
38.) The Sweet Song of Canaries at Midnight by Jude-Marie Green
39.) Nature Story by Walter Giersbach
40.) Alchemy by Michael Ray
41.) The Legend of Old Man Joad by Marsheila Rockwell
42.) Hanging the Woman in Blue by Monette Chilson
43.) Till Death Do Us Part by Kenneth Mark Hoover
44.) Neopolitician by Shaylen Maxwell
45.) Utnapishtim on Friday After Dessert by Danny Adams
46.) The Evidence of Things Unseen by Chuck Russell
You are viewing
a_r_williams