Flash Fiction Challenge

Rachael Harries has given campaigners our first challenge. In short, our task was to create a 200 word fiction piece. For an extra challenge, we could start it with "the door swung open" and end with "the door swung short."

My first reaction was terror. I haven't written an assignment like this since writing classes. But the words came quickly. I hope you enjoy and leave a comment. Go easy on me!

Lady's Choice

The door swung open. The invitation was extended weeks ago, but she hesitated. Was she too old, too tired to give in to passion? What about the kids?

She smoothed her skirt, feeling the lumps that weren’t there twenty years ago. So much had changed, so many emotions closed away. Her marriage once so dear to her was now long dead. Too many tears.

Since she met him two weeks ago, needs began resurfacing—ones she thought she’d forever suppressed. She wanted to open herself up again, but it was all so raw.

There he was, standing at the window. His back was to her. She still had time to run, but the draw to him was greater than her fear. When was the last time she allowed herself pleasure, a bit of selfish indulgence?

Hand still on the door, she took in the scene. Champagne chilling, robes arranged on the couch, roses on the table. Then he turned. His blue eyes captivated her from their first meeting. Images of her husband and kids flooded her brain and heart. Yet her decision was clear.

She took one step, closed her eyes and made her decision. The door swung shut.