Before a plane trip Steve is visited by an omen. 1st place Daily Flash Contest. |
Entry for Daily Flash Fiction contest. Prompt: must include words dictionary, circle, mind Word count: 300 “Don’t get on that plane” says a small soft voice. I look up from my newspaper and see a girl about six years old. She’s wearing a little pink dress has yellow bows that match her shoes and also has the most somber expression I have ever seen on a child. “Where is your mommy sweetheart?” I hear myself saying as I look around the airport for any obvious parent. Her expression becomes even more grave and furrowed, and I feel myself start to squirm. Why does she keep staring at me? Where is her mother? Should I take her to lost and found? No. It’s not like she is an umbrella or an abandoned dictionary, but I should take her to an employee so they can announce she is lost. “Come with me and we will find your mommy”, I declare as her baleful gaze starts to poke and prickle at my mind. I uneasily peer around again in a huge circle debating where to take her, not wanting to see her anymore, creepy kid. “Don’t get on that plane, Steve.” Finally, I glance back to see only emptiness where she stood before. I have a heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach and sit there for a long time. Where did she go? How did she know my name? It couldn’t be a real warning. How silly to consider that as real. I don’t feel terribly well though. Maybe I could postpone this business trip, especially if I’m ill. A premonition overcame me. I slowly pick up my briefcase head toward the exit. Around the corner my competitor says “Here is 10 dollars I promised”, as he hands over the money to his daughter with a wide smile. My proposal will win without Steve there to compete! |