Though officials took us in, their welcome was forced.
The meadow was dotted with makeshift dwellings which looked like heaven compared to what we’d endured to get here. Pa ruffled my hair, whispering that it was over. We were safe.
He was half right.
A woman with long, grey braids approached Pa, pointed to the edge of the meadow, patted his shoulder, and walked away. “What is it, Pa?” I followed his stare to a yellow tent.
“There’s not enough food here,” he pulled me close. “We’re in the lottery.”
”Are we staying in the yellow tent?”
“Let’s hope not.”
Flash Fiction Challenge over at Carrot Ranch
August 2, 2018 prompt: Yellow tent – In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a yellow tent.
Lemon Shark Reef 
Oh, the lottery does not sound like something they would want to win!
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I think you’re right. 😉
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brilliant, as always. ❤ #mast
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Thank, my friend. A bit out of practice with these so… Much appreciated.
❤️ #mast
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Yeah, the yellow tent IS the most dangerous one 🙂
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It certainly seems that way! 🙂
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It’s creepy because, well, who knows what the significance of the yellow tent is? It’s more than the term lottery that put Shirley Jackson in mind. It’s creepy because it’s possible.
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Agreed on all counts. So glad this worked for you. 🙂 Jackson’s story is one of my favorites. I *do* feel like this is possible. And, yes, the word limit kept me from disclosing the significance of the tent but, honestly, I prefer it that way. People can speculate what would happen should the characters “win” a stay in the yellow tent.
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zactly.
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🙂
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Such great use of homey details like “Pa” and “gray braids” that give your flash a safe, nostalgic feel. But oh, no, a lottery! And you leave it up to us to worry that stone. Great flash, Sarah!
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Thanks, Charli. Feels nice to be flashing again. 😉
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You flash so well!
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😂 This is getting suspect… (Thank you.)
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Ha, ha!
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Oh, Sarah, you’re at it again. Such a clever heart-wrenching story. For many in such a situation there is no winning move. I hope they don’t get to stay in the yellow tent either, but only if there’s a better option.
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I am at it again! 😂 Sounds fun and a bit villainous. Thank you, my friend.
I sincerely hope they are not chosen to stay in the yellow tent…
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I’m so pleased you are at it again. It’s so good to see you back in the blogosphere. I hope things are going okay for you now. I’ve missed you and your stories. Best wishes, my friend.
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Things are going. I’ve missed your writing, too. I think I’ll be around a bit more but we’ll see how all turns out. Hope you’re doing well. 💖
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I’m doing okay. It will be nice to see you while you’re here, and to think of you when you’re not, waiting for your return.
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Clever story and great to have you back flashing again.
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Thanks, on both counts, Anne. 🙂 Hope you’re doing well.
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Oh! Creepy, Sarah. Hints of cannibalism… What a chilling story.
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I think that’s what is happening here. 😉 Thanks!
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