The first challenge of the Platform Building Campaign is upon us and hundreds are playing. Seriously, we have until Friday and there's already over a 120 entries.
Here's the specifics: Write a short story / flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)
For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!
Naturally, I'm doing it all. 200 words exactly (not counting the title), starts and ends with the right phrase. Boo-yah.
So here it is:
SUSPECT
The door swung open a crack, and a dozen conversations buzzed into the room. I could only make out a few.
“Is Jack done with the house yet?”
“Are you kidding? With that mess, he’ll be there half the night.”
“I’m headed out for food—anyone hungry?”
“Just bring back some pizzas for everyone.”
“Suzanne is on the phone, wants to talk to our gal, here.”
“Is that the sister? Tell her to wait in line.”
A strong hand grabbed the door and held it steady, fingers curling through the gap and around to my side. Stubby fingernails gleaming in the fluorescent lights.
I rubbed my red-speckled hands together, longing for soap and water. And a nail brush. One that wouldn’t go straight into evidence.
A fascinating inch of dirty brown carpet crept out of the room and down the hallway toward freedom. If I were a mouse, I could flatten myself and squeeze through that crack.
If I were a mouse, I wouldn’t be able to hold a knife. Or be angry enough to use it.
The crack widened. Officers Milton and Hoff stalked in. Faces grave.
I yanked on my handcuffs below the table.
The door swung shut.
Read the rest of the entries by visiting the challenge post. Also, you can vote for your favorite by clicking the "Like" button under my entry, #125. (For instance.) :)
