Tell Me When Bloghop
What do Jodi Foster, David Letterman, Selena Gomez, and Steven Spielberg have in common? They’ve all been victims of stalking. But celebrities aren’t the only ones whose lives are put at risk because someone becomes obsessed with them. You, me, the girl down the street, we can all become targets.
In light of Stina's upcoming release, she has decided to do a blog hop for the week of January 13th (Monday Jan 13th to Friday Jan 17th), which will focus on the issue of stalking. TELL ME WHEN is about a college freshman who struggles with the aftermath of being stalked and kidnapped during her senior year of high school.
So this is a flash fiction ramble… very fragmented (which is how it came to me)… not really edited… probably tons of mistakes… but as Stina pointed out to me, considering many stalkers are mentally ill, they don't edit their thoughts either. I have NO KNOWLEDGE of a stalker's mental framework… but this is what I imagine it could be…
* * * * *
Another day. Just like the one before.
The same pattern. Just like the one before.
A renewed purpose. Unlike anything before, especially after the events of the previous night.
It had been so close. So close. He had stood behind. A part of the crowded throng. A costume party. The perfect occasion. Incognito behind the mask that hid his face. But his eyes had seen enough. Much more than ever before.
So close. So close. Deep breathe. The apple-scented aroma of freshly washed hair assailed his senses. So close. A wisp of flaming red escaped the clasp, tumbled down the nape of a delicate neck. So close. The tiny shape on the right shoulder mocked him. A butterfly tattoo. So close. His hand reached out to touch the butterfly. Pin it down. Trap it. So it would not fly away. An involuntary shoulder twitch… and his eyes remain glued to the green spaghetti strap hugging the delicate curved shoulder… mesmerising…
That night, butterfly-filled dreams tormented him. A plethora of delicate flapping wings, fluttering around his face… flapping… flapping… flapping…
Another day. Just like the one before.
Routine. Just like the one before.
Follow carefully. Not too close this time. Keep your distance.
But there's something amiss. He senses it. She doesn't seem so relaxed. She laughs out loud, as her crowd of gym buddies gather round. It's a strange sound. Forced. Unnatural. He knows the sound of her laughter. It's a silvery, twinkling melodious bell. Her eyes don't smile. Instead they dart from side to side. Wary? Confused? Hesitant?
His heart beats faster. His palms begin to itch. The signs are there. It's time to up the game…
* * * * *
So what do you think?
If you want to read all the entries and for more info about the bloghop, go HERE.
LOVE IT. Now finish it, eh? What's he going to do next?
I really have no idea! What I expect him to do next and what he wants to do next, may be two different things…? I'll have to write it… and see what happens… it should be fun, though…
Stina's book is making the rounds! Great to see her here, too. The subject of stalking scares me, but I think a book about it would be fascinating.
Yes, scary subject… but it was fascinating to write the piece… I enjoyed the exercise.
Creepy and effective!
Creepy…? So I did okay.
So now I need to continue… I'm thinking, what next?
This is AWESOME, Michelle. I knew you could do it. It gave me the shivers!!!!
XOX for participating! 😀
Thanks for the vote of confidence! 🙂
I'm now thinking… what next… ? I can't leave the piece suspended in nothingness. Aha! I have an idea…
Michelle,
Reading this made me realize I miss your flash fiction. You put me in the head and wrapped me up in this stalker's emotions. My comment to you is a little stale now, but anyway, you do so much with a story in so few words. Never ceases to amaze me!
Thank you Joy. Your comment is a reminder that I need to get going with the flash fiction collection.
Nice work! I love LOVED the repetition at the beginning and end. Loved. ^_^
Thanks Krystal! 🙂
Wow, that was really chilling, Michelle…. Very chilling. It gave me the creeps. You are way too good at this. Well done.
Haven't been by lately, and I am so sorry. So much has gone on with traveling abroad and the holidays… Hope you are well…
Thanks SOOO much for joining in on the HOP for Friday. I am looking forward to your post!
I'd also like to wish you ALL THE BEST for 2014. I believe this will be a year of learning, growth, enchantment, hard work, and successes.
See you Friday!
Michael, you've made my day! 🙂 Thanks for the wonderful comment!
…and I understand… life is hectic… so much to do and too little time…
…..learning, growth, enchantment, hard work, successes… yes, yes, yes, yes and yes!
See you at the Coffee Hop!
This was excellent!
Hugs and chocolate!
Hugs to you too Shelly!
Wow, shivers! But great reading.
Thanks Nas!
That just gave me chills.
Glad you felt the chills, Diane!
My heart's beating faster. Very cool.
Got the heart going, that's good!
Well done. The scattered bent makes it all the better. Loved the details.
Thanks Shannon!
Wow, so good. I'm glad you picked fiction since I like these snippets.
I'm a flash-fiction junkie! 🙂
Another suspenseful flash fiction piece, Michelle! This could be someone that any of us would run into. I guess I'll be sleeping with the light on again. Congrats to Stina!
Keep the light on… you never know what or who may be lurking in the dark…… *insert evil laugh*