FOURTH CAMPAIGN: Challenge no. #1
This is the first challenge for the campaign. Here are the instructions from Rachael's post.
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, “Shadows crept across the wall”. These five words will be included in the word count.
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), do one or more of these:
- end the story with the words: "everything faded." (also included in the word count) – check
- include the word "orange" in the story – check
- write in the same genre you normally write – check
- make your story 200 words exactly! – check
Feel free to use the picture to inspire you, or else see how whacky, creative, and original you can get 🙂
Shadows crept across the wall as the light faded, showcasing a canvas splashed in shades of orange-red-gold.
Inside the bungalow were two occupants. They could hear the nearby sea as the tide rushed in, competing with the distant music of the jungle night.
An uneasy quiet lingered…
"Where to from here?" She was always direct.
His face revealed nothing. "It's probably too late…" a convenient sigh, as if on cue.
The bastard. What a nerve, thinking it was that simple. "This moment is long overdue…"
Next to the remnants of a half-eaten dinner, the candle flickered.
Outside, the heartbeat of the jungle came to life. It was a living, breathing, pulsating creature; a raw and primitive cacophony of weird sounds that combined to create a unique and sensual rhythm.
"What do you want me to say?" He was seldom disagreeable, typical Mr. Quiet.
The sounds intensified… reached a swelling crescendo…
"Something? Anything! Curse! Swear!" She shrugged.
He smiled, the true master of verbal diplomacy.
The tiny microphone pressed softly against her shoulder blade…
The cacophony reached fever pitch… they could feel it obliterate all rational thought… there was no escaping its power…
A single scream pierced the night…
…everything faded.
If you want to vote for me, I'm no. 166 on the linky list.
Ooh very creepy! I wish we knew more of the story! It makes me want to read more! Great job 🙂
I'm entry #19
Thanks sweetie-pie! 🙂 For a 15 year old, you sure are an amazing writer.
Very intriguing story. Good job.
Intrigue is the ‘name of the game’… glad it worked!
I like it. You kept me on the hook, not knowing where you were going to go with it. I love that. Great job! (and thanks for visiting mine).
I'm intrigued by "Mr. Quiet" what exactly is he up to? I wonder.
I loved your setting too. 🙂
In this situation, it supports the theory of “still waters run deep” 🙂
Yay! Mission accomplished. Thanks for your generous comments. Much appreciated! 🙂
Very well written…started in a slow peaceful manner and then brought in the subtle tension. Enjoyable even as it leaves more questions than answers.
Thank you! Don’t want to give too much away… got to leave the reader wanting more…
Talk about leaving us hanging! The suspense was well done and the imagery brought the scene to life. Good work!
The cliffhanger works every time! Thanks for popping in.
That was great. I wanted to read more. Well done!
Thanks Murees, glad you enjoyed it!
I love your descrptions of the jungle in here.
#109
Thanks Gwen. 🙂
What is it? This is a real mystery. Good setting.
Lee (#126 on the Campaign Challenge List)
An A to Z Co-Host
<a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/"> Tossing It Out</a>
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
Thanks Lee 🙂
Oooh, interesting! I'm not quite sure what's going on, but I definitely want to keep reading!
So glad to have captured your attention… thanks for the kind comments!
Well written and intriguing – I want to read more 🙂 Nice job!
Thanks Ann! 🙂
Oh, nice! i want to know more. I loved the description of the jungle.
Excellent job.
Sorry I was so late posting.
Michelle 🙂
Welcome to my place, Michelle! You know what they say… better late than never! 🙂
you are rocking these challenges, mish! great job!
Just giving it my best shot! Thanks!
Noooo … you can't leave us hanging!
He he he! Just did… 🙂
Mr. Quiets are always infuriating. I'm dating one. LOL. LOVED your descriptions!! They were amazing. Well, the whole thing was.
Thanks for your generous comments! I appreciate it. Good luck with your "Mr. Quiet" LOL!
Love your imagery! Had me hooked all the way to the end, just wish it was longer. (;
I’m thrilled that you were hooked all the way to the end! Thanks for popping in, Elise.
Can't believe it's taken me so long to get around to reading your entry but ooh it's intriguing! Loved the imagery too 🙂
That's okay… there are lots of entries to read, so it's understandable… 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!
Interesting. Wonder what happened. 😀
That's the million-dollar question – what happened? 🙂 We'll know the answer to that when the plot unravels…
Ooooh this was so creepy! Well done!
Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog 🙂
Thanks for the visit, Sangu 🙂
Wow that was really intense and quite the cliffhanger. Really enjoyed it.
You can't beat the cliffhanger moments… glad you enjoyed it, thanks.
This one has some really excellent imagery!
Thanks Jocelyn! 🙂
Very freaky. Good job.
Freaky… okay, that's a new one for me… I like the sound of freaky! 🙂
Loved i! Great imagery! I would like to find out what IT was?
Thanks for popping in! 🙂