Our first challenge for the Platform Building Crusade is to write a short story/flash fiction piece of 200 words or less beginning with the words "The door swung open." For added difficulty, you can end with "The door swung shut" and be exactly 200 words.
I decided to go for all of it. Here is what I hope will find its way toward the end of one of my WIP's based on a reverse Sleeping Beauty idea. If you like it, you can "like" it here! (I am number 199)
The door swung open, and Kaylee peered
inside, breath hitching as she found Devlin, perfectly still and white as
the sheets tucking him into the four-poster bed. A tear slid down
her cheek, and she dashed it away. Arabella thought she could keep
them apart, but although her spell had been strong enough put Devlin
and much of the kingdom to sleep, it wasn't enough to conquer true
love.
Slippered feet silent on the wood
floor, Kaylee hurried to the bedside, pulling out a strange vial.
Blood from the Golden Dragon mixed with the purple elixir from the
wise woman formed an antidote for the spell. At least in theory it
did.
Hand shaking, Kaylee wiggled out the
stopper, hesitating as she held the vial to Devlin's lips. There was
no guarantee what she was about to do would work. If it didn't, she
would live out the remainder of her days in the dungeon.
With a quick prayer, Kaylee tipped the
strange liquid into Devlin's mouth. Nothing happened. Kaylee leaned
her cheek against his, wishing his eyes open as a single tear
trickled onto his lips. The chime of a crystal bell filled the room
and the door swung shut.
The last paragraph is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHello there, fellow campaigner! I must echo Angelina-lovely.
ReplyDeleteNice writing - sort of has a lyric quality to it. Pretty descriptions. I want to know what happens next!! Does the elixir work??
ReplyDeleteUh-oh, I have a bad feeling about that door swinging shut!
ReplyDeleteThis was very romantic. I like the idea of an undying love. Mine is #72
ReplyDeleteI'm a sucker for true love. But, I don't have a good feeling about the bell and slamming door. Eek.
ReplyDeleteAh! Believe it or not, but the fairytale has a major soft spot for me. And you pulled it off well!
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Mary! Following. :)
Loved it, Mary. Very poignant. I can’t wait to read your next challenge. I wish I would have found you sooner so I could have signed up too!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
www.michelle-pickett.com/blog
Mary, I loved this! So beautifully written!
ReplyDeleteSo does it work? Very pretty descriptions.
ReplyDelete