We’ve wrapped up the judging of the First Annual QSF Flash Fiction Contest early, so we’ll be sharing the top stories over the next 6 days. After that, most of the submitted stories will be posted on the site for everyone to enjoy. We had some fantastic submissions this year – congrats to everyone! All stories were limited to 300 words max, with the theme “endings”.
Our first of three honorable mention winners is Beth Brock – congrats, Beth! Here’s the story – enjoy!
Our Night
By Beth Brock
Over the pale face flickered the shadows of ancient craters. Like a clock in the sky, the moon marked a beginning.
A whistle shot up, and the night exploded into reds, blues, and whites. The light from the fireworks played across our skin, flickering over his golden lashes and illuminating the silver watch at his wrist.
We sat on a grass hill outside the fairgrounds, where I could still hear the music and laughter from the rides. His heavy arm was around me, pulling me close. He smelled of the cotton candy we had shared earlier, and something new and intoxicating, but also deeply familiar. It made sense somehow. Since I saw him by the carousel, it seemed like we’d known each other for an eternity.
Only the day could break this spell. If I had the power to make this night never end, I would. Forever night. Forever this night.
I took a breath of the cool air as I watched the moon rise to its zenith, the festive colors bursting around it. His hand was in my own, warm and strong. We gazed at the moon together.
Yes, I would sacrifice the day for this night. Stop moon, I prayed. Stay still, rest. There is no hurry.
My hand squeezed his. I wondered if his hands would feel cold from working in space. I wondered how the moon would look from that far up in the atmosphere.
“Don’t forget me,” he whispered into my ear. His breath ruffled my hair, and the stubble of his chin scratched my cheek. “When you see the moon, think of me.”
I felt an unseasonal chill and rested my head against his shoulder. “I won’t forget you.”
Though just born to light, my love would not wane.