Flawed Magic Men, (c) 2018 by Pamela Schloesser Canepa
When I was little, if you told me Papa could catch the sunlight in his little hands, I’d believe it.
I believed it when he caught a firefly. I’d never seen one before. And then, he made the light disappear. Years later, I figured out why he was tugging at his sleeve.
“All gone!” He held up his hands. Nothing. I thought he was some kind of magician.
Truth be told, he really could make the light disappear. He said something to make Grandma cry so bad one time. It was like he sucked the light out of her soul.
Mom just said he had too much to drink. When I looked at her questioningly, she answered, “Sick juice.” Those were the words for the drink left on the coffee table that I shouldn’t touch.
Several times, it did make Papa really sick. I’ll never touch the sick juice. It seems even magic men have a flaw. Sick juice was Papa’s Kryptonite.
~162 words
Challenge: Respond to the photo prompt with a brief flash fiction story of around 100-150 words, give or take 25. To find out more about Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers and this week’s photo prompt challenge, go to https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com/2018/01/29/fffaw-challenge-week-of-january-30-2018/
To submit your own response, click the blue InLinkz button at the above site after reading the rules of the challenge.
Yes, that sick juice has snuffed out many lights. Very sad. Peace to you Pamela
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Thank you. I loved the photo.
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A poignant take and a beautifully crafted story for this week. Great read.
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Thank you!
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That was such a poignant and evocative tale.
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Thank you. I appreciate the comment!
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A tragic tale after such a nice childhood memory. At least they have learned the lesson.
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I grow up with relatives like this. It is an emotional rollercoaster.
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Such a terrible memory for a child to have. Sounds like his Papa deserved to take some of that sick juice! Great story!
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