Friday 23 October 2009

The Changeling - Flash Fiction

This is something I dashed off for a competition. It didn't win, but I quite like it.

“Mam, the fairies are in the garden.” Polly felt more resigned than cross.

“Are you telling porkies again, Tasha.”

“No Mam, honest. Come and see.”

“Not right now, lass.” But Polly’s mind stayed on her daughter and the strange feyness of her. Even as a baby, she’d smiled at everyone and won all hearts with her winsome ways.

Now she was five years old, and everyone loved Natasha, everyone except other children, that is. She didn’t have any friends of her own age. Did that explain her fascination with the fairies – her imaginary friends? She didn’t want baby dolls. They all had to be dainty and have wings so she could swoop around and pretend to fly with them. She was a dainty child herself, with dark fly-away hair and big, dark eyes.

“I wonder where she gets it from. Brian and I have mousy colouring and we’re certainly not dainty, more like clumpy, if you ask me.”

***

In the garden, Tasha smiled as she saw the two fairies hovering over the hedge at the far end. They were beckoning to her and she ran lightly towards them. As she ran she felt a sprouting in her back, then a fluttering and her steps turned into jumps that lifted her higher and higher.

***

Polly screamed as looked through the window and saw Tasha’s feet just disappearing over the six foot hedge. Faintly she heard a tinkling laugh.

“Bye, Mam. I have to go home now.”

11 comments:

Angela said...

I like it too. It gave me chills. I am also in love with fairies. I still believe:)

Joanne Olivieri said...

Oh, this is quite beautiful. I really enjoy your writing style.

Unknown said...

What a strangely beautiful text. Bell-clear description of a five-year-old. I have a five year old daughter now, and sometimes she says very strange things. (This is she in the photo.) It would not surprise me the least if she sprouted wings one day and flew away like a fire-fly.
Best wishes
Christina Wigren (Anna)

Jena Isle said...

That was a surprising ending for me. I felt pity for the mother. I love sci-fi anf fantasy.

Unknown said...

Thanks Angel. I too am sure there are beings around us that we don't often see.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the compliment, Jo.

Unknown said...

Anna - you have a lovely daughter. I do hope she stays close to you, wings or not.

Unknown said...

Jena - I'm glad you felt for the mother. That was just the reaction I hoped for.

Jude said...

Well, I don't know why you didn't win. It was too sad for me though even knowing it was just a story.

Unknown said...

Hey Jude, I'm sorry if my story made you sad. But it's good to hear of an emotional response.

Huzaifa said...

good story...

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