No Time To Run, by Bruce Arbuckle

From the window she sees the creatures surround the building. She took too long setting the explosives: there’s no time to escape. Across the street she can see Jip. She can’t see his expression, but she can imagine it. “Sorry,” she mouths. She starts yelling, drawing the things to her.

A 50-word story written by Bruce Arbuckle, inspired by the Freewriters Writing Prompt on Hive, “no time for that”

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Bruce Arbuckle (felt.buzz)

It’s Been Too Long, by Bruce Arbuckle

I barely recognise you when you arrive. You’d always been slightly overweight, or as you’d insist: “cuddly”. “You look…” the words stick in my throat. “Ill?” Your smile is thin on your face. “The disease does that, you know.” I want to hug you, but I’m afraid you might break.

A 50-word story written by Bruce Arbuckle, inspired by the Freewriters Writing Prompt on Hive, “not obese”

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My Humpbuckle Tales are always published first on Hive

Bruce Arbuckle (felt.buzz)

Sick Note, by Bruce Arbuckle

He was always ill, or claimed to be. If a bug or virus was going around he’d be infected. He’d call her from his bed, voice croaking, telling her he would have to take yet another day off work. This time, outdoing himself, he’s caught a disease she’d made up.

A 50-word story written by Bruce Arbuckle, inspired by the Freewriters Writing Prompt on Hive, “made-up syndrome”

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My Humpbuckle Tales are always published first on Hive

Bruce Arbuckle (felt.buzz)

Red-Raw Sore, by Bruce Arbuckle

My heart pumps hot blood through thumping viens in my head. Wiping my temples, the back of my hand comes away stained. I’m sweating blood. The wound on my leg – the creature’s tooth marks swollen yet still visable – is oozing something thick and alien. Perhaps, I’m dying. Or, something worse.

A 50-word story written by Bruce Arbuckle, inspired by the Freewriters Writing Prompt on Hive, “red-raw sore”

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Read my daily 50 word stories every day here or on Hive or on Facebook

My Humpbuckle Tales are always published first on Hive

Bruce Arbuckle (felt.buzz)

Continuation, by Bruce Arbuckle

The machine buzzed, rattled and groaned. “It looks like something from a 1950’s science fiction film,” Matt said. “Will it work?”  “It already has,” Claire laughed, pointing at the two figures – replicas of them both – standing at the shed door. “This isn’t the start of the story,” she said.

A 50-word story written by Bruce Arbuckle, inspired by the Freewriters Writing Prompt on Hive, “continuation”

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My Humpbuckle Tales are always published first on Hive

Bruce Arbuckle (felt.buzz)

Preparation, by Bruce Arbuckle

There were a few good men left. Three, for sure. Four if you could keep Frick away from the bottle. Luckily, she had plenty of strong reliable women ready to fight. Their aim was better than the men, anyway. This time, when the creatures returned, they’d be waiting for them.

A 50-word story written by Bruce Arbuckle, inspired by the Freewriters Writing Prompt on Hive, “a few good men”

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Read my daily 50 word stories every day here or on Hive or on Facebook

My Humpbuckle Tales are always published first on Hive

Bruce Arbuckle (felt.buzz)

Sinking, by Bruce Arbuckle

Your old row boat is barely visible, now, its shape only discernable if you know where to look. Like my memories of you, it lurks just below the surface. Knowing it’s there is enough, I don’t need to see it. Gradually sinking, the dark green water devours the rotting carcass.

A 50-word story written by Bruce Arbuckle, inspired by the Freewriters Writing Prompt on Hive, “row boat”

Find me (as HumpbuckleTales) on Mastodon

Read my daily 50 word stories every day here or on Hive or on Facebook

My Humpbuckle Tales are always published first on Hive

Bruce Arbuckle (felt.buzz)

2032, by Bruce Arbuckle

It’s too hot to sleep. He lies in bed listening to the hum of his neighbour’s illegal air conditioning unit. It’s probably already been reported to the Energy Brigade. Before long he’ll hear the pounding of boots, the banging on doors, the protestations of innocence and then the swift execution.

A 50-word story written by Bruce Arbuckle, inspired by the Freewriters Writing Prompt on Hive, “too hot”

Find me (as HumpbuckleTales) on Mastodon

Read my daily 50 word stories every day here or on Hive or on Facebook

My Humpbuckle Tales are always published first on Hive

Bruce Arbuckle (felt.buzz)

A New Quest, by Bruce Arbuckle

After rescuing the prince from the tower, sleying the dragon, and saving the kingdom from evil tyranny, Valarie goes home and stacks the dishwasher. She sits on the sofa, and closes her eyes. “Mum! I can’t find my gym kit!” She sighs, takes a breath and begins her next quest.

A 50-word story written by Bruce Arbuckle, inspired by the Freewriters Writing Prompt on Hive, “a new quest”

Find me (as HumpbuckleTales) on Mastodon

Read my daily 50 word stories every day here or on Hive or on Facebook

My Humpbuckle Tales are always published first on Hive

Bruce Arbuckle (felt.buzz)