July 5: Flash Fiction Challenge
July 5, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes buttons.
Hero’s Nightmare
“Kevin, you look handsome in your uniform.”
“Thank you.”
“I like to have a copy of your photo with your autograph.”
“No, that’s okay.”
“You gave one to your mum, but you don’t hang it in your home.”
“She asked for one, I respected her wishes.”
“Did Sarah want to hang up your uniform photo?”
“She didn’t ask.”
“Look at all the large and small buttons across your chest to your shoulder. They are gorgeous. You’re a hero.”
“It’s not what you think.”
“What do you mean?”
“Each one tells a nightmare and I don’t want to be reminded.”
~
Charli Mills at Carrot Ranch: July 5, 2018, Flash Fiction Challenge – Buttons
The Showers of Blessings 
Pingback: Buttons « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
Thank you.
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What a powerful post Miriam. 99 Words evokes a lifetime of memories a soldier must carry. ❤
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Yes, Debby. As Charli said, we can do our part to help them get out of the cave so they could remember it as part of their journey as all of us have our different journey. ❤
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Truth! ❤
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Each button must harbor so much pain. And to have them pinned to one’s chest seems almost heart-piercing. Great flash!
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Thank you, Charli. I just wrote a lighthearted one this morning. Will upload it in a flash!
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What you have written here is true, Miriam. Each medal will remind the “hero” of a nightmare. A beautiful piece.
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Yes, thank you, Robbie. They have to do what is extraordinary courageous thing to qualify for a metal. They are not like the badges my daughter won in girl scout.
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Quite a profound piece, Miriam. I think it highlights a disconnect that soldiers sometimes feel. Beautifully done.
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Thank you, Diana. It’s a family member in the photo. I still can’t get it with autograph.
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This is awesome, Miriam. So clear and to the point, in a great creative turn. Thank you! Sending you many blessings, and to your husband. Love, Debbie 💖
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I love your comment, Debbie. It’s so confirming. I may collect enough flash fictions for a little book then! Love always. ❤
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“Each one tells a nightmare” says it all.
Very moving… Miriam
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Thank you so much, Amy. Yes, sometime a hero to us is a different story. Thank you for reading and comment.
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This one is intense!
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My hubby’s brother had a close call experience!
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There seems to be a theme of haunted military heroes. Must be there’s truth here. Buttons and medals can’t ever be enough.
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Yes, D. We”re thankful for the military heroes. Many came home with irreversible physical or mental conditions.
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beautiful and powerful.
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Thank you so much for your comment. I appreciate it!
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This was really well written! 😀
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I really appreciate it. 🙂 🙂
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Wow
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Very often it’s true. Thank you.
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