Fear had eaten into his mind’s core like a malevolent caterpillar. Fear of the future. Fear of the soldiers. Fear of losing his farm. It had been there, rotting his brain matter, ever since the declaration of war in October the prior year. The injury he had sustained early this year had exacerbated its effect until it felt as if his mind was like a worm-infested apple, brown and soft inside. He took some deep breaths, determined to prevent the poison from spreading and affecting his reactions. Poor reactions could result in the deaths of him and his family.
The extract from my WIP, A Ghost and his Gold is posted for Charli Mills’ weekly 99-word flash fiction challenge. You can join in here: https://carrotranch.com/2019/08/08/august-8-flash-fiction-challenge/
roberta-writes.com 
There’s some strong imagery. It sets the scene and tone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The intensity of the words echoes the fear. Fear can overwhelm everything. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kerfe. Fear can be very debilitating.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Malevolent caterpillar” is a great image. Loved this excerpt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Staci. I am pleased to read that you liked this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely piece of writing, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Esther. The rest of this story will be coming your way soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant! I’m really intrigued and looking forward to it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really love the imagery in this piece Robbie it’s so very cleverly done 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hugs, Willow. I am so pleased your like this.
LikeLike
I really do Robbie 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fear can be a nasty worm if we allow it to overtake us. Just the attempt at sanity is a boon. And wants us to hope for the best outcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jules. Fear can be most destructive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want to know more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m working on it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love how you used a rotten apple as a simile for fear- enjoyed this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad you liked it, Jacquie
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very intriguing snippet, Robbie! Happy writing! Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Teagan
LikeLike
Wow, a powerfully evocative flash, Robbie. This descriptor is great: “…as if his mind was like a worm-infested apple, brown and soft inside.” It also gets at the core of where much of our fear language (and actions) originate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Charli.
LikeLiked by 1 person
could sure feel the tension
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay, thank you, Annette.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That snippet draws me right in. Very well done Roberta.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dan. I am delighted you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nicely done Robbie. You capture true fear very well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jessica. I had a bit of fun writing this piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting take on the prompt, Robbie. You’ve set up an intriguing scene here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so pleased you enjoyed this piece, Sarah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your WIP sounds intriguing, Robbie. I enjoyed your imagery in this piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Norah, I am so pleased you like this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Susan, I am glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can feel his fear. Well-written
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike