This week’s writing prompt is a lamp which lent itself to my sharing this short extract from my new supernatural short story entitled Hide-and-Seek.
Hidden behind the heavy, velvet curtains covering the window on the upstairs landing, the listener gazed at the fabric with flat, empty eyes. Moments later, she gave a shudder and thought, she’ll come upstairs. She’ll go to the secret room in the attic; it’s a great hiding place.
The stairs creaked.
Behind her screen, the listener’s thick lips twisted into a pleased smile, as the graceful bride stepped onto the landing, looked around briefly, and slipped soundlessly in the direction of the smaller staircase leading to the attic.
Moving stealthily, despite her bulk, the listener followed Anne up the stairs, and disappeared into the deep shadows just inside the attic door.
Unaware of the listener’s scrutiny, Anne moved towards a large chest on the other side of the attic. Reaching out, she pushed on the paneling.
Click!
A piece of the wall slid back, exposing a doorway.
Anne stepped through into darkness.
Click!
The hole slid closed.
The listener approached the concealed door and stood outside it, her eyes blank. Thoughts, like dark moths, flew randomly around her mind. The casket, I’m sure she’ll hide in the casket.
Like a bright lamp, this idea attracted the moths until, a little at a time, a plan formed…
You can join in the challenge here: https://sooozburkeauthor.wordpress.com/2021/01/15/fiction-in-a-flash-challenge-2021-new-image-prompt-week-32-come-and-join-in-the-fun-iartg-flashfiction-writingcommunity-writingprompts-pursoot/
roberta-writes.com 
Love this line, Robbie: Thoughts, like dark moths, flew randomly around her mind.
So visual!
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Hi Jacquie, it was those last lines that prompted me to share this piece for the picture. I’m glad you like it.
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Oh my, Robbie, now I need to know more! Where do I find Hide-and-Seek? This is a great teaser and a perfect response to the prompt.
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Hi Gwen, I have just finished this story and it is intended for an anthology called Shadowland which is coming out in May 2021. I’m glad you enjoyed this snippet.
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Oh my goodness, Robbie! This short snippet let me wanting more. Lots of whys are flying through my head. Very descriptive writing!
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Thank you, Jan. I’m really pleased you think so.
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Chilling, Robbie! I want to know more.
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Thank you, Denise. This story will be in an anthology called Shadowland. It’s coming out in May.
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That was creepy, Robbie. I feel like I’ve been watching a spooky movie and I want o know the outcome!
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I’m delighted that you enjoyed this piece, Mae. It is for Dan Alatorre’s next anthology, Shadowland.
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Creepy, Robbie. A great scene with tons of suspense. What a wonderful tease. 🙂
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I’m pleased you liked this, Diana. Thank you.
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Many questions…(k)
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I hope this piece made sense, Kerfe
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It did, but you’ve left me wanting to know more!
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Such a compelling excerpt! I want to know what happens!!!
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I am pleased you enjoyed this, Liz. It went through a few re-writes before I was happy with it.
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A great excerpt, Robbie, and it fits so well with the prompt. I’ll be looking out for the anthology 🙂
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I’m glad you enjoyed this extract, Harmony.
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That’s very spooky, Robbie. I love this description: Thoughts, like dark moths, flew randomly around her mind.
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Those last sentences are the reason I thought this piece fitted the prompt, Norah. I’m glad you like it.
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You did well.
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Great job – thanks for sharing, Robbie!
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I’m glad you enjoyed this, Barbara.
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a chilling write, Robbie you know how to draw us in!
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Thank you, Kate.
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most welcome!
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A perfect take on the prompt, Robbie! I too need to know more and can’t wait to read ‘Shadowland’. I have just had the pleasure of sharing this. Thanks for joining in the fun. 😊
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Seems familiar somehow 😉
I love this piece, Robbie 😁
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I wonder why [grin!]. Thank you, Jessica.
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What a ‘teaser’ for your new book, Robbie! Well done!
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Thank you, Mark. I’m glad you like this piece.
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Good one, Robbie! I wanted the story to continue! 😮
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I’m glad, thank you, Vashti.
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Hi Robbie. I hope you and yours are well. (I saw a news article about the virus getting even worse there.)
Terrific vignette. It’s spine-tingly! The moth references really resonate. I could hear them fluttering around. Well done! Hugs on the wing!
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Thank you, Teagan. The virus did escalate but infection rates are coming down again. Hopefully, the boys will return to school on 15 February. Home schooling is for the birds. I’m glad you enjoyed this little piece.
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Ahh, I love your mysteries, Robbie.
This extract is perfect 💓
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I can picture a few older homes with just that type of attic! A chilling bit that makes us want to know more about the Bride and who is following her!
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I am glad you enjoyed this little teaser, Jules. It is part of a larger story.
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