PHOTO PROMPT Β© Dale Rogerson
“What’s your favourite animal?” Clifford blew into his gloved hands and rubbed them together. He glanced at his step-daughter who skipped and hopped beside him. Each time her boots kicked up snow, she giggled. And something warm kindled inside him. He hoped she was warm enough.
“That’s easy. Unicorns.” She answered without skipping a beat.
“Unicorns? Izzy, they’re not real.” He bit his lip.
She stopped and bent to draw in the snow. “How do you know?”
“Well, I’ve never seen one.”
“Doesn’t mean they’re not there.” A snowball hit him square in the face and Izzy skipped away, laughing.
100 words
Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by talented author and artist, Rochelle. Write a story in 100 words or less. Click the blue frog to read more flash fiction from other writers.
Thanks to Dale Rogerson for providing this week’s image prompt. Cosy and warm, despite the obvious cold weather. Personally, I hope Izzy always believes in the magic of unicorns.
There is a space un our bestiary where unicorns would live if they existed. And so, in a sense, they do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’re the grown up version of Izzy that I hoped she would become. In that you still believe in some magic of the world, and in the adult world, that’s truly a gift, Neil. I’m trying to find my magic again. Thanks for commenting. π
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think that a good flash contains at least one of the following elements …… magic, serenity, sorcery and mystery. This has more than one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ll keep those points in mind! And thank you YS, hopefully it has magic and serenity. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved the magic and serenity in this one. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I recently read that it’s easier to write humor if you stay in touch with your five-year-old self. I try to work on that every day. Adults are far too serious.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh adults are way too serious! I can only imagine the things you get up to, to stay in touch with your inner child. π
LikeLike
Do you know that the Unicorn is the National Animal of Scotland?
Like Izzy, we believe in magic.
Love the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really? That’s so cool. Scotland is a magical place so it makes sense. If unicorns had to be found anywhere it would be Scotland π
LikeLike
Having a little party with Nessie and a family of Haggises, perhaps?
LikeLike
I’m not going to be the one to let Izzy down π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep believing, Iain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So not the tiny purple headed dragon then? I though their size would make them easier to handle than unicorns.
Cute story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha! Izzy has much bigger dreams and can handle larger creatures. But I’m sure if she ever found out about the purple headed dragon it would have a special place in her heart too.
LikeLike
A lovely story! Izzy’s successful ambush of her step-dad with the snowball made me grin with delight!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Penny. She’s a smart and fun-spirited child.
LikeLike
Oh, I believe in unicorns. Why not? Izzy and her father made me smile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, Alicia. π glad to have made you smile too.
LikeLike
Adults need to stop not believing… the world would be a much nicer place. And I love the relationship between him and is step-daughter. They are not always so easy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is the start of a beautiful relationship π though I can imagine that the children don’t accept the changes so easily. And the step-parents find it difficult to connect too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely story, Fatima.
I love Izzy. She is the very definition of child.
Beautiful dialog and writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Moon. I love Izzy too. I’d like to think of her as my inner child. π
LikeLike
Dear Fatima,
I like the way Izzy got in the last word. A snowball in the face leaves no room for argument. Love the story and the voice. I love unicorns, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’s just too sweet and feisty isn’t she? I’m glad you liked the voice of the story. Was trying something different. Thank you, Rochelle π
LikeLike