Slim ran a three-finger hand through his hair; his chin dropped to his chest. “I don’t know what the world’s coming to,” he said.
Moose shook his head. “Big Sam was having a barbeque, you say?
“Yeah, last Saturday. I never seen a kid so broken up. Poor Jackie.”
“That Big Sam’s kid?”
“Yeah, small for his age—only nine years old. He’s the one found it.” Slim looked away; his shoulders sagged.
Moose cleared his throat. “Geez—no way.” He closed his eyes.
“Kid can’t get it—his new dog is dead. Had the pup but two months,” Slim said in a gruff voice.
“They know who done it?”
“Nope, but it was white lightening in the water dish.
“Ah, stupid. Stupid waste.”
~ o ~
Lightning was inspired by M3 Flash Fiction challenge. DO check it out and play!
The word limit for dinner was 125 words; this post is a mere 124 words.
Fabbo! Moonshine will get you every time. People can suck so bad, eh?
Red.
xxx
I once heard about a dog fed too much BEER and the poor thing was sick. So, I thought moonshine would be BADDER.
Alcohol is horrible. Their livers do not function the way ours do. Once they are drunk, it is very much a permanent condition. (Same with the meowing alarm clock.)
Isn’t it though, especially when given to unsuspecting pets for the sake of entertainment. (I MUST steal the ‘meowing alarm clock’–too cool–may I?)
But of course, you may, my dear
Thanks, Red, I’ve been in 3rd gear. Who gets to say which level of society is worse than the one below or above? Teenagers against adults? Preteenagers against almost adults? People can SO SUCK so bad. So much is plain WRONG!
To be frank, with the sheer number of cases of arrested development, it is hard for me to conscript a generation to horridness. I just think there are people who should come with a Hoover label…a large one…on their foreheads…
I vote for the label. You are truly a kind and understanding person. Top of the day to you, Red.
Wonderful, Tess. A full-blown story in 124 words. Can hardly believe it! Well done.
Coming from you Len, I’m pleased, Once I’d ‘released’ this story, I worried it sounded stilted. Please respond if it was—I believe I was trying too hard. Where was the weakness?
I’m presuming white lightening is a poison?
I’ve had 2 dogs poisoned a few years back – and I still don’t get why.
Such a stupid thing to do – good story Tess.
It’s bootleg whiskey. I once heard a story where some kids fed a dog too much beer and it became soo sick. When I thought to capture something for this story, that’s what came to mine.
In the UK White Lightening is a brand of cheap cider! Doesn’t kill you but gives you a hell of a hangover!
Nice to see you, Andrew. Thanks from coming by.
Years ago, I heard of a bad batch that killed someone. It all depends on where / who you buy it from. The bad stuff used to come from bootleggers.
I have tears Tess
Very well told.
Thanks, Gilly. Bet the photo got you.
Very sad, very well written, and all the more heartwrenching with the accompanying photograph, what a cutie!
Thanks, Vanessa. I knew I needed that photo. LOL
It simply makes me sick when people do something like this to animals. Great story.
Love the pic too!
Sometimes people aren’t right in their minds, I suppose. I looked high and wide for the picture hoping to pull at heartstrings.
Great use, great flash. Sad story though
Thanks, Valentine. I don’t usually come up with sad tales. If this worked to stir feelings, I’m pleased.
Wow, Tess! Very well written! You packed so much into 124 words.
Thanks, Naomi. I do enjoy doing these short stories but sometimes I can’t get my head around them.
Awe that is so sad! Poor puppy. Nicely written though
Thank you, Jennifer. It’s a pleasure hearing you say so.
Writing good short stories is are rare talent. One you seem to have. Write on…
You are much too kind, Patricia and I thank you.
I had no idea what white lightening was (is it lightning?). But now I know – what a sad story – but well told! ps Patricia’s puss looks just like mine!
White lightening, what I know of it, is bootleg whiskey made at a still (in secret). I’ve heard of people having died after drinking it. I have no idea why it’s bad…
Wonder if he died happy, though?
Maybe. He was just a puppy lapping up something that looked like water. His little heart (maybe) couldn’t handle high alcohol I suppose… Nice to hear from you, Rebecca.
Well done! Makes me want to read more.of this story.
Thank you, Bonnie. Glad to have peaked your interest.
Oh man.
This ticks me off.
Some powerful writing going on here.
Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks, Jenny. I know stupid things happen and the innocent suffer.
A sad but an interesting piece for http://FTP...
I hope that your day is a good one
Androgoth
Thank you for your input. It takes all kinds of people to make a world. Some live to entertain themselves at the expense of innocents: the puppy in this case.