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.
How the Cookie Crumbles 
September 26, 2012 at 9:35 pm
Fabbo! Moonshine will get you every time. People can suck so bad, eh?
Red.
xxx
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September 27, 2012 at 12:18 am
I once heard about a dog fed too much BEER and the poor thing was sick. So, I thought moonshine would be BADDER.
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September 27, 2012 at 9:04 am
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.)
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September 27, 2012 at 9:15 am
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?)
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September 27, 2012 at 10:48 am
But of course, you may, my dear 😉
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September 27, 2012 at 12:26 am
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!
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September 27, 2012 at 9:05 am
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…
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September 27, 2012 at 9:13 am
I vote for the label. You are truly a kind and understanding person. Top of the day to you, Red.
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September 26, 2012 at 10:15 pm
Wonderful, Tess. A full-blown story in 124 words. Can hardly believe it! Well done.
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September 27, 2012 at 12:17 am
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?
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September 26, 2012 at 11:25 pm
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.
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September 27, 2012 at 12:15 am
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.
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September 27, 2012 at 12:51 am
In the UK White Lightening is a brand of cheap cider! Doesn’t kill you but gives you a hell of a hangover!
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September 27, 2012 at 9:04 am
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.
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September 27, 2012 at 1:48 am
I have tears Tess 😦
Very well told.
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September 27, 2012 at 9:02 am
Thanks, Gilly. Bet the photo got you.
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September 27, 2012 at 8:15 am
Very sad, very well written, and all the more heartwrenching with the accompanying photograph, what a cutie!
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September 27, 2012 at 9:01 am
Thanks, Vanessa. I knew I needed that photo. LOL
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September 27, 2012 at 12:41 pm
It simply makes me sick when people do something like this to animals. Great story.
Love the pic too!
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October 1, 2012 at 9:21 am
Sometimes people aren’t right in their minds, I suppose. I looked high and wide for the picture hoping to pull at heartstrings.
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September 28, 2012 at 7:22 am
Great use, great flash. Sad story though
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October 1, 2012 at 9:20 am
Thanks, Valentine. I don’t usually come up with sad tales. If this worked to stir feelings, I’m pleased.
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September 28, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Wow, Tess! Very well written! You packed so much into 124 words.
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October 1, 2012 at 9:19 am
Thanks, Naomi. I do enjoy doing these short stories but sometimes I can’t get my head around them.
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September 28, 2012 at 8:24 pm
Awe that is so sad! Poor puppy. Nicely written though
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October 1, 2012 at 9:17 am
Thank you, Jennifer. It’s a pleasure hearing you say so.
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September 28, 2012 at 11:24 pm
Writing good short stories is are rare talent. One you seem to have. Write on…
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October 1, 2012 at 9:17 am
You are much too kind, Patricia and I thank you.
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September 30, 2012 at 10:21 pm
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!
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October 1, 2012 at 9:16 am
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…
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September 30, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Wonder if he died happy, though?
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October 1, 2012 at 9:10 am
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.
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October 1, 2012 at 7:48 am
Well done! Makes me want to read more.of this story.
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October 1, 2012 at 9:08 am
Thank you, Bonnie. Glad to have peaked your interest.
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October 3, 2012 at 11:07 am
Oh man.
This ticks me off.
Some powerful writing going on here.
Thanks for sharing it.
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October 3, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Thanks, Jenny. I know stupid things happen and the innocent suffer.
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October 5, 2012 at 9:38 am
A sad but an interesting piece for http://FTP...
I hope that your day is a good one
Androgoth
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October 6, 2012 at 1:25 pm
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.
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