Today is a very special bloghop hosted by Nick Wilford. a fellow blogger who has been chosen to care for a very special child: his stepson Andrew who has cerebral palsy. Nick plans to create an anthology with these amazing stories to help pay for Andrew's special needs college. Nick explains the situation and it is such a worthwhile cause. So please drop by his blog for the complete story. The hop is for today and tomorrow, so there is still PLENTY of time! So feel free to hop along with us.
Many of my fellow bloggers chose to relay "their" unforgettable stories of how they persevered through overpowering obstacles and have SURVIVED. I have one of those stories as well, but chose to post something magical. Even the enchanted world has adversity to overcome. I hope you enjoy my bit of flash fiction...
Prancing hooves skate along the melting snow as streams of golden light dapples through the budding forest.
A twig snaps. The creature bolts into the woods and disappears behind an ancient oak tree.
A trembling head turns toward the intruder who broke the silence. Aqua blue eyes lock onto hers. Gingerly, she takes a step onto the path, brushing up against a blooming gardenia bush.
The aroma of sweet perfume overpowers her senses. In one swift movement a blossom disappears.
The child’s laughter breaks the spell and once more she bolts into hiding.
“Don’t go,” the child calls out. “Please. I won’t hurt you.”
Frozen as if carved in ice, the creature stood, glistening from horned head to hoof. One step at a time, the child approaches, beaming at her.
“Don’t be afraid.” A delicate hand reaches out and strokes the soft underside of her neck. “I just want to be friends.”
Humans have never been kind to me, always hunting me with their bows and arrows. Should I trust this one? Although small, the child is still a human.
Unlocking her stance, she nuzzles into the child’s hand. A calming sensation seeps into her body.
“There now. That’s better isn’t it?” The child places a hand on each side of her elongated snout and gently lowers her head. “You can trust me.” The little girl kisses the unicorn.
A friend at last.
35 comments:
That deer has a new friend!
If you ever created a world, I'd want to live in it!!!!
Total magic.
Loved it.
A unicorn, awesome! Beautiful story from start to finish. Your descriptive abilities never fail you!
Lovely, just lovely!
I was hopeful it'd be a unicorn! Great story. Thank you.
Aw, how sweet. Looks like the unicorn has learned to trust again.
Think this is the first true fantasy entry I've read so far, and I adored it, Michael. Very charming and beautiful imagery. I agree with the others: Can we live there? :-)
That was sweet, Michael. Thanks for sharing it. And I remember you shared once your very hard time.
That was really sweet. Glad the unicorn won't be lonely anymore.
A beautiful magical story from you, a survivor of harsh medical trials, anguish, and determination. My Stetson's off to you, my friend, Roland
Oh! How sweet. I can feel and hear the forest's presence.
Great story and loved the description. A real magical feel to it.
Absolutely beautiful, Michael. Thank you.
The unicorn totally undid me. Wonderfully painted picture of the event, a vignette. You've created a lot of atmosphere in a few words. D
What a lovely, whimsical flash piece! You have such a way with words, Michael. :)
Loverly. You created a beautiful world, and made the unicorn's hesitation seem real.
Wonderful to read, thanks.
Yvonne.
Hi sweetie! Just dropping by while I have some comp time.
This was a terrific story. You do create the most enchanting worlds. They're dreamscapes I want to dive right into.
You've captured a special moment... such a tender and magical atmosphere.
Really lovely Michael.
A lovely, well-written piece. You took me right into that forest! Looks like they both found a friend - and it can be hard to trust after adverse treatment. Thank you for taking part, Michael.
You set the atmosphere so well with your descriptions. Unicorns seem to be such magical creatures. I loved reading it.
I love your worldbuilding! I always wanted a unicorn when I was a little girl. :)
Great intro about Nick being chosen to care for Andrew. Cool way to look at it. I love how you wait until the very end of your piece to reveal that it's a unicorn. Such a sweet story.
Beautiful imagery Michael. I agree with Morgan...I'd live in your make believe world.
That one warmed my heart! Well done. :)
P.S. My sweaters are packed, Michael! Look forward to seeing you (and perhaps even Nicki, yeah!) later in the month at the Glen Ellyn Bookstore. I'll most likely be the one wearing three sweaters and shivering...
What a great, well written story. Beautiful! :)
Beautiful story, Michael!
I love it! Makes me want to illustrate it.
oxo
Anna
Michael, that is so sweet. Bow hunters make me very sad...
Monti
Mary Montague Sikes
Unicorn! *summons the Red Bull*
Awesome story, and loved the twist. I especially enough the way you describe things, just enough without going into it too much. Keeps a smooth pace going. Thanks for helping Andrew out! :)
Wonderful story. Such beautiful language and imagery.
There is certainly a magical element to your storytelling. I'm glad the unicorn decided to give a girl a chance. Sometimes you have to trust that there is good out there in spite of the bad.
I really enjoyed your magical story Michael! It's filled with beautiful imagery, as well as a heartfelt message.
Julie
and i kept waiting for the child to turn into an evil wizard! sorrygot caught up in the fantasy story... great piece!
Fabulous Michael. Totally made me smile.
.......dhole
Aww, this is so sweet. I think for me, cruelty to animals is the worst thing in the world.
Beautiful and sweet!
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