Prompt Winner: Chad R. Smith
Hello and happy Monday!
This past week #TuesFlashFicTrain saw the most activity it’s had in a while! I’m so excited that so many people came out to respond to the prompt and vote. It was a tough choice, but the readers have spoken and crowned Chad R. Smith the winner! Congrats to Chad on his first #TuesFlashFicTrain win 🙂 I’m loving what you did with Rita’s character. Here’s hoping we see more of your work in the future.
Be sure to check out parts one and two before reading part three below!
Rita hated public transportation. She hated the way she slid, ever so slightly on the cracked plastic seats as the bus took a slow wide turn. She grabbed the cold metal bar which served as an arm rest to steady herself. A thick film of other people’s grime covered the bar. Her slender fingers could feel the dirt of a thousand hands that touched the same place.
Instantly repulsed she withdrew her hand. The revulsion on her face was too evident as she stared at her open palm. She could not, and refused to hide her dismay. Still staring at her hand she touched her fingertips together, watching as they momentarily stuck together.
A successful meeting and a few celebratory drinks with Laura had started her day. Now, a simple bus ride across town threatened to destroy it. The stuffiness in her head made the ride even more traumatic. Dismayed and disgusted, she laid her head back on the faded blue seat and closed her eyes.
“What’s da matta dearie?” The scratchy voice broke her from her momentary peace.
“Little girl too damn good to ride da bus with us normal folk?” The old lady’s breath reeked of stale cigarettes and cheap wine.
Rita’s eyes flew open and her head popped up from where she was resting. Her wide eyes narrowed as she glared at the old woman. Her heart pounded and her head grew hot with fury.
“I cannot even close my eyes without someone ruining it,” she angrily said to herself.
The old woman mockingly grinned at her.
“Is it normal to not bathe daily?” Rita spat at the woman. “Is it normal to insult perfect strangers?” She suddenly felt powerful as the words came from a place inside her she keeps buried. A place that reminds her of her past.
The old woman drew back in shock. “I…”
“You nothing!” Rita interrupted. “I only wanted to rest for a few moments, but you just had to say something. You just had to accuse me of thinking I am better than you.”
Rita was standing now. Others on the bus were turning to look at her. In this moment she didn’t care. She was the center of attention. No one would walk on her today. Too many times have too many people taken advantage of her. Not today. Not ever again.
And there’s part three! Maybe Rita’s on the verge of melting down – who knows? Thanks again to everyone who’s taken the time to participate in the contest – whether it’s by writing, sharing, or voting – these stories would never make it this far without you!
Be sure to visit Chad and congratulate him on social media:
And don’t forget to check out his website (which has a pretty cool name I’m slightly jealous of)! There’s a ton of great content just waiting to be consumed:
Feedback, comments, questions? Check out the rules and/or drop me a line. I’m always looking to make the contest better and I’m open to any suggestions you guys may have.
Thanks to all participants and stay tuned for tomorrow morning’s prompt!
As always, think happy thoughts!
FictionTrials 
Who is that horrid looking man scaring your audience?
It was fun participating. I will try to join in more often.
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🙂
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