Now on Tuesdays…at least for the foreseeable future…welcome to Flash Fiction Tuesday. In case you don’t know what flash fiction is, it is an extremely short story (sometimes created in 100 words or less) with a beginning, middle, and an ending.
But in my case, I write flash fiction with an open ending. I allow my readers to draw their own conclusion as to what happens. This week we get a sneak peek into Bella’s world…
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“Is it time yet?”
Excitement rippled along Bella’s spine like a rattlesnake was set loose inside her.
“Not yet, little one, but soon.” Momma nudged Bella to remind her to stand up straight.
Suddenly, the slow steady beat of drums told them it was time to make their way through the curtains separating them from the crowd on the other side. Bella swung her trunk in time to the sound and marched alongside her momma into the tent where two brightly painted stools stood waiting for them in the middle of a large ring.
The sudden cheering and shouting of the visitors to the circus startled Bella. Stopping so short Momma bumped into her, Bell’s eyes grew large as she shook her head and stared all around her. Butterflies fluttered nervously in her stomach as she realized all those humans were there to see her!
Momma placed her trunk protectively over Bella and leaned closer to her.
“What’s wrong, little one?”
Tears welled up in Bella’s eyes. “I-I-I’m afraid!”
“No need to be afraid, Bella. You’ve practiced for this moment over and over these past few months. You’re going to do fine. Just remember, the show must go on!”
Momma gave her a gentle nudge with her trunk before slowly walking away from her to stand by one of the brightly colored stools.
Looking all around her once more, Bella wasn’t sure she could get her legs to move. Momma was right. She’d worked hard to learn her tricks. But what if she made a mistake? Would the humans laugh at her?
Would Momma?
Okay, it’s your turn! Poor Bella. Put your creative cap on and continue my story or start one of your own in the comments below…
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HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams (Paperback)
Ten-year-old Margaret can hardly wait to see the largest ship ever built visit Southampton! Life is already hard for her family in the spring of 1912, but the coal workers' strike could turn a bad situation into a deadly one. Margaret hopes to see the great Titanic leave on its maiden voyage, but will the strike prevent it from happening?
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International best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest book, LUNADAR: Homeward Bound (a YA fantasy), is now available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers.
Story Catcher Publishing 
Bella slowly stepped up onto the colored stool and suddenly she couldn’t hear anything except her heart thumping. “Mama?” she called to her mother, who was already standing on the other stool. “Mama!” Bella trumpeted and the crowd stood and exploded with enthusiastic cheering. “Bella. Bella. Bella…” they cried and clapped. When Bella finally heard her name, she said, “Mama, I think they like me.”
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It’s nice to think Bella’s first time in the ring was a happy one! Nice job, Janet…
Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!
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