What better way to wake up my sleepy blog than with a Fall writing contest!
I've been so focused on my current middle grade work-in-progress, I haven't stopped to write a short story in eons. Luckily, Kaitlyn Sanchez's Fall Writing Frenzy (#FallWritingFrenzy) came along to change that.
The goal is to write a 200-word story based on a Fall-inspired photo. This one is also a bit inspired by personal history. Here is the photo I chose:
photo by Benjamin Suter on Pexels.com
And without further ado, here is my (YA) story.
Turbulence
A stream of recycled air hissed into Ava’s cinnamon-scented bangs.
Her hand darted to fix a fly-away strand. Far away, past the thick oval window, white seabirds drew a line across the sky.
I’m leaving the big city, and you’re arriving.
Sighing, she tapped a chipped nail against the glass.
“No congregating in the aisles.” The usually pleasant voice over the speaker sounded strained. “The pilot asks that you keep the aisles clear. Excuse me, sir. Please remain in your seats.”
Arguing. A pained yelp.
Ava tried to see past the hair-sprayed tower of grey blocking her view.
Her pulse tapped in her neck. Inhaling, she closed her eyes. She remembered dancing to pounding beats the night before. Poking in earbuds, she nodded to the rhythm.
Soon, she thought. Soon she’d return.
The music crescendoed, louder than the screaming passengers. Her legs rattled against the icy seat.
Turbulence.
Turbulence that flipped her, blood pouring into her head. A frenzy of shattered glass and music. She fluttered, limbs akimbo, hair dancing.
Smiling, she opened her eyes.
Fruit punch skies. Warm winds whistling.
Joining the flock, Ava lifted her wings and soared back to the city.
* for N.M. *