My local newspaper, The Bucks Herald is running a short story competition — and when I say short, I mean short. You get the opening line, and then just another 50 words. Now, I had trouble writing drabbles — stories of just 100 words. In those, you have to make every word count; with half that number, it’s probably more important to convey an impression of a story, and let the reader fill in the gaps.

Anyway, my effort is below (with the supplied opening line in bold). There’s a selection of submitted entries available online, which shows the great breadth of talent in the county. Good luck to those who enter!

There were only two things on my mind that day… Maybe if I’d been paying more attention…

I’d just bought the flowers. Had it really been a year since…?

Two things: Regret. Memories.

Rushing to the cemetery, dashing across the road… Should have looked both ways.

Two more things, as the light faded: I love you. We’ll be together soon.