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With the Flash Fiction assignment, each student was tested to see if they could not only tell a meaningful story, but tell it in only a few paragraphs. The idea of a flash fiction is to get straight to the point of your tale, and because of the strict word limit, students also had to be finicky with their choices. How do you show imagery yet still complete your story? Where do you begin with the introduction needing to be concise? Theses are only a few of the questions students faced, overcame, and conquered in telling their fantastic stories. Below, my narrative is displayed for you to read. Enjoy!

A Hunter's Hound

The best years of my life were spent dashing through the lush forest helping my master to hunt. I, his faithful hunting hound, would track down any bird he sent hurtling out of the sky with a blast from his gun. I'd dig my nose into the moist earth and follow the scent through the vast fields. Upon spotting the kill a rush of joy would surge through me as my legs bounded across the meadow, the slick blades of grass brushing the pads of my feet. I'd scoop up the lifeless creature, its limp body causing my mouth to water. A primitive desire to feast would often arise, but I knew not to eat. This simple meal was the key to my master's love. The faster I returned, the better the reward. Usually I'd receive a pleasing scratch behind the ear, one that would satisfy my desperate need for his approval. It was an itch that made me do whatever he needed. I'd fetch a ball quick as lightning for one sweet pat on the head.

Yet a day came when the decision to follow wasn't as easy. The customary routine was occurring: the shot of a gun as a bird plunged towards its death and I racing to its landing point. All was fine until I discovered the creature, not dead as they always were, but still gasping for air. I tip-toed towards it as if the slightest quiver in the grass would execute its wilting soul. There was a light in its eyes, similar to the life I saw in my master's, but it was fading to darkness. I stood over the bird, fighting not only the yearning to feast but the need to return to my master.

"Please," the bird gasped. Startled, I leapt backwards into the towering grass, but it continued, "leave my body to die where it belongs. I was born in this meadow and would like to find peace within it". The bullet wound gushed out a river of blood with each trembling breath and I knew its time was coming.

My ears perked up as a whistle echoed through the meadow. My whistle. My master's patience was running thin, and I knew my reward was too. I glanced down at the bird one last time.

"Alight, I'll leave you".

My jaws swooped down, and with a thunderous crunch the bird lived no more. Pleased, I turned around to begin my journey back to my master, when I heard, "Ah, good boy, you found it." My tail frantically whipped back and forth as I looked up, my eyes begging for a pat. He scratched my head and picked up his kill.

"This will make a great dinner. Come on, let's get going".

 

 

All thoughts of the bird's last plea evaporated as we headed back towards home. Nothing else mattered except for my master and me.