Lay of the Land

“There’s a gazebo and a huge garden,” Ed said. “It’s got some trees, but there’s an opening.”

Ed’s golfing partner was mortified. His errant shot went directly toward one of the nicer houses surrounding the course.

Ed continued to console him. “No worries. Just step over the Chrysanthemums. It’s level around that side, so you should have a good lie for your next shot. The wind blows toward the green from there. It’s mostly downhill to the pin, about 120 yards. Easy nine iron.”

The shaken partner smiled when he finally realized something.

Ed’s been there—apparently many times.

*****

This is my contribution to the April 27 Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge to "compose a 99-word flash on the theme of showing someone around a property."

Traffic Circle

“Whattha?” Ed’s frustration grew by the second. 

Edna tried to calm him down. “Well, it sure looks pretty.”

Ed didn’t care about pretty.

He had eased the car onto the roundabout by merging with oncoming traffic, but now couldn’t find a way out. Cars seemed to gain speed around the traffic circle, as though propelled by centrifugal force. Ed, mesmerized by merging and departing cars, couldn’t get his bearings.

After their third revolution, Edna clutched the armrest. “I’m going to be sick.”

“Hold on!” Ed yelled as he finally veered off—heading back in the direction they had entered.

*****

This 99-word story is my contribution to the April 20 Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge to "write about a circle in your life."

Self Sufficient

The bearded man moved awkwardly on his prosthetic legs, barely managing to control two grocery bags cradled in his arms. 

Edna nodded toward Ed, a clear signal to lend a helping hand. Ed greeted the man, but chose only to give him space.

The man hummed a cheerful tune as he gradually opened his trunk and clumsily lowered the bags. He shut the trunk, and slowly but surely maneuvered his way to the driver’s side of his car.

“Thanks,” the man said pleasantly to Ed.

“But I didn’t do anything. You did it.”

“I know,” the man replied. “Thanks.”

*****

This 99-word story is my contribution to the April 13 Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge to "write about offering to help someone."

Elevator

Ed scanned the directory, encased in glass and covering two wall panels in the huge marble lobby.

Edna spotted the name of their new financial advisor. She watched as Ed pointed to the entry, shaking his head:

MARTIN FINANCIAL, SUITE 1601

Sweat beads formed on Ed’s forehead. Sixteen floors, he thought as he turned toward the elevator. He tried to swallow but his throat was too dry. He eyed the shiny doors but his feet wouldn’t move. 

Edna motioned to the right with a simple head nod. Ed looked with a smile of relief.

Up the stairs they went.

*****

This 99-word story is my contribution to the April 6 Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge to "write a response to an agoraphobic moment."

Hoss

Edna saw the opened envelope on the kitchen counter. She glanced at the note, then burst into uncontrolled laughter.

Hope to see you there, Hoss.

“Hoss?” Edna said, nearly hysterical.

Ed grabbed the invitation from her. He still hadn’t decided if he wanted to attend his 50^th anniversary high school reunion. This wasn’t helping.

“We called everyone Hoss back then,” Ed explained. 

“Why on earth did you do that?”

“I don’t know. We just did. Everyone called everyone else Hoss.”

“Didn’t that get confusing?” Edna replied, trying to control her amusement.

Ed shrugged. “Just forget it.”

“Whatever you say, Hoss.”