Ficlets

The Morning of the Race

The morning of the race was hot and humid. Old Dr. Pritchitt wiped sweat from his brow. He’d delivered so many babies, brought nearly every soul into the world for this rural county. Mary Strebbin smiled despite her pain, looking forward to a new life; she didn’t realize how new.

Hands shaking, a little with age, a little with a renewed trepidation Dr. Pritchitt reached forth and brought another life forth from the true cradle of civilization, quiet and serene but full of life. The child seemed to know, seemed to appreciate its nature.

The skin was olive, unlike the entire Strebbin clan’s pale, freckled features. The eyes were silver, veined with pink, twinkling and kind. The body was strong despite its small size.

Five births in as many weeks, and Dr. Pritchitt still wasn’t used to the startling appearance, always discordant from the parents. Reading about it in harried messages amongst professionals didn’t help. It was the dawn of a new age, the morning the race that would save or destroy us all.

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The Morning of the Race
Mistress Elsha Hawk
Posted 5 months ago

Not exactly the kind of race I’d imagined, but very good play on words! I think I’d be nervous too, not sure if you’re delivering a regular baby or one of those “new” ones. What do you tell the parents?
The Morning of the Race
Tad Winslow
Posted 5 months ago

Nice to see you bulldoze the writer’s wall down—even if it wasn’t writers block at all. Glad your back.
The Morning of the Race
Howie Amourscow
Posted 5 months ago

I always try to look for those kinds of plays on a word or phrase in a challenge or inspiration when I can find them. It’s fun and mind-expanding. Great job!
The Morning of the Race
Eckhouse
Posted 5 months ago

Great twist. The Great Rural (“old” doctors, family “clans”) have always been and will always be the home of Significant Change. (How’s that for a lack of perspicuity?)
LoA
The Morning of the Race
Saint Chuck
Posted 5 months ago

Great twist on a seemingly simple challenge.
LoA
The Morning of the Race
Stovohobo
Posted 5 months ago

Now that is the type of ficlet I’m looking for when I post something like that: something intriguing, stylistic, and definitely not what I expected. I love to see what different people think. This could almost be the beginning of a series.
The Morning of the Race
Storykeeper of Fae
Posted 5 months ago

Oooh. You have me fascinated. This must be continued, but I can’t compete with you. Just can’t do it, sorry.
LoA
The Morning of the Race
.:band baby:.
Posted 5 months ago

Love how you used the inspiration!
LoA