FOURTH PLACE WINNER in the 1999 Flash Fiction Contest…
Creature Comfort
By Patricia White
This talented author shows us that good flash fiction doesn’t necessarily have to have humans as characters. Touching at first, a complete turn-around in the story gives us a chilling ending and a thoroughly enjoyable tale.
"I am a stranger." The voice was thready, worn thin with weariness. Family-pride
strong in every word, the girl child said, "You are my guest. Mama says, Guests are always welcome at our house."
"I accept with thanks."
"Are you hungry?"
"If I might see my hostess and then rest, I would be happy."
"Mama's bedroom is here. She will welcome you." The child walked to the bed, held her hand close to the pillow, and smiled graciously as the small creature slithered from her palm into warm comfort of the sleeping woman's ear.
