Flash fiction juggernaut Dick Waters is the winner of our weekly Flash Fiction competition. Congratulations to Dick, and thanks to everyone who participated – excellent entries!
The winning entry is rewarded with a special feature here today and a place in our collection of winners which will be published as an e-book at year end.
Without further ado, here’s the winning entry:
Two Legs Up
by Dick Waters
I’ve had enough of being second best. I can’t see another four years of training only to watch others compete.
I’m sure nobody noticed my missing the plane home this morning. Thirty. No medals, no wife, and not even a girlfriend. It was time to decide what my future was going to be.
Sitting alone, looking at where the Olympic Flame burned brightly, my flame for competition was extinguished too.
“I see you have a Team USA track shirt. Were you in the competition?”
The voice belonged to an attractive brunette in her twenties.
“Well, I was a runner on the team, but as an alternate.” I looked at her and then at the young man in the wheel chair.
“This is my brother Todd. He was in the Marines and was injured in Iraq.”
“Thank you for your service, and your sacrifice.” I noticed his legs were missing.
He looked up to where the flame used to be, but didn’t answer.
“I’m Alicia.” She put her hand on his shoulder. “Please forgive him. The competition brings back memories for him. He was a runner too. He was in the lead vehicle when an IED went off. He’s training for the Special Olympics now.”
Todd looked up. “It’s not about winning anymore…it’s about competing. Are you going to be in the next Olympics?”
I realized something in that instant. “Well, I’ll need to improve my performance.” I smiled and offered my hand. “My name is Doug.”
Nice human touch.
Thanks Yvonne. It’s easy to overlook our blessings.
Congratulations Dick! Great story!