Theodore Jerome Cohen is the Readers’ Choice in this week’s Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge. The winning entry is decided by the popular vote and rewarded with a special feature here today. (In the case of a tie, the writer who submitted an entry first is the winner per our rules.) Without further ado, here’s the winning story:
Infinity
by Theodore Jerome Cohen
“So, you pledged to love her—and she, you—for time everlasting,” Jack smirked as he dropped a Jackson on the bar to cover the cost, including a generous tip, for the two craft beers being set down in front of him and his long-time friend, Brent Thompson. “Usually, they’re only concerned if you’ll still love them in the morning.”
“Well, aren’t you the jaded one,” Thompson replied, clinking his host’s glass with his before taking a sip. “And, all along, I thought that you, more than anyone, with your fabled romantic instincts, would understand my feelings and see the joy in my heart.”
“Oh, I see the joy in your heart, all right. Which one is it this week? Abagail? Melonie? Danielle?”
“All right, all right . . . you don’t have to rub it in. It’s Abagail.”
“Have you ever read Delaney’s Attack of the Fiend?”
“No, should I?”
“Let me save you the trouble. Delaney’s character Tibb would tell you that . . . who is it, again?”
“Abagail.”
“Yes, Abagail. That Abagail, while she says she loves you and wants to share her life with you, will, in the end, betray you, and then, she’ll die for you. So, when all is said and done, it will all be for nothing. You’ll end up with nothing, Brent.”
“Well, aren’t you the romantic, Jack!”
“Have another beer, my friend. It will help drown your sorrows.”
Congratulations again, Ted. Another exciting win for you. Alyssa Devine must be pleased too. 🙂