#speculative ficiton

--prompt from @flashfictionfridayofficial

I plucked the roses from the stems, separating the blossom from the thorny undergrowth. Holding the perfect bud between my fingers, I marveled how deep the magenta hue penetrated through the delicate petals; in a few days, the dye would die, along with the flower.

Twenty minutes later, decapitated roses laid across my lap; the thorns pierced like pins into my jeans. Anything which looked like walking into a porcupine and taking its quills, I accepted. My sweater felt more like putting on a suit of armor; the pulled ivory wool contrasted with the practicality of everything else.

Eren arrived, adjusting the collar of his denim shirt with a marked indifference. He took a blunt from Nikolai, and then a lighter. His nonchalance towards the garden piqued my interest; the spark which let the the hemp's scent waft across paralyzed me for a second; my right hand loosening its grip around the scissors.

"Enjoying the change of pace, Solome?" Eren snickered, with no less bite then he was when was above the influence. Nikolai just shook his head.

"You know we have to grow more of these later," he interjected, before taking the lighter back.

"The roses, or the weed?" I suddenly spoke, while dusting my jeans. Eren glanced at me with his blunt; the smoke floating towards the glass ceiling of the greenhouse. I thought it was a good question.

Portal, from Unconfined Delusions, coming Oct 20

Blasting toward the edge of time

I walk across the sand just trying

to make some miles before the portal closes.

Conscious of my aches and pains

my muscles scream from constant strain,

but still I put one foot before the other.

I find that I am way too tired

standing with my feet so mired

in promises I knew I couldn’t keep.

But now is not the time to wallow.

I chew upon my pride and swallow

years…

So incredibly grateful to everyone who has given me support in any and every way over the last year. Whether you are family, friends, or complete strangers who have liked a post - Thank you!

 It has been a year of big ups and downs. I don't want to focus on the downs right now because I have some incredible news...

My manuscript is going to be published!!!!

Submissions are open for the follow-up to Long Hidden, the speculative fiction anthology co-edited by #24CC's Rose Fox! If you are interested in writing paraliterary historical fiction from the perspective of a marginalized youth, you'd best head over there before they fill up!