1900
For The Vocal Snowy Micro Challenge
This is my 1900th Vocal story.
The music is "Snowfall" by Øneheart X Reidenshi
The Prompt
Write a 250 word microfiction that takes place in a snowy setting.
1900
The new millennium is here, Queen Victoria is on the throne and we were walking towards the South Pole to celebrate by planting the Union Jack there to celebrate her glorious Imperial Reign.
But the cold and snow has come down and the whole of our expedition has succumbed and frozen to death. I am the only survivor and though I have the ensign with me, and two dogs, there is no way that I will make it to the Pole, and it is even further back.
We are huddled together in our tent, using the little oil stove sparingly, because when the oil runs out we will be depending on each other's body heat, knowing that each time we drift into sleep might be our last time on this mortal plane.
We were all so certain that we would succeed, but the weather and landscape have defeated and destroyed us all. All hope is gone. There will be no rescue, our families will be told we are lost heroes.
The wind is howling and snow is falling on the tent, it will be our final resting place, our tomb. The dogs have been howling, but they are now quiet. Soon this tent will be dark and quiet and no one will move.
The final resting place for three bodies, the last remnants of the expedition to plant the flag for our Queen Victoria. Now that will be tasked to someone else.
=========================================
This journal entry was found with three frozen bodies ten miles from the South Pole.
Keep reading
More stories from Mike Singleton - Mikeydred and writers in Fiction and other communities.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO ELLEN MARIE
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO ELLEN MARIE *** just had to know *** ++++++++++++ As Mike drove through the town he hadn’t seen in about twenty years, he wondered about those he’d left behind when he left for what he thought would be “greener pastures.” He wanted to make his mark on the world. Determination drove him and the little town of Meadowville wasn’t where he wanted to be.
By Margaret Brennan5 days ago in Fiction
Comments (8)
Nice historical fiction! I got to see a museum exhibition from the Shackleton expedition and it was fascinating. Congrats on your 1900th story, too! I admire your ability to be so prolific.
Well, this is, in fact, chilling.
Ooooo, I like it. Shades of Jack London.
Oh my, this was just so sad 🥺 Loved your take in the challenge! However, you might wanna remove the stuff before the beginning of your story because this is what the said in the challenge: **In order to let the expert brevity of your compelling microfiction shine, please do not include author's notes or additional text before or after your story. If you would like to share a message with your subscribers, use the comments section.** Also, congratulations on your 1900 piece!
Final will & testament: bury us at the pole.
Lovely short story!
Beautifully done Mike. A really poignant take. That last addition about the journal being recovered is heartwrenching 🤍
Nicely done, Mike.