Tomorrow
Random word generation microfiction: flawed, speed, gas.
Looking in the mirror, all I noticed was my flawed skin. Bumps and scars. Discolored. Pale. Gaunt - Unrecognizable. I re-covered the surface with the towel at once.
The house was cold. The sun was beginning to set, low behind the hills. Night creeping up; again.
One more night. I only need to survive one more night.
It had been 7 months since the grid went out. Give or take. I stopped counting. Half of the county died within the first 2 weeks, primarily due to violence. The radios went dark shortly after. I was alone on the hill, surviving off of sheer willpower and spite. Not another man for miles. Safe in the place I always called home.
I stalked to the porch, watching the sky change from red to grey. A ritual. Sitting on the edge of the deck was the last canister of gas I had. Liquid gold. My lifeline. Enough to take me into town and back. My stomach growled, but it would have to wait until tomorrow. I would need to make the most of it.
The hum of an engine revved up the dirt road. I froze in place, my heart beating fast.
Headlights made their way around the corner, creeping closer with each shaky breath until they finally came into view. Horrifically bright; blinding.
I grabbed the can, turned on my heels, and ran. But my speed would be my downfall, my starving heart giving out within twenty steps.
Tomorrow would never come.
About the Creator
Ashley Lima
I think about writing more than I write, but call myself a writer as opposed to a thinker.
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Keep reading
More stories from Ashley Lima and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Skinwalker III
The snow outside had footprints, but I couldn't hear a soul in the silence of the night. The full moon rose above the hills, and the sharp sensation of cold ran down my spine. My cheeks were hot; pale skin nipped by the evening breeze. The breath that poured out of my mouth trickled upward, settling into the thick air, endlessly in front of me.
By Ashley Lima10 months ago in Fiction
A Chat With My Oldest Friend
As I lay in the hospital bed, my breathing was labored and slow. I half-opened my eyes to see several members of my family around me: my eldest daughter, my son, some of my grandchildren, and my youngest great-grandchild, Michael, a young man of twenty. Among them was a friend of mine named William, whom I had not seen in some time. How odd.
By Matthew Spinelli7 days ago in Fiction
Comments (21)
Congrats on Top Story!🥳🥳🥳
Wow! This was so good!
Crikey! This is a dark tale, excellently written. What an ending.
What a compelling story! I didn't stop watching till the very end because of the intense feelings and striking pictures.
Intriguing work Ashley! Congrats!! ☺️👍
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Very well written. I am so sad that your main character died. I was hoping he/she would be able to eat some food and feel better.
😱 noooooo! Despite knowing the genre I still did not expect that ending. Very well done!
Really gripping writing! You match your style so perfectly to the microfiction genre- congrats!
Wonderful storytelling. Congrats on the TS.
Excellent storytelling. I really enjoyed this.
WOW! That was so much detail in so few words. Terrific!
The story captures the essence of a post-apocalyptic world so well.
Yes, they died! I'm satisfied, lol! I wonder who it was that came driving. Loved your story!
I like how you weaved the words together to create not only a background but the character's demise.
nice ending
Oh so good, Ashley! Did give me some anxiety tho lol.
Wow, this had me on edge!!!!! I wish there was more!
Great work’! Enjoyed! To bad about the heart situation!
Interesting
That's some tightly knit narrative for sure. I like how we don't even know the cause of this apocalyptic emergency, and your abrupt ending. Great work!