He Rings The Bell Once (Flash Fiction)

Thank you, Priceless Joy, for hosting this Flash Fiction challenge for Aspiring Writers (75 – 175 words) and you, Ellespeth’s friend, for providing the inspiring photo prompt this week. If you haven’t heard of or joined this challenge, please take the time to check out PJ’s blog for more details and entertaining entries. [This is also in response to the Daily Post’s writing prompt “Blogger With a Cause“: Mental Illness Awareness.]

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Cal stands outside a three-story, beachfront Bed & Breakfast. He lived here once upon a time. At least, that’s what everyone’s saying.

He grips a picture with an address on the back. Eight orphan boys smirk up at him, flexing their biceps.

He rings the bell once, then twice. Footsteps rush up behind him through the sand. He whips around.

The woman’s sharp, brown eyes stare straight into his. A scar travels diagonally across her face. Her black hair shimmers in the sunlight.

“Er . . . hi.” He extends his hand.

She doesn’t shake it. Tears brim in her eyes. She blinks them away and crosses her arms.

He crunches the picture in his fist, cursing Dr. Green for making him intrude into her life. She already looks like her day’s gone to hell. “Listen, I don’t know if you’ve spoken to an idiot named Dr. Green, but he sent me here . . . my name’s Cal. I’m not sure if you . . . if he’s—”

She throws herself into his arms. He freezes up.

“Of course he sent you here.” She cries into his shoulder.

Cal grimaces and pulls away.

(185 words . . . 😮 )