2024 February Flash Fiction Challenge: Day 11

For today’s prompt, write about someone who ruins their own mood.

Remember: These prompts are just starting points; you have the freedom to go wherever your flash of inspiration takes you.

(Note: If you run into any issues with posting your story, please just send me an e-mail at mrichard@aimmedia.com with the subject line: Flash Fiction Challenge Commenting Issue.)

Here’s my attempt at a story where someone ruins their own mood:

 The Overthinker

We’re playing through an old Pokémon game together for the first time, our old Gameboys beeping just slightly out of sync. I’m in the giddy stage; it’s nice to have someone to share the nostalgia with. Maybe forever?

You glance at my screen.

“Are you playing the boy?” you ask.

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

I pause. “I don’t know. I just always do.”

You hum and go back to your game. I feel off-kilter. Embarrassed. Was that weird? Am I overthinking? My stomach starts hurting.

“Have you gotten to Viridian yet?” you ask.

“Um, not yet.”

“Let me know when you do.”