2024 February Flash Fiction Challenge: Day 13

For today’s prompt, write a story based off of the nickname of a U.S. state. If you need a reminder of what those nicknames are, Wikipedia has our back!

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 based on a state’s nickname:

The Keystone

She was 94 and still living unassisted. Her children insisted on taking shifts at her house, “just in case.” She didn’t mind. It reminded her of when they were younger, filling the house with noise and gossip and music. Michael sits on the couch and shells pistachios while they guess the Jeopardy answers. Anna bakes endless batches of cookies and pies. Lucille updates her on every member of the family—even the third cousins’ kids—through her Facebook snooping.

They revolve around her; planets circling the sun. She knows her time is winding down and chooses to cherish their hovering.