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Chris J. Franklin's avatar

PROMPT: FLICKER

THE TORCH

They were telling ghost stories around the campfire, holding a torch to illuminate their faces.

When it was his turn, he asked the forest spirits to show themselves, and the torch started flickering.

Everyone was convinced he could commune with the dead.

But really, the torch just needed new batteries… 🔦😎🔦

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Miguel S.'s avatar

Haha the flickering torches are a constant on ghost investigations, always creepy but funny at the same time

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Chris J. Franklin's avatar

That is so true. It happens all the time on those shows. And a lot of it may well be due to weak batteries. Haha... 😎

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Robert Garron's avatar

Microdosing - 50mg, "Flicker"

THE SPIKE

"Carrier waves. They came from that star right up there." Ayaan pointed.

Pierce tracked the other astronomer's hand toward the flicker of light outshining the nighttime sky.

He continued, "It's right in our backyard, yet all our readings come back negative."

"It's a theory..." Pierce stated as Ayaan slowly dropped his hand to his side, "but this spike, absorbing the entire electromagnetic frequency, could be an elaborate cloaking device. Nothing in nature does that!"

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Jason Duck's avatar

I’m strapped in nice and tight, no escape. The hard wood of the chair digging into my back as wrists and ankles are bound to its arms and legs. The metal cap and wet sponge sits on my nearly shaved head. The switch is thrown and the overhead lights flicker.

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olivia s's avatar

Microdosing - 50mg of a Flicker

===

It has been days since they had lights and heating. The solar isn’t getting enough sun, they say. Hails and storms up there. Toxic air, toxic soil. The deep bunker is their only home. End of 21st century’s lifestyle.

A red sensor flicker excites everyone. It’s not the end yet.

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Miguel S.'s avatar

A flicker of hope in a doomsday. Awesome stuff Olivia!

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Nick Winney's avatar

was he... a poor electrician? How did he pass, exactly...

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Miguel S.'s avatar

lmao 🤣

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Jeannine's avatar

Actually, I was sort of wondering the same thing...

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Miguel S.'s avatar

Well he clearly couldn't fix lights very well, if they flickered so often that it made her remember him haha.

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Gloria Horton-Young's avatar

FLICKER: The last candle tells stories in shadow-speak. One flicker - a wolf stalks the wall. Next - a lover's silhouette dissolves to smoke. Each guttering breath reveals new secrets until dawn threatens. The flame knows something, bending toward me now, whispering wax-truths I almost understand.

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Miguel S.'s avatar

As always Gloria, magnificent.

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Jeannine's avatar

I love this one! Grandpa visiting through the wires!

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Miguel S.'s avatar

Yup!

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Jeannine's avatar

My granddaughter was sitting next to my bed, holding my hand and crying. She didn't realize that I'd awoken. "I love you, Grandma. I wish you'd live forever." I wanted to tell her it was okay, but I was too weak. Instead I smiled, giving her a flicker of hope.

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Miguel S.'s avatar

Aw. So sad yet so wholesome.

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Jeannine's avatar

That's me in a nutshell! 😅

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Caro Henry's avatar

Awww! I loved your story, Miguel.

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Caro Henry's avatar

The flicker woodpecker tapped insistently, its beak striking the aged bark with eerie precision.

With each rhythmic thud, the tree groaned, splintering to reveal a hollow. Inside lay a decayed body, eye sockets wide in eternal shock.

The woodpecker paused, then resumed tapping, feasting on the insects and grubs revealed.

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Miguel S.'s avatar

One man's trash a woodpecker's treasure ?

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Jennifer Peaslee's avatar

Aw :)

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

Funny fifty words!

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Miguel S.'s avatar

Thank you!

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Scott MacLeod's avatar

The spiritualist Madam Cassandra was used to Doubting Thomases.

“Of course the candle flickers, the window is half open.”

“It’s electric.”

“So the bulb is dying.”

“It’s unplugged.”

With that Gaspar signed the check, and the séance proceeded.

Those solar bulbs are keepers, thought Cassandra, leaving the blinds cracked part-way.

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Dustin's avatar

Nice nostalgic touch, Miguel!

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Miguel S.'s avatar

Thank you, Dustin! Had to balance the darkness

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Dustin's avatar

Life’s nothing if not a balance between light and darkness.

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Hanna Delaney's avatar

Aww, Miguel. Jesus, you're getting me this week 😭

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Miguel S.'s avatar

I'm sorry 🤣

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Dylan Delgado's avatar

For many years, the Whetted Whistle was your favorite weekend dive bar. You always looked forward to seeing your friends there.

This weekend was different.

You entered the bar, but no one was present, save for a ghastly man that was illuminated by a lamp’s flicker.

You quickly run out.

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