James hid it under a log hoping to forget, but the memory taunted him. He returned to work as if nothing had happened, but that cawing crow; it never left him alone. He could hear its call while he moved boxes in the warehouse. It glared with its beady yellow eye when he left the building. He cringed at the sight of its long haggard wings racing him home. When he looked through his dirty windshield, the crow was perched on his roof waiting – for him.
He had to face it.
He bolted from the car, sprinted to the log, and rolled it over.
There it was. The winning lottery ticket.
Kind of an interesting ending, but I am sure that winning has freaked out more than one lucky person.
My Use Me and Abuse Me Party is still raging, so be sure to drop by with one link to share. You can mingle with my friends by clicking on their links and telling them “Susie sent you.” It has been a blast and is a great way to meet some new bloggers. Maybe you will get some new followers. You can even learn how to become a Dance Bomber!
Photo by Madison Woods –To read more 100 word flash fiction click here for the Friday Fictioneers!
Do you play the lottery?
Have you ever gotten something you wished for and then regretted it?
Check out this rare Twilight Zone spoof with Rod Serling and Jack Benny!
Pingback: Make a Wish! | Susie Lindau's Wild Ride
Pingback: Flash Fiction Friday on Wednesday – Be careful what you wish for | Jennifer M Eaton
Or a gush of wind blew it up and away… or it was just an illusion…
Hello!!!!
It’s me again Margaret..
Are Ya NnnnnnA—
—ah-
Never mind…
How bout them Olympic Uniforms?
“Made in China”?
Well, just stir fry me and call me Hoisin…cause…I’m quick dried, STIR FRIED … and laid to the side…
And the crow was a nice touch of symbolism… very well done, Susie!
Thank you so much Veronica!
Great little bit of flash, Susie! I have on occasion wondered what a winning lottery player does do with that ‘golden ticket’ before he or she turns it in. We hear about what happens to people after they have spent the money… but, what about before? You know there are some very interesting stories out there!
I bet there are! I have heard where some haven’t come forward until hiring a support team! Sheesh!
Thanks for reading!
I don’t think I’d hide the ticket. I’d be jumping up and down beyond thrilled! I want to win. Where is my winning ticket???
You have to play to win! I may buy one tomorrow….you never know and what a blog post that would be! Hahaha!
Hiya, I’ve nominated you for the One Lovely Blog award…
Awww! Thanks John!
“Susie sent me.” http://tedbooksdailypics.com/
Of course I’ll check out some of your ‘friends’ blogs. I always look for avatars of hot chicks… that’s how I found you.
Oops… I’m on the wrong WildThingBlog…
Well, I wasn’t expecting that ending… I liked it. I really liked your descriptions of the crow… well done, Susie…
Thanks Ted! The classic harbinger…
Unusual reaction to winning – but I suppose just rushing to claim the prize wouldn’t make much of a story!
And I think there have been those who reacted like that although hiding it under a log???? Probably not!
Thanks for coming by!
This is new. I’ve never read a story with a crow being the harbinger of good news. They’re usually the ill omen of the story. Good one.
http://logo-ligi.com/2012/07/12/soliloquy-of-a-disgruntled-raven/
Crows have always scared me.Maybe it’s the ominous feeling I get whenever I come upon one. But this little bit of flash here, well…it’s something to ..umm, crow about…
Hahaha! Nice! coming from the Midwest I always appreciate a “punny” response!
Thanks Cayman!
Ah well . . . it’s all in pun, dont’cha know?
the lottery – oh, my when I remember to get a ticket that is… I made a list of all of the ways I could pay it forward with the winnings – it often makes the drive home from work much easier, especially after a long day. by the time I get home, I have forgotten my troubles and when I check my numbers I am always disappointed, but it doesn’t kill the dreams!
Since you would pay it forward, you gotta win! I just recently started playing since I am so lucky and would pay some of it forward, after paying a few bills!
Thanks Clay and good luck in tonight’s drawing!
Crows give me the willie’s Susie – great story though!
Thanks Ginger! Me too!
Certainly wasn’t expecting that, but still troubled by the presence of the bird, someone who would do that may be even more freaked out by the symbolism of the bird. Wonderful interpretation of the glass half full kind
http://wp.me/s1nUrn-buzzard
Thanks Claire! The classic harbinger of doom…. hahaha! I will be over to read yours too!
Love this!!!
Thanks JM! Have a great weekend!
The ending surprised me, though in all honesty, the few times I do buy a lottery ticket, I’m never disappointed when I don’t win. As for the crows – I’m working on a middle grade fantasy and the crows in my book are enchanted and murderous, which is probably why I was REALLY expecting something else happening with your crow.
A great use of 110 words!
Thanks so much Mary! I am glad it gotcha! It would be a life changer.
I love the sound of your crows! I have included them in my paranormal fiction.. There is something about their scavenger ways (cleaning the bones of roadkill) that makes my skin crawl. I love it!
Thanks so much for reading Mary!
Another flash with a nice twist Susie. No, I’ve never played the lottery, but once my assistant went to the ATM and a pile of cash spewed out from an account that wasn’t his. He turned it in. Once, in the spirit of drunken camaraderie my friends and I all purchased the same ill-fitting navy blue peacoat. The next day, sober and massively hungover I returned mine.
You are so funny! Oh my. What did the bank say to your friend???? Peacoat? Well I hope you got a picture of your navy-clad gang!
Thanks V! I hope you have a “cool” weekend!
Hi Susie,
Had a shot of Old Crow to celebrate your story. How can I not love such a great crow story? My first novel was titled As The Crow Flies and the first scene involves crows. Now that I know how to win the lottery, I’m headed to turn over some logs. Have a great weekend!
Ron
Thanks so much Ron! Crows must have special meaning for you..
Thanks for the virtual shot! **clink**
Good luck with the log rolling! You never know…
Have a great weekend too!
Loving your post – Have a Wonderful Weekend:)
Thanks Renee! You too!
Good twist!
I thought, a body or body part and all because of the crow!
Well done!
Thanks CC! I am glad I had you guessing!
Have a great weekend!
Ermmm… if he doesn’t want it…. Nice one, original take on the prompt.
http://castelsarrasin.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/every-cloud-friday-fictioneers-july-2012/
Yeah really! SANDRA AND I ARE RIGHT OVER HERE! I think he cashed it in…. Thanks!
I will be over to read yours!
Very clever! Love how the crow is forcing him to do something that at first glance would be a good thing.
And love the twilght zone bit!
Thanks so much Guapo! It would be a no brainer for me.
Hahaha! I am glad you liked the video. What a pair!
Well, that was a turn, good one. He must have known someone who won and then their life was in shambles. People tell you it ruins your life but most want that chance to figure it out. We used to buy them say on Fridays and then dream on, telling each other what we would do or buy. In the end winning big takes away your drive, so that is probably the reason for the demise. Just like in real life people feel better if they earn their money.
Honestly I probably would not set the sucker down.
Great comment Lilie! I wouldn’t set it down either. I hadn’t played in years. I’ve won so many contests in the last couple of years, I thought “Why not?” So I play once in a while.
Thanks!
Unexpected! Love the crow.
Haha! Thanks Amber! It was the photo prompt for our Fictioneer group this week!
A fine twist to a great story. Mine is here and linked too: http://readinpleasure.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/fridayfictioneers-spectators/
Thanks so much! I will check it out!
Nice twist! Winning the lottery has ruined a lot of lives and playing the lottery too much has, too!
I’m a mountain-lover, too, who also has a half (or more) full cup. Always nice to meet another optimist.
I am so glad to meet you fellow half-full mountain lover!
After I whipped out the first couple of lines, I had to come up with something… then I thought of the lottery. Not always a good thing to win!
Thanks so much!
My God Susie, this post has more comments by 10am than most get in a week! Awesome…I am so glad it was not a nasty dead crow under the log. I hope he wrapped the ticket in plastic
Your umam party set me back on course this week and now I am feeling a bit more like my old self
Thanks!
Oh good, I ‘m glad you enjoyed the party! You can always come back to your old site you know… You were getting tons of comments, likes and follows and you were just about due for another Freshly Pressed. It will take time… How is it going over there?
well, lets just say that perseverance is a trait I enjoy. I am learning and staying the course
we will get back to base camp and then start the big climb. Thanks always for the support and the parties! BTW – a belated shout out to my boy R Federer 
I was thinking the worst. From what I can gather, winning the lotto isn’t roses and champagne for everyone. For some it’s more problems.
My linky: http://unduecreativity.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/circling/
Thanks for coming by! I have heard that it can ruin people’s lives… Hence the cawing harbinger….
I will stop by and read!
Loved the story, the twist at the end, and especially the Twilight Zone clip. Yes, I have experienced getting things I wanted (or thought I couldn’t live without) only be disappointed by the result.
mine’s here http://russellgayer.blogspot.com/
Thanks! I am glad you could relate to the character. I hope you are having a great Friday the 13th and all your wishes come true!
I will check it out!
I don’t how I’d react. I’m sure there would be lots of dancing and screaming. Then the paranoia would set in. Everyone I’ve ever known would come knocking on my door. I’m sure it’s a blessing and a curse. Course…I wouldn’t mind finding out….Great story, Susie.
Thanks Darla!
I think I would have a similar reaction. I think there is a way to remain anonymous. If only …..
Happy Friday the 13th!
I like the ending
. I have to say I have played once or twice never won lol.
Mine is on the list
… Will put a link here but typing from a mobile device. Happy Friday and weekend!!!
!!!
Some of your kind followers stopped by my humble blog from the party. Thank you
Thanks so much! I have won a lot of great stuff but not one dollar from the lottery….yet….
I am so glad that a few of my friends stopped by your blog! I will host another in August.
Have a great day too!
Where to start? The flash was nice nelle had a good twist for an ending. The clip was fantastic it showed three masters doing what they did best, It’s ironic Rod Serling closed with a cigarette commercial being as he died of complications during heart surgery no doubt caused by his smoking. Now onto my wish: I cooking class there was a woman who exuded sensuality and every male had designs on her. I got her, rather she got me. Everything went a promised but it turned into a freakin’ nightmare. She had a bunch of “little things” that disturbed her. I’ve got my neuroses but she pushed them into the Twilight Zone. Had to do it.
Thanks Tom! A lot of my wishes have come true so I am very careful…
Sounds like a great story! Have you written about it?
I’ve tried but every time I get started I remember the good time and ask myself Was I nuts?
Hahaha! I think we all have a memory like that!
How I wish it was me! Great fun take on a sinister photo.
Thanks Writelindy! Me too! I would cash that sucker in so fast….
Good fortune can be anything but, right?
Was that the point?
Either way, I loved this one…
That’s right Hook!
I was going for a twist based on stories I’ve heard where lottery winners have taken a long time to cash in their tickets. They hire a team and clean their house, get their nails done, quit their job…..I also wonder what happens if someone plays for kicks, but is hiding something….OOooooo!
Thanks so much Hook!
Ohhhh a creepy crow on Friday the 13th. So perfect!! And winning would freak me out, but no way would I hide it under a log.
I know! It was ridiculous, but I was trying to allude to money or something or someone who had been killed….
Thanks so much!
Ah, such a pleasant surprise! Love the imagery of crows. I tend to use it to setup something ominous. Maybe you played on that expectation:D Well done, Susie!
Thanks Rich!
I’m glad I led you down the wrong path… Have a great weekend!
I have always been told that when God really wants to cause us trouble, all He has to do is answer our prayers!
Scott
That is soooo true! I am very careful. Thanks Scott!
what a fun story…no Sussie i have never played lottery but there is a very sad reason behind it…whenever there is anything which comes with a gift on purchase i get the lowest thing on offer like 50paise off on next buy or Stupid ball pen whereas others will get cash or some other big gift…so after years of study on my luck I have concluded God doesn’t want me to win any money…..he intends to make me sweat for every thing….
Hahaha! I know what you mean about sweating…. Although I tend to have a lot of luck, so I have to reeeeeally be careful what I wish for!
Ooh, fabulous! That would be a really interesting thing to explore, when they do those ‘lottery winner’ documentaries. They normally focus on people blowing the money, but not the fear people might feel right after winning.
BTW your posts haven’t been showing up in my reader this week! Grrr. I think I’ve gone far past fashionably late re: Wednesday’s party.
Thanks Jules! I wrote it and then had to think about a punch line. Then it hit me how someone may be freaked out by winning especially if it was a lot of money or they had something to hide!
Just unfollow and then follow me again! It is probably from unfollowing comments. Is there still an auto-follow on comments?
Definitely leave a link at the party. It’s not too late!
Imagine if the crow weaved it into a nest fifty feet up in a tree.
Good story!
Now that would be a story!
Thanks Nelle!