Writers Abroad Magazine Issue 2 March 2015 | Page 15

WRITERS ABROAD MAGAZINE

Take a Chance
Flash Fiction by Crilly O’Neill

“Right, that’s the paper work. I’ve got your details so now we wait three months to
see if someone comes forward to claim it.” Jim Johnson put down his pen and ran
his hand through his silvery-white hair. He looked at the woman. His observational
skills honed, he decided she was an interesting mix of sophistication and
vulnerability.
“Thank you.” Julie looked at the tiny silver heart she’d found outside her house. “I
hope I haven’t wasted your time but my husband gave me a similar one many years
ago. I was devastated when I lost it. It seemed right to hand it in.”
“Late husband, dad died 11 years ago,” the young woman corrected, taking Julie’s
arm as they left the police station.
With her daughter gone home, Julie stood alone in the dark. It was New Year’s Eve
and if she stood on the little tapestry foot stool she could see the fireworks in the
nearby park.
“Here’s to a better year.” She raised her glass and took a sip. A surge of optimism
flooded her veins. Julie smiled, glancing at the bottle on the table. It’s b Y[