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Flash Fiction: Violeta

Violeta

He came back again. The best at the agency, knocking on her door. This time she was sitting cross-legged among candles burnt low. There were circles under her eyes; they were deep violet in the dimness. She leapt her bony frame and grabbed his arms by both wrists.

“Come sit with me!”

What could he do but be led by her to the rug worn with holes? And she took his fingers forcefully in her own. “Ah,” she said, running her eyes over his open palm. “Here is the sea, and the light and the gold,” she said. “It is coming to you. Patience shall be the platter that you dine from!”

Then her smiles fell away. “Tell them that, please.”

He could say nothing to that. The best at the agency, and even he failed in the face of her charm.

Much later, her bills finally paid, accounts settled, rich dark earth patted down, he would think about that time. He would think about it lying in his meticulous blue bed, its covers turned precisely under his arms.

Collectors know better. There is no platter, there is no gold.

jacinta meyers


In The Margins occasionally includes flash fiction alongside the poetry, features, interviews and book reviews. In The Margins seeks submissions of flash fiction, meaning complete stories running 500 words or less. Stories longer than 500 words will not be considered. Send submissions to flash fiction editor Forrest Roth at avflashfiction@yahoo.com or mail them to Flash Fiction Editor, Artvoice, 810 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14202. Please include SASE for return of manuscript.